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Have you ever longed for a pause button—a moment where no one needs you, nothing is urgent, and you can simply breathe? In this episode, I’m sharing my deeply personal experience from a recent retreat in Costa Rica—where for the first time in a long time, I stepped out of all the roles I usually play and rediscovered what it feels like to simply be me. No titles, no to-do lists, no emotional labor. Just space. If you’re a midlife woman feeling buried under invisible responsibilities, this episode offers you permission: to slow down, to feel, and to let go of what no longer fits. I’ll also introduce a powerful concept from yoga philosophy that I’m bringing home with me—and that might just change how you approach clarity and self-care in your own life.   In this episode: ·         Why stepping away from your roles can be deeply healing in midlife ·         The overlooked emotional labor women carry—and how it quietly adds up ·         A heartfelt letter from a retreat participant that perfectly captures the power of solitude ·         The yoga principle of Saucha—and how it can support mental and physical clarity ·         Why clarity often comes not from doing more, but from removing the noise ·         Simple ways to create emotional and physical space at home—even if you can’t retreat ·         A gentle reminder that you are allowed to rest without guilt Resources Mentioned: Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profileRetreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profileCasa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman ProjectConnect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae  Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Do you feel like the start of a new year is pressuring you into making big, sweeping changes you’re just not up for? Maybe the goals that used to excite you now feel heavy—or even irrelevant. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this warm and honest solo episode, I’m sharing a more compassionate, curiosity-led approach to growth in midlife—one that doesn’t demand radical reinvention, but instead invites deep self-understanding. Let’s shift from striving to softening, and from pressure to presence. This episode is all about learning to listen to ourselves, make space for what matters, and give ourselves permission to do things differently this year.   In this episode: Why traditional goal-setting may not feel motivating in midlifeThe wisdom in letting go of “shoulds” and tuning into your nervous systemA personal story of aging pets, clutter, and finding grace amidst the chaosWhy getting curious is more powerful than creating a rigid planUsing your camera roll as a reflection tool (inspired by Mel Robbins)Key questions to ask yourself about what truly brings you joyHow to gently shift your habits without needing to become a whole new person  Resources Mentioned: West Virginia Wellness Retreat – April (Last weekend) Join me and breathwork facilitator Trish Brewer for a nourishing weekend of yoga, breathwork, and sisterhood in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. This is our 3rd year hosting, and it’s always a magical reset. 🌿 Interested? Send me a message at [email protected]   Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Have you ever woken up after just one drink feeling wired, anxious, exhausted—and wondering why it didn’t feel “worth it” anymore? If alcohol suddenly feels different in your body during midlife, you are not imagining it. In this episode, Sara continues an honest, compassionate conversation about alcohol in perimenopause and menopause—without shame, rules, or “shoulds.” This is not a sobriety episode. It’s a real talk about what alcohol actually does to a midlife woman’s body, why so many women are quietly drinking less, and how to make informed, intentional choices that truly support your nervous system, sleep, and overall well-being. This conversation is especially timely during the holidays, when social pressure and tradition can make it harder to listen to what your body is asking for.   In this episode: Why alcohol disrupts sleep even when you think you slept fineHow cortisol and adrenaline spikes lead to 2–3am wakeups and next-day anxietyThe connection between alcohol, blood sugar swings, and midlife fatigueWhy hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog often worsen after drinkingHow hormone shifts make alcohol harder to process in perimenopause and menopauseThe long-term health risks of alcohol—including cancer risk women are rarely counseled onA powerful reframe: saying no as self-knowing, not deprivationSimple reflection questions to help you decide if alcohol truly supports the life you want  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae  Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Does the holiday season make you feel like pouring a glass (or two) of wine is the only way to survive the stress? Between hosting, caregiving, and the emotional weight of family dynamics, it’s no wonder alcohol can feel like a go-to solution. But what if there’s another way? In this eye-opening episode, I’m joined once again by my dear friend and sobriety coach, Maureen Benkovich. We’re talking honestly about alcohol, midlife, and the unique pressures women face during the holidays. This isn’t about judgment or labels—it’s about getting curious, protecting your nervous system, and finding peace and clarity in the middle of the madness. If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “Why do I always feel worse after that second glass?” or “How can I say no without making it a big deal?”—this one’s for you.   In this episode:  Why the holidays are a perfect storm for alcohol overuse, especially for midlife womenThe truth about brain chemistry and why reaching for a drink is often autopilot—not weaknessThe HALT method: a simple, powerful check-in to calm your system without pouring a drinkHow “lengthening” your response can shift cravings and create new habitsWhy you don’t need to declare sobriety to start making mindful choicesWhat to say when someone pressures you to drink (without giving your life story)The biggest myth about alcohol and fun—and how to bust itHow to gently reset your relationship with alcohol in a way that supports your body, brain, and goals  Resources Mentioned: https://www.soberfitchick.com/alcohol-reset  https://www.soberfitchick.com/  instagram @soberfitchickllc     Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

