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Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace. In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally. Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world. This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us. In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right no About The Guests: Dr. Lillian Siu Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide. Dr. Miyo Yamashita Dr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized. Resources & Learn More: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org **Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace. In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally. Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world. This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us. In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right no About The Guests: Dr. Lillian Siu Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide. Dr. Miyo Yamashita Dr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized. Resources & Learn More: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org **Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

In this very special and personal episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by my parents, Claire and Frank Grelo, to talk about something I never expected to experience so close to home: shingles. Before this experience, and like many people in their 50s, I didn’t know much about shingles or realize how common it is among adults who’ve had chickenpox. Did you know that adults who’ve had chickenpox have a 1 in 3 chance of developing it?1 I didn't.    In this episode, in partnership with GSK, we talk candidly about what shingles was like from my father’s perspective, how it impacted our family, and the lessons we learned about listening to your body, supporting loved ones, and staying informed about your health. This episode is a reminder that our health evolves over time, and how important it is to speak to your healthcare provider about proactive steps you can take to help protect your health. SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster). 100% protection not guaranteed. Adverse reactions may occur. SHINGRIX does not prevent chickenpox or treat shingles or its complications. Ask your healthcare professional if SHINGRIX is right for you. Learn more at SHINGRIX.ca. To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-387-7374 Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. ©2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor. 105271 01/26 Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]  1 SHINGRIX, Herpes Zoster Product Monograph. October 13, 2017.

In this deeply personal episode of Aging Powerfully, I sit down with Jann Arden to talk about her family’s journey through dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — with both of her parents. Jann shares the emotional realities of caregiving, the challenges of watching someone you love change, and how humour, resilience, and connection help navigate the hardest moments. Together we explore: • What it’s really like caring for parents living with dementia • How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and family roles • The emotional weight of the “long goodbye” • Jann’s biggest lessons and hopes for other caregivers • Why self-compassion and support matter for everyone involved This episode is a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the power of showing up — even when it feels impossible. Plus, Jann shares if she’s making new music and what and WHO is bringing her joy, love and happiness these days. Spoiler alert: Someone is getting married!  Support & Resources If this episode resonates with you — whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, friend, or thinking ahead — know that you are not alone and there are supports available across Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada • National hub of information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, education, and support services; https://alzheimer.ca/en If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reaching out to your local Alzheimer Society or caregiver support service can help you find practical tips, connection, and support tailored to your situation. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Academy Award–winning actress Marcia Gay Harden joins me on Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo for an intimate conversation about losing her mother to Alzheimer’s — and what it taught her about love, grief, and what truly endures. In honour of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Marcia shares the heartbreaking and beautiful moments of walking beside her mother as memory fades, along with what she’s learned about women’s brain health, risk, and prevention — and the changes she has made in her own life since her mother’s battle with the disease. I was fortunate to sit down with Marcia in Toronto at the first-ever Women’s Brain Health Summit, where she spoke powerfully about her personal journey and the urgent need for more research, funding, and awareness around a disease that disproportionately impacts women. This is a conversation about more than illness — it’s about what remains when memory disappears, and how love never does. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and this episode tackles a critical — and often overlooked — reality: nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women. Melissa is joined by returning guest Dr. Liisa Galea (previous Episode #46), a world-renowned neuroscientist, inaugural womenmind Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, where she helps guide evidence-based research and innovation focused on brain health and aging. Dr. Galea shares the latest science on women’s brain health, the menopausal brain, and why decades of male-focused research have left dangerous gaps in our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk in women. Together, they explore what we know, what we’re still learning, and where research must go next to close the gender gap in neuroscience. In this episode, we discuss: Why women account for the majority of Alzheimer’s casesHow menopause and hormonal changes affect the brainThe role of inflammation, stress, and aging in cognitive healthEmerging research in dementia preventionWhat women can do now to support brain health — without fear This is an empowering, evidence-based conversation about awareness, advocacy, and protecting women’s brains across the lifespan. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

