Advertise on podcast: Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a Friend

Today’s episode feels like catching up with a friend—but one who challenges you to stop playing small. I’m joined again by Susan Guidi, who first appeared back in Episode 45. A lot has changed since then—and this chapter might be her most powerful yet. Susan started over as a single mom, built a business from scratch, discovered stand-up comedy, lost 45 pounds at 63, and stepped on a bodybuilding stage at 65. Most recently, she navigated a hip replacement and came out stronger—with a completely new perspective on resilience, recovery, and what it really means to keep showing up for yourself as you age.  This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply real. We talk about:  Why it’s never “too late” to reinvent yourself  The mindset shift that changes everything in midlife  What recovery, strength, and resilience actually look like after surgery  The truth about aging, identity, and starting over  Why lifestyle—nutrition, strength training, sleep—still comes first  And Susan’s powerful concept: “the dress of possibility”What if nothing is actually “too late”… and you’ve just been playing it safe?  Still waiting for the “right time”? This is your wake-up call.  You can find my friend Susan Guidi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kikimousegetsfit/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If midlife wellness feels overwhelming, you’re not imagining it. Everyone has an opinion. Every scroll brings a new protocol. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Lift heavier. Do less. Fix your hormones. Try this supplement. And most women? They’re trying to do all of it—and still not feeling better. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Raquel Cartagena and Kristin Brucker, hosts of the Functional Moms Podcast, to cut through the noise and have an honest conversation about what it really takes to feel good in midlife. This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s real, nuanced, and at times uncomfortable—because the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We cover:  Why midlife health feels so confusing and overwhelming  The biggest missing piece for women over 40 (and it’s not another diet)  Functional medicine vs. traditional health approaches  The reality behind GLP-1s—benefits, concerns, and real-world experiences  Blood sugar, CGMs, and why “healthy foods” don’t always work for your body  Fiber, protein, and the habits that actually move the needle  Alcohol in midlife—and the trade-offs most women ignore  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): what to consider and why it’s not one-size-fits-all  Supplements: what actually matters vs. what’s just noise  Longevity strategies to stay strong, capable, and independent This episode is about taking your power back—learning to filter the noise, understand your body, and build a lifestyle that actually works for you. Functional Moms - https://functionalmoms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ Save 25 percent off every supplement order courtesy of the Functional Moms: Functional Moms Fullscript Store Michelle Doel and Alicia Harding Metabolism Mastery Class with CGM https://www.instagram.com/metabolism_mastery_coaches/ https://metabolism-mastery.com/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

This is Episode 200—and one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had with you. After four years, nearly 200 episodes, and a podcast that grew into the top 1.5% globally, I’m pressing pause on Asking for a Friend. This wasn’t a quick or easy decision. This podcast has been more than a platform—it’s been part of my identity. It’s been a space where we’ve had honest conversations about midlife, health, hormones, relationships, and the things women often keep to themselves. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what this journey has meant, what I’ve learned from you, and why I’m choosing to step into a new chapter. We talk about:  Why midlife conversations matter more than ever—and how far we’ve come  The power of speaking up about your health and advocating for yourself  What I’ve learned after coaching and connecting with hundreds of women  A major shift in my approach to nutrition, metabolism, and intermittent fasting  Why strength—not skinny—is the goal as we age  The reality of building something meaningful… and knowing when it’s time to pivot I also share what’s next for me, including a new venture with my husband in the nutrition space, and why I’m choosing to be more intentional with my time and energy moving forward. This isn’t necessarily goodbye—but it is a pause. If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s this: You don’t settle. Not with your health, not with your body, and not with your life. We still have a few more shows to come, so stick around! Thank you for being part of this journey. Truly. _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Michele sits down with Angela Burk, author of The Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife, to unpack