 This week’s episode is a real-life, unpolished, sit-on-the-couch-with-me kind of conversation. If you noticed there was no episode last week… you’re right. And today, I’m sharing exactly why. The last several weeks have been overwhelming in ways I didn’t fully acknowledge until everything came to a stop. After the fire at my Annapolis clinic, the smoke and water damage, the rebuild, the logistics of reopening, caring for patients in my other clinic, planning a huge anniversary celebration and bringing home a new puppy (yes, really!) — I hit a wall. I simply forgot to record an episode. And instead of beating myself up, I decided to listen to what my body was trying to tell me: I needed to pause.   In this episode: How the clinic fire and rebuild pushed me past my limitWhat it feels like to juggle everything—and still have things fall through the cracksThe shame of forgetting simple tasks… and the truth that it happens to all of usThe reminder I coach women on constantly but sometimes forget myself:  You’re allowed to rest. You don’t have to do things the way you always have.Why I’m not quitting the podcast, even though I considered itHow I’m shifting into a more grounded, intentional production rhythmWhy midlife can feel so full, so chaotic, and so deeply human—and why we need real conversations, not polished perfection  My New Podcast Schedule To honor my own capacity (and sanity!), new episodes will now drop on the:  📅 Second and fourth Thursday of every month This gives me breathing room to show up for my patients, run my business, and create episodes that are meaningful, deeper, and more intentional—rather than rushing to fill every Thursday. If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed Too… Let this be your sign.  It’s okay to pause.  It’s okay to change your mind.  It’s okay to shift the rules.  It’s okay to let one version of yourself go and step into something new. We’re not here to perform. We’re here to live these messy, beautiful, imperfect lives — and sometimes living requires letting something drop so you can breathe. Upcoming Annapolis Day Retreat If you’re local, I would love to see you at the co-ed day retreat I’m hosting with my friend and breathwork practitioner, Trish Brewer: 🗓 January 4 📍 Restore Studio, Annapolis There will be breathwork, Hatha yoga, restorative yoga, and a whole day designed to help you reset and reconnect.  Search “Annapolis retreat” on Eventbrite to find the link.   Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Have you ever found yourself stuck—knowing you want more energy, more confidence, more joy—but unsure of where to start? Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock that’s thrown your whole routine off course (again), and you're struggling to get back on track. If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is here to help you reconnect with your inner spark and move forward with purpose. In this uplifting and empowering conversation, I’m joined by midlife fitness expert and author Heike Yates, creator of the SPARK Framework. We talk about the common challenges midlife women face when it comes to fitness, motivation, and mindset—and how a simple yet powerful structure can guide you back to yourself, even when life gets messy. Heike Yates is a Midlife Fitness Expert, Author, and Creator of the SPARK Framework, known for helping women in midlife reclaim their confidence, rebuild their energy, and live fully, on their terms. With over 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, she supports women who feel stuck in the “start-over cycle” to create realistic, empowering habits that fit their lives right now—not some perfect version of the past. As the host of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast and author of Pursue Your Spark, Heike inspires women to step out of survival mode and into a life that feels clear, strong, and truly their own. In this episode:  What the SPARK Framework is—and how to use it daily to support your wellness goalsWhy "starting over" is a myth and how to shift your mindset toward refinement insteadHow to navigate real-life roadblocks (like burnout, injuries, or caregiving duties) without losing momentumThe power of scanning your life to uncover what you truly want—right nowWays to reconnect with joy by revisiting childhood interests and playful movementWhy it's never too late to try something new (yes, even hula hooping at 82!)How group classes, gamified movement, and structure can support consistency in a busy life  Resources Mentioned: ·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark  ·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ ·         YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcA  ·         Podcast - Pursue Your Spark: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursue-your-spark-midlife-fitness-nutrition-mindset/id1231586317 ·         Book - Pursue Your Spark: https://amzn.to/4mD5xL7 ·         Free Midlife Reset Guide: https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset-guide/   Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Feeling scattered, overstimulated, and stuck in a cycle of information overload?  