2025 was one of my busiest—and most meaningful—years yet. Thank you for being on this journey with me and for showing up week after week to learn, question, laugh, and age powerfully together. As we wrap up the year, this episode is a Power Replay: a look back at the incredible conversations from Season 3, plus a preview of what’s coming in 2026. Note: We’ll be taking a short break, with new episodes returning in January 2026—so now is the perfect time to catch up on anything you missed. Looking Ahead to 2026 So much is coming next year, including deep dives into: PCOSEndometriosisFibroidsPregnancy during perimenopauseBreast cancerCancer screenings in midlifeEvidence-based strategies for better sleepCaregiving in Canada (over 13 million unpaid caregivers)A very special episode featuring my parents, my most beloved role modelsStay Connected I want to hear from you. What topics do you want us to tackle next? Reach me via my website: agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com Or connect on Instagram: @melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo Wishing you peace, good health, prosperity, and clarity in 2026. Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah Happy Holidays Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

In this episode of Aging Powerfully, Melissa digs into one of the most emotional (and common!) midlife topics: hair loss, with medical and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Renée A. Beach (@dermabeach). From thinning at the crown to shedding in the shower, we talk about why it happens, what’s normal, and when to investigate further. We cover: How perimenopause, menopause, stress, and genetics impact hairThe difference between “normal shedding” and true hair lossMedical causes to rule out (like thyroid issues, iron levels, and hormones)Evidence-based treatments vs. overhyped “miracle” curesPractical strategies to protect hair health from the inside outThe emotional toll of hair loss and how to protect your confidence and identity If you’ve ever felt panicked by the hair in your brush or avoided looking at your part in photos, this episode will give you clarity, options, and a lot of compassion. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

(Originally aired May 23, 2024) In this uplifting episode, Melissa sits down with mother-daughter powerhouse Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan) and Michelle MacDonald (@michellemacdonaldofficial) to explore what’s truly possible when women choose strength, consistency, and self-belief — no matter their age. Joan began her fitness journey at 70 and has since inspired millions of women to reclaim their health. Michelle, her coach and daughter, shares the training, nutrition, and mindset strategies that made Joan’s transformation sustainable and life-changing. What We Cover: Joan’s turning point and how she began at age 70Michelle’s expert approach to strength training for women in midlifeThe emotional and identity shifts that come with reinventing yourselfWhy it’s never too late to build strength, confidence, and vitalityHow visibility and community empower women to age powerfully Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