what’s really happening during midlife—and why it’s not a crisis, but a turning point. From hormonal shifts and identity loss to reclaiming your voice, your body, and your desires, Angela shares a refreshingly honest take on what it means to evolve in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. This episode dives into the emotional, physical, and psychological changes women experience—and how to stop shrinking, stop apologizing, and start living with intention. You’ll learn: Why midlife feels chaotic (and why that’s completely normal)The connection between hormones, mood, and identity shiftsHow to stop people-pleasing and start setting boundariesWhy strength—physical and emotional—is the foundation of longevityHow to let go of who you were and step into who you’re becomingSimple ways to reclaim your voice, energy, and confidenceThis isn’t about chasing your 30-year-old body.  It’s about building the life your 80-year-old self will thank you for becoming. 👉 If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. We’re not meant to figure this out alone. You can find Angela Burk's book, The Real Girls Guide to Midlife, on Amazon and other booksellers. https://www.realgirlsguide55.com/ https://www.instagram.com/realgirlsguide55/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Before you assume this episode isn’t for you—stick with me. Because narcissistic relationships don’t always look toxic on the surface. They often start off feeling too good to be true… and that’s exactly the problem. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Rymer of the Victim to Warrior Method to break down what these relationships actually look like in real life—beyond the buzzwords. We talk about: Why narcissistic relationships often start like a fairy tale—and why that’s a red flagThe subtle signs: gaslighting, passive-aggressive comments, and slowly losing your confidenceThe difference between someone who’s difficult… and someone who is truly a narcissistWhy strong, capable women are often the ones who get pulled in What happens to your health—sleep, anxiety, burnout—when you stay too longHow to set boundaries (with a spouse, parent, or even a friend)Why you can’t “fix” the relationship—and what actually moves you forwardMelissa also shares her personal story of recognizing the pattern, navigating a difficult exit, and rebuilding her life—along with practical steps if you’re starting to question your own situation. If you’ve ever felt like something is off but couldn’t quite explain it… this conversation will put words to it. And if this isn’t you, there’s a good chance you know someone who needs to hear it. You can find Melissa Rymer at: https://bio.victimtowarriormethod.com/home https://www.instagram.com/v2w_victimtowarrior/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@v2wvictimtowarrior Are they a narcissist? Take the quiz: https://bio.victimtowarriormethod.com/are-they-a-narcissist _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

On this week’s episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Cristina Fontana, registered nurse, health coach, living kidney donor, and author of Metamorphosis: The Gift of a Life Lived Twice. Cristina’s journey began with profound loss. When she was just nine years old, her father was diagnosed with kidney cancer—a moment that quietly planted the seed for a future she never imagined. Years later, after building a career in healthcare and raising a family, Cristina made the extraordinary decision to donate one of her kidneys to a complete stranger. In this powerful conversation, Cristina shares the deeply personal story behind that decision, what the donation process actually looks like, and how meeting the young man who received her kidney became one of the most meaningful moments of her life. But this episode goes far beyond organ donation. Cristina also opens up about navigating grief after losing her father at a young age, how loss shaped her perspective on time and purpose, and why she believes we all have the ability to transform hardship into something meaningful. Today, she continues that mission through her work as a health coach, author, and advocate for living kidney donation—while also climbing mountains around the world with other kidney donors to raise awareness and inspire others. This conversation is about resilience, service, and the powerful reminder that even the most difficult chapters of our lives can lead to extraordinary impact. Where to find Cristina Fontana and her book Metamorphosis: https://cristinafontanawellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criselba.wellness/ Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sfociU _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