You’re not alone—and there’s a powerful antidote hiding in plain sight: mindfulness. In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Tara Segree, a longtime educator, meditation coach, and author of Bringing Mindfulness Into the Classroom. Tara has a deeply calming presence and a practical approach to mindfulness that helps you take your power back—even if you’ve been deep in the scroll hole. We talk about how constant digital stimulation affects our energy, why mindfulness isn’t just “nice to have” but essential for mental clarity, and simple ways to begin a practice, even if you only have five minutes a day. If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time to meditate” or felt like mindfulness was just another thing on your to-do list, this conversation will change the way you think about it.   Tara Segree is the author of Bringing Mindfulness Into The Classroom, a speaker, education consultant, and meditation coach with over 20 years of teaching experience. She was awarded the Educational Innovation Award from The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard's Flourishing Network in 2021 and is a collaborator for the Common Sense Media award winning podcast, Mini Meditation for Kids. Her free meditations are on Insight Timer and YouTube. Tara works with schools to bring wellness into classrooms through mindfulness, as well as with universities and non-profit groups. Tara runs parent workshops and professional developments for corporations, teachers and non profit groups, to ensure that leaders and mentors take care of themselves before doing the heavy work of helping others dealing with massive challenges.   In this episode: Why information overload is draining your energy—and what to do about itHow to start a mindfulness practice with just 10 minutes a dayThe hidden power of breathing and gratitude (and how to feel it, not just list it)How mindfulness helps you make clearer, more grounded decisionsThe role of mindfulness in parenting and how kids learn by watching usEasy ways to bring mindfulness into everyday moments—like walking into the grocery storeWhy taking your power back starts with stillness and listening to your own heart  Resources Mentioned: Tara’s meditations on Insight Timer: Insight Timer ProfileFREE meditation video on YouTube: Watch HereTara’s book: Bringing Mindfulness Into The Classroom  Connect with Tara Segree: Instagram: @tara_segreeSubstack: When Life Gives You Life, Just BreatheLinkedIn: Tara Segree    Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you feeling unfulfilled in your career—or wondering if it's too late to shift into something that lights you up? Maybe you're returning to the workforce after a break, or you're managing menopause symptoms that are quietly chipping away at your confidence. If that sounds like you, you're not alone—and this episode is exactly what you need. In this conversation with author, coach, and former professor Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, we explore how midlife can be the most powerful chapter of your professional journey. Jodi brings wisdom, warmth, and a deeply thoughtful approach to navigating career transitions with courage, intentionality, and self-compassion.   In this episode: Why midlife can be a powerful turning point in your careerHow menopause impacts confidence—and what helps bring it backThe importance of being intentional with your energy, time, and valuesWhy your competencies don’t disappear (even if brain fog tells you otherwise)Creating more flexible, inclusive workplaces for women in all life stagesHow younger and older generations can learn from each otherWhy now is the time to build communities—not just careers  Resources Mentioned: 📘 Dr. Jodi’s Book: Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women – Learn more on her website🎁 FREE Download: Your Career Compass – Reflect, Realign & Reimagine – Get the freebie hereConnect with Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves: 🌐 Website: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com📸 Instagram: @jvdconsulting💼 LinkedIn: Jodi Vandenberg-Daves📘 Facebook: Jodi’s Profile  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you feeling irritable, anxious, weepy, or just plain exhausted—and wondering why no one else seems to be having your kind of menopause? You're not alone. The truth is, while hormones play a role, the deeper story might be found in your unique energetic makeup. In this episode, we’re diving into one of Sara’s favorite topics—how the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine can help you better understand your menopause experience. Whether you’re hot-flashing through meetings, suddenly feeling deeply nostalgic, or craving carbs like it’s your job, there’s insight (and healing) waiting for you in this ancient framework. You’ll walk away with a powerful new perspective on your body, your symptoms, and how to support yourself with more compassion and clarity.   In this episode: Why no two women experience menopause the same wayThe Five Elements explained: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and WaterWhat each element looks like when it's out of balance during midlifeEmotional + physical symptoms linked to each element (yes, those mood swings mean something!)How to rebalance each element with simple, practical toolsThe connection between stress, liver qi, and feeling like your jeans betray youHow Chinese medicine helps you understand who you're becoming, not just what you're fixing  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Have you ever had a week that flipped your world upside down—and somehow also cracked you open in the most meaningful way? In this raw and unfiltered episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the fire that struck my wellness center last week and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. But more importantly, I’m opening up about the real-life practices—the ones I talk about every week—that are helping me stay grounded and present during an incredibly difficult time. If you’re navigating your own season of upheaval, grief, or just trying to hold it all together, this episode is for you.   