This week on Aging Powerfully, we’re getting brutally honest about one of the most avoided — yet most essential — topics in midlife: preparing your family for the unexpected. Most people think they’re organized. Spoiler: they’re not. To cut through the confusion and give us the real roadmap, I’m joined by Canada’s financial powerhouse Pattie Lovett-Reid. Together, we break down the exact documents, details, and conversations every family needs long before a crisis hits. In this eye-opening and empowering conversation, we explore: The non-negotiable documents every adult should haveLast Will & TestamentPowers of Attorney (financial + personal care)Healthcare directivesTrust documents (where applicable)Life insurance and beneficiary designationsDigital access planning (passwords, accounts, social media, subscriptions Why planning ahead isn’t morbid — it’s mature. It’s not about control — it’s about caring. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Guest: Dr. Amy Louis‑Bayliss Original Air Date: January 30, 2025 Duration: ~89 minutes In this deep-dive episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss to walk you through the seven key health metrics that every woman should know—especially as we navigate midlife and beyond. From lab numbers to lifestyle markers, these data points give you a snapshot of where your health is now—and more importantly—where it can go. Dr. Louis-Bayliss shares how to interpret each metric, when to start checking it, how often to revisit it, and how to connect the dots between numbers and your life goals. Whether you’re feeling fine and want to stay ahead, or you’re grappling with change and want clarity, this episode gives you the insight you need to take ownership of your health—not just survive, but thrive. What you'll learn The “why” behind each of the seven metrics: what they signal and why they matter at midlife.How often to test or check each metric—and what changes warrant action.How to move from “just a number” to meaningful progress that aligns with your goals.How to bring your clinician into the loop and ask the right questions.How to track health not from fear, but from empowerment and clarity.Why knowing your numbers isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility. To find Dr. Louis-Bayliss: IG @lumewomenshealth, www.lumewomenshealth.com  Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene on Instagram). Website: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_ca Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.  Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health & Medical Director of The Menopause Society Part One: Menopause Myths & Medicine Menopause has gone viral — but not always for the right reasons. From claims that a woman’s brain “eats itself” in menopause to this week’s breaking FDA news about estrogen therapy, it’s harder than ever to know what’s true. In this first half of the episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Stephanie Faubion, one of the world’s leading voices in women’s health, to cut through the confusion with evidence, empathy, and straight talk. Together, they unpack: The latest FDA decision and what it means for hormone therapy and women’s health Whether estrogen can protect against heart disease or stroke The state of research and funding in women’s health and menopause AI and Menopause Care: helpful or hurtful? How to discern who you should — and shouldn’t — trust for menopause information online About Dr. Stephanie Faubion: Dr. Faubion is the Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, and author of The New Rules of Menopause. A professor and chair at Mayo Clinic, she’s a globally recognized expert on hormone therapy, sexual health, and healthy aging — leading groundbreaking research through the DREAMS Registry and beyond. The Menopause Society Mayo Clinic Part Two: Aging Powerfully — The Retreat Debrief Then, Melissa switches gears to share a heartfelt recap of her inaugural “Aging Powerfully” retreat weekend — a three-day experience designed to help women reconnect with their strength, wisdom, and joy in midlife and beyond. From expert-led workshops on menopause, mental health, fitness, and nutrition to unforgettable moments of laughter, vulnerability, and sisterhood — Melissa reflects on what truly made the weekend magical, what surprised her most, and what’s next for the Aging Powerfully movement. www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and tag a friend who deserves to age powerfully, with truth, community, and confidence. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact: [email protected] 

Guest: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Clinical Psychologist & Friendship Researcher As we age, our friendships can evolve—some deepen, others drift, and new ones can feel harder to form. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa speaks with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist and leading expert on adult friendship, about why meaningful connection is vital for women in midlife and beyond. Together, they explore: How women’s friendships change as we age—and why that’s normalWhy it’s harder to make new friends in adulthood and how to overcome itThe link between strong friendships, longevity, and overall healthNavigating friendship loss, loneliness, and life transitionsThe benefits of friendships across generationsHow cultivating supportive relationships helps us age powerfully—with confidence, joy, and resilience Find Dr. Kirmayer on her website, https://www.miriamkirmayer.com/ This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo) For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada  https://protein.starbucks.ca/ When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle. In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time. Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into: The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight itWhat the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardioThe biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength trainingHow just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging well Because when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful. As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle. Resources Learn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) – https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/ Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo 

If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to be changing through midlife — even when your habits haven’t — this episode is a must-listen. Melissa sits down once again with Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd), obesity physician and leading voice in metabolic health, for an eye-opening conversation about weight gain and weight loss during the menopause transition. Dr. High breaks down the latest science behind today’s most talked-about obesity medications — and why calling them “weight loss drugs” is not only misleading, but potentially dangerous. She explains who these medications are really for, who shouldn’t be taking them, and why trendy “microdosing” approaches can backfire in serious ways. If you’ve struggled with midlife weight changes, felt confused by conflicting advice, or just want the truth — free of diet fads and fear — Dr. High’s compassionate, evidence-based approach will change the way you think about your body, your metabolism, and your health. In this episode:  Why weight gain during menopause is normal — and what’s really behind itThe science (and myths) of new obesity treatment medicationsWhy “weight loss drug” culture is dangerous and inaccurateThe truth about “microdosing” and other social media fadsHow Dr. High helps menopausal women find real, sustainable, science-backed solutions Listen now — and start aging powerfully, inside and out. This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner  Producer: Melissa Grelo  For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]