After nearly 200 episodes of Asking for a Friend, I realized something surprising—we had never taken a deep dive into environmental toxins and low-tox living. So I went straight to the source. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachel Marynowski and Carly Egoavil, the doctors behind Kale Blossom and creators of the Ask Nook app, a tool designed to help consumers identify hidden toxins in everyday products. We unpack the confusing world of chemicals in our homes, food, and personal care products—and more importantly, what actually matters versus what’s just noise. This conversation focuses on practical awareness, not perfection. If you’ve ever wondered about endocrine disruptors, glyphosate, fragrances, or chemicals in household products, this episode will help you think differently about the things you use every day. In this episode we discuss: The reality of 80,000+ chemicals in commerce and how few are tested for long-term safetyThe most common endocrine disruptors found in household and personal care productsHow glyphosate and pesticides show up in everyday foodsWhy fragrance chemicals, plastics, and household cleaners may impact hormone healthThe biggest toxin exposures in the home (and simple swaps that actually matter)Why low-tox living shouldn’t be about fear or perfectionThe story behind the Ask Nook app and how it helps consumers evaluate productsIf you care about hormone health, longevity, and reducing toxic exposure without going crazy, you will love this episode. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making smarter choices where they matter most. Connect with Kale Blossom Kale Blossom: https://kaleblossom.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kale.blossom Ask Nook App: Available on the Apple App Store _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Have you ever been told your labs are “normal” — but you don’t feel normal? In this episode, I sit down with integrative and functional medicine physician Aaron Hartman, author of Uncurable, to unpack the dangerous gap between normal and optimal — especially for women in midlife. We cover: What lab reference ranges really meanThe cardiovascular markers every woman should know (hs-CRP, LDL particle number, Lp(a), ApoB, homocysteine)Why LDL alone is outdated thinkingThyroid testing beyond TSH (free T3, free T4, reverse T3, antibodies)Ferritin, B12, iodine & nutrient blind spotsEstrogen, progesterone & testosterone — when to start and what actually protects your brain and heartStatins, diabetes risk, and mitochondrial healthGut health, inflammation & autoimmune triggersWhy lifestyle is foundational — and where advanced longevity tools fit inDr. Hartman explains how heart disease begins decades before symptoms appear, why hormone replacement therapy dramatically reduces risk when used appropriately, and how women can advocate for themselves in a system that often dismisses midlife symptoms. If you care about your brain, your bones, your heart — and living strong into your 80s and 90s — this conversation is essential. Did you miss something? Check out the transcripts of the episode! You can find Aaron Hartman, MD at https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronhartmanmd/ His book, Uncurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds, is available where you buy books.  _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

We spend a lot of time and money chasing better skin. But what actually matters after 50? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about midlife skin health. We focus on what truly moves the needle: • The non-negotiables of an effective skincare routine  • Retinol vs. tretinoin — do you need a prescription?  • Sunscreen myths and why protection still matters decades later  • What early melanoma can look like — and why vigilance matters  • Hair loss in menopause and what actually helps We also discuss Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) and why this segment is intriguing to Brooke. Dr. Jeffy also shares how her own recent melanoma diagnosis has reshaped her perspective on prevention and patient care. This episode isn’t about 12-step routines or viral trends. It’s about protecting your skin, making smarter decisions, and avoiding expensive hype. Because midlife skin health isn’t just cosmetic, it’s preventative. You can find Dr. Brooke Jeffy at https://www.brookejeffymd.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brookejeffymd/ Dr. Jeffy's teen skincare line, bwtn, can be found at https://www.instagram.com/meetbtwn/ Her favorite eye cream can be purchased at https://retrouve.com/https://retrouve.com/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Midlife can feel destabilizing. The kids are leaving. Careers are shifting. Parents are aging. Hormones are changing. And somewhere inside, a quiet voice says, “I’m not done yet.” In this conversation, Michele sits down with fellow podcaster Kim Benoy, host of Midlife Courage: Flourishing After 40, to explore what courage actually looks like in the second half of life. After a 27-year nursing career, Kim made a bold pivot — not because she had everything figured out, but because she felt called to something more. Together, they unpack: Why confidence doesn’t come before action — it comes from itThe hidden identity shifts women experience in midlifeWhy losing weight won’t fix what’s happening internallyThe power of small acts of courage (setting boundaries, speaking up, trying something new)How community accelerates confidenceWhy “someday” is not a strategyThis isn’t about Instagram quotes or overnight reinvention. It’s about quiet bravery. Tiny steps. And remembering that you don’t need permission to evolve. If you’ve been feeling restless, stuck, or quietly unhappy — this conversation will remind you that courage is already in you. It just needs to be activated. Join Kim's next Midlife with Courage Community Circle - March 3, 2026 You can find Kim Benoy at https://www.midlifewithcourage.