In this episode: The emotional aftermath of losing my clinic to fire—and what’s helping me move through itWhy I made the bold decision to step away from acupuncture (at least for now)How real rest (not just more coffee) is getting me throughWhat movement looks like when you're grieving and exhaustedThe unexpected power of connection—and why it’s your secret healing superpowerHow regulating your nervous system really works in crisis momentsAn invitation to rebuild your life with more intention, honesty, and compassion  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Can chronic stress trigger perimenopause symptoms? Angie Hawkins says yes—and she’s lived it. If you’ve ever felt like the stress of holding everything together might actually be breaking your body down, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Angie Hawkins—Inner Glow Coach, author, and fierce advocate for authentic self-love—to talk about the profound connection between stress, emotional suppression, and perimenopause. Angie vulnerably shares her personal journey from emotional rock bottom to healing—from pushing herself to prove her worth, to quitting a toxic job and watching her perimenopause symptoms vanish within weeks. Together, we explore what it really means to listen to your body, honor your emotional needs, and rediscover joy in midlife. Whether you're feeling disconnected, burned out, or just a little unsure of what brings you joy anymore—this conversation will meet you where you are.   In this episode: ·         Angie’s story of stress-induced burnout, Hashimoto’s, and early perimenopause symptoms ·         How unresolved emotional trauma can manifest in the body ·         The surprising disappearance of her perimenopause symptoms after quitting her job ·         Why many midlife women can’t answer the question, “What brings you joy?” ·         How play, mindfulness, and wonder are powerful antidotes to chronic stress ·         The truth about spiritual healing modalities—not every tool is for everyone ·         How Angie helps women stop chasing love and start glowing from within   Resources Mentioned: ·         FREE Inner Glow Guide: Start your journey from not-enough to radiant confidence Download here ·         Running in Slippers – Angie’s powerful memoir on emotional healing and self-love Get the book ·         Website: https://www.runninginslippers.com ·         Instagram: @angiehawkins808   Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you taking care of your heart—but still feeling like something’s missing? So many midlife women focus on breast health or hormone balance, yet don’t realize that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. And the truth? It's not just about cholesterol. In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Angie Gallagher, cardiac rehab expert turned functional medicine coach, to talk about the real root causes of heart disease—and what you can do to prevent it. Whether you’re already prioritizing your health or feeling totally overwhelmed, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and ready to take action in a way that aligns with your life (and your nervous system!).     In this episode:  Why heart disease in women is not just about cholesterolThe roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nervous system imbalance in heart healthWhy stress alone can trigger heart attacks—and how to recognize hidden stressHow to build a realistic, joyful exercise routine that supports heart healthThe surprising impact of food sensitivities on your energy, brain fog, and heart rate variabilityWhat "getting your macros right" really means for metabolism in midlifeSimple ways to regulate your nervous system without adding more to your to-do list Angie Gallagher is a clinical exercise physiologist, Functional Medicine Wellness Coach and Certified Heartmath Practitioner. For 25 years she worked in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and learned what doesn't work to truly reduce cardiac risk. She now enjoys using her passion for functional medicine in her own wellness coaching business where she does both group and one on one wellness coaching to help people achieve their most optimal health from the inside out. She has learned that the gut is the gateway to health and disease. She has helped people improve physical and mental health through healing the gut and optimizing metabolism. She’s passionate about lifestyle medicine and exemplifies this in her own life through creative healthy cooking, trail running, cycling, yoga, meditation and community. Resources Mentioned: Angie’s Email: [email protected] Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/heartwellnesscoaching https://www.tiktok.com/@heartwellnesscoach https://www.instagram.com/heartwellnesscoach https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCk-sjqEPBO-LP01byq0hW0A/videos Link to Freebie Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Is Your Sex Life Struggling in Midlife? You’re Not Alone. Have you ever thought, “Is this it?” when it comes to sex in midlife? Maybe intimacy feels awkward, your libido has disappeared, or it just… hurts. If so, you’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. In this honest and eye-opening conversation, I’m joined by certified sex educator and coach Karen Bigman to talk about the real changes that happen in our sex lives during perimenopause and menopause—and what you can actually do about it. Whether you're in a long-term relationship that’s lost its spark or rediscovering your own pleasure solo, this episode will give you validation, encouragement, and practical ideas to reconnect with your sexuality—without pressure or shame. Karen Bigman is the dynamic host of the podcast, Taboo to Truth: Life and Sex After 50. With a passion for empowering women and men, Karen is on a mission to break down barriers and liberate us to engage in open conversation about midlife sexuality. Karen’s personal journey of divorce, dating, and menopause inspired her to become a Certified  Sexuality Educator and Certified Menopause Coach. She launched her podcast as a safe  space to explore topics that are often thought about, yet rarely spoken about. Through candid, and often raw conversations, Karen helps her audience navigate an overlooked aspect of aging by offering education, support, and a dash of humor, to more easily embrace sexuality.   