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/midlife_with_courage/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Anxiety often feels like it comes out of nowhere in midlife—especially during perimenopause and after menopause. You’re doing “all the right things,” yet your nervous system feels constantly on edge. Racing thoughts. Poor sleep. A sense that something isn’t right… but you can’t quite name it. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Dr. Lori Davis, licensed psychologist, clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medicine, and author of the upcoming workbook This Is Your Anxiety on Menopause. Together, we unpack why anxiety often intensifies in midlife—and what women can actually do about it. Dr. Davis shares both the science and the lived experience behind anxiety, explaining how hormonal shifts, nervous system changes, sleep disruption, perfectionism, and decades of “pushing through” collide in this season of life. We also talk about why anxiety may feel different now than it did earlier in life—and why you are not broken. In this conversation, we cover: Why anxiety often spikes during perimenopause and menopauseWhether menopause causes anxiety or unmasks an existing vulnerabilityThe role of hormones, cortisol, sleep, and the nervous systemWhy worry loops and nighttime anxiety are so commonEvidence-based tools to calm anxiety (including breathing, exposure, and cognitive strategies)When therapy or medication may be helpful—and when lifestyle alone isn’t enoughHow to stop fighting anxiety and start working with your nervous systemThis episode is grounding, practical, and deeply validating for women navigating midlife changes. If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I suddenly anxious when nothing is technically wrong?”—this conversation will help you connect the dots. 👉 Share this episode with a friend who needs reassurance that they’re not alone—and not failing. You can find Dr. Lori Davis at https://www.drloridavis.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drloridavis/?hl=en _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Emotional eating isn’t about willpower — and for many women, midlife is when it finally becomes impossible to ignore. In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan sits down with emotional eating expert, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author Tricia Nelson to unpack what emotional eating really is, why it intensifies during midlife and menopause, and how women can finally break free from decades of dieting, shame, and self-blame. Tricia shares her deeply personal story — from childhood emotional eating and binge drinking to sobriety at 21 — and explains why food is often used as a coping mechanism for stress, unprocessed emotions, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and burnout. Together, Michele and Tricia explore how hormonal shifts, caregiving roles, identity changes, and boundary struggles collide in midlife, making emotional eating patterns louder and harder to manage. This conversation goes far beyond food rules and meal plans. You’ll learn how emotional eating shows up as pain-killing, escape, and self-punishment, why dieting alone never solves the problem, and what it actually takes to heal your relationship with food — without restriction, guilt, or obsession. Tricia also addresses the misunderstood link between emotional eating, addiction, alcohol, and highly processed foods, and explains why healing requires addressing emotions, stress, and daily habits together. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of “doing everything right” but still struggling with food, weight, or self-trust — this episode will feel like someone finally put words to your experience. Tricia is the author of Heal Your Hunger and founder of Heal Your Hunger, a proven program helping women end emotional eating by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms. 🎧 If you’re ready for a more compassionate, sustainable path forward with food, this episode is a must-listen. Take the quiz - https://healyourhunger.com/quiz-splash/?nav=yes Free live masterclass with Tricia Nelson on January 29th at 2:30pm PT / 5:30pm ET, focused on helping women stop emotional and binge eating around sugar in a sustainable, compassionate way. Here is the link to join - https://go.healyourhunger.com/stop-sugar-bingeing?am_id=michele6703 _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Clutter in midlife affects more than your home—it impacts stress, mental health, and how you show up for your next chapter. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan is joined by Tracy Hoth, a professional organizer with 17 years of experience, a science-based life coach, and host of the Organized Coach Podcast. Together, they explore why clutter feels heavier in midlife—and why it’s not just about “too much stuff.” As hormones shift and life transitions pile up, postponed decisions, emotional attachments, and changing identities can quietly increase stress, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. This conversation dives into: How clutter impacts cortisol, mental health, and energy levelsWhy women feel clutter-related stress more deeply in midlifeEmpty nesting, downsizing, and merging householdsLetting go of kids’ belongings and family items without guiltWhy your children don’t want your stuff—and how to release it anywayNavigating different clutter tolerances in relationshipsSimple, realistic ways to start decluttering without perfection or overwhelmThis episode is not about Pinterest pantries or minimalism for the sake of aesthetics. It’s about clarity, freedom, and creating physical and emotional space for the life you want to live next. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your own home but couldn’t quite explain why—this conversation will resonate. You can find Tracy Hoth at: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ Podcast: https://simplysquaredaway.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyhoth Get the 15-minuteDeclutterChallenge:  http://simplysquaredaway.com/declutter _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you’re a midlife woman who feels like you’re doing everything right — lifting weights, eating well, walking, managing stress — and your body still isn’t responding, this episode is for you. In this powerful, myth-busting conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, author, and early adopter of GLP-1 therapies in the U.S. Dr. Salas-Whalen helps us understand why weight gain in midlife is not a willpower problem — it’s a biology problem. We break down: Why midlife metabolism changes so dramatically during perimenopause and menopauseHow GLP-1 medications actually work (in plain English)Why muscle is the true organ of longevity — and how to protect it while using GLP-1sThe truth about side effects like hair loss, nausea, and “Ozempic face”Microdosing vs. full dosing, long-term use, and what’s coming next in obesity medicineWhy shame-based weight loss advice is outdated — and harmfulWe also talk about Dr. Salas-Whalen’s new book, Weightless, a science-backed, compassionate guide to GLP-1 medications and metabolic health that validates what so many women have experienced for decades. You can find Weightless wherever books are sold. This episode is about options, not pressure. Facts, not fear. And building health for the long game. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen/ Website https://www.nyendocrinology.com/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Midlife fitness for women 45+ is not about trying harder—it’s about training smarter for perimenopause and menopause physiology. In this powerhouse episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Dr. Stacy Sims—exercise physiologist, TEDx speaker behind “Women Are Not Small Men,” and author of ROAR and Next Level—to break down exactly why your old workouts and “eat less, do more cardio” strategies stop working in midlife… and what to do instead. We get practical (and refreshingly no-BS) about the real midlife playbook: Why estrogen shifts change metabolism, muscle power, recovery, and body compositionWhy heavy lifting matters (and why it won’t make you “bulky”)The difference between HIIT vs. Sprint Interval Training (SIT)—and why many “HIIT classes” aren’t actually HIITWhere Zone 2 fits (and why it’s great for mental health, but not your best lever for optimization)The truth about fasted workouts and intermittent fasting for women—and how it can backfire on appetite, cravings, energy, and sleepHow to think about protein needs in midlife (including the “1 gram per pound” conversation and how to distribute it)Why creatine is having a moment (brain, muscle, mood, performance, and aging)—and what dosing typically looks likeRecovery upgrades in perimenopause/menopause: sleep, mobility, heat/sauna (and why cold plunge isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool for women)Why testing and metrics like DEXA (bone density + body comp) and VO2 max can be useful for longevity-focused womenIf you’ve been standing in your kitchen wondering where your “30-year-old metabolism” went—and why you can’t out-discipline midlife hormones—this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and a realistic path forward. You can find her newsletter and blog at:  https://www.drstacysims.com/  You can receive 15% off her online courses at https://www.drstacysims.com/product_guide using the code DRSTACYSIMS15OFF https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPD55VPa1ZWx1a_nzWC2VJA _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at [email protected]  Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.