In this episode: Why sex changes during perimenopause and menopause (and what’s totally normal)The top three reasons your libido might be MIAWhat to do if sex has become painful, awkward, or emotionally disconnectedWhy communication is everything—and how to actually start the conversationHow midlife men experience sexual changes (and what they wish you knew)The truth about responsive vs. spontaneous desire—and how to bridge the gapCreative ways to bring back intimacy (hello, “sex snacks” and six-second kisses!)  Resources Mentioned: Karen Bigman’s Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taboototruth  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbigman/ Link to Freebie: https://www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook     Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae  Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Feeling Stuck? Here’s How to Get Moving Again—No Matter Where You Are in Life. Do you ever find yourself saying, “It’s not that bad…”—even when you know deep down something needs to change? Whether it’s your health, your relationships, or the way you’re showing up in your own life, feeling stuck is something we all go through—especially in midlife. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, I’m joined by Yvette Salva—personal trainer, life coach, and survivor—who shares her inspiring journey from addiction and homelessness to health, recovery, and service. Together, we unpack the emotional roadblocks that keep us from making change, and the three simple (but not always easy) steps to finally get unstuck and move forward. Yvette’s story is raw, real, and ridiculously empowering—and her wisdom is exactly what you need if you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure of your next step.  Yvette Salva is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of a private training studio helping women over 40 feel strong and confident. She focuses on mindset, nutrition, and fitness to show that midlife is not a crisis but a new season. Her message is simple: the best is yet to come. In this episode: Yvette’s candid journey from addiction to long-term sobriety and healingWhy the gut whisper never lies—and how to start trusting yours againThe 3 essential steps to getting unstuck: Awareness, Acceptance, and ActionHow “It’s not that bad” thinking can quietly sabotage your goalsThe power of support, structure, and accountability in midlife transformationWhy paying attention often starts with paying for commitmentWhat it really takes to build a life you love—even after hitting rock bottom  Resources Mentioned: Website: https://yvettesalvafitness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettesalvafitness    Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you feeling like your body—and your life—aren’t quite your own anymore?  Maybe the weight gain, brain fog, sleepless nights, and emotional overwhelm have left you wondering, “Who even am I right now?” If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In today’s deeply honest and empowering conversation, I’m joined by self-love and relationship coach Christina Ketchen to explore the concept of acceptance—not as giving up, but as a powerful path to freedom and healing during midlife transitions like menopause. Whether you’re struggling with your changing body, identity, or just trying to stay grounded through it all, this episode will help you reconnect to your power and remember: you’re not alone. Christina Ketchen is a Certified Life and Relationship Coach, HeartMath® Certified Practitioner, and graduate of the Hoffman Institute who has spent nearly a decade coaching both individuals and couples. With over 10,000 hours of experience, she helps people move beyond old patterns and get to know themselves from a grounded place of enoughness. Christina blends science, story, and heartfelt strategy to guide people toward emotional resilience, self-love, and healthier relationships.   In this episode: What acceptance really means—and what it doesn’tHow to embrace the “ands” of midlife: “This is hard, and I’m moving forward”The surprising connection between nervous system regulation and emotional resilienceWhy saying your inner thoughts out loud can shift everythingChristina’s near-death experience and how it transformed her relationship with changeTwo powerful tools you can use right now: Heart-Focused Breathing and JournalingHow to reframe identity loss as an evolution into something new  Resources Mentioned: ·         FREE RESOURCE: Christina’s Masterclass + Dreamscaping Tool → https://christinaketchen.com/masterclass/ Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.orgHeartMath Tools + Coherence App: https://www.heartmath.com  Connect with Christina Ketchen: Website: https://christinaketchen.com Substack: https://christinaketchen.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaketchen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncoveryourbestyou/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinaketchen/  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!