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In this episode of Wellness After 40, I talk with Brigid Delaney, author and journalist, about her exploration of wellness in midlife. Brigid spent her 40s experimenting with different trends, habits, and practices — documenting her experiences with humor, honesty, and curiosity. We dive into what it’s like to observe and document wellness firsthand, from the physically and emotionally challenging experiments to the surprises she found in the wellness industry. Brigid also reflects on how her writing resonates with people navigating life in their 40s and beyond, balancing health, life transitions, and self-care. Along the way, we discuss her approach to storytelling, the experience of seeing her book Wellmania adapted into a Netflix series, and the simple habits she believes support wellness in midlife. This conversation is for anyone curious about wellness, storytelling, and what it really means to pay attention to life after 40 — without pressure to “fix” or reinvent yourself. Books by Brigid Delaney: Reasons Not to Worry — https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Not-Worry-Stoic-Chaotic-ebook/dp/B0BRY86QSS?ref_=ast_author_dp Wellmania — https://www.amazon.com/Wellmania-Extreme-Misadventures-Search-Wellness/dp/1771643706 Let’s stay in touch! Beyond the podcast, I want to support your journey to wellness. Join my community and I’ll send you a free calming audio as a thank-you for being here. Support the show

Every year, new health trends take over social media — but by the time we reach our 40s, most of us aren’t looking for hype. We’re looking for answers. In this episode of Wellness After 40, we break down the 2026 health trends women are hearing about everywhere — and separate what social media is saying from what the science actually supports. We take a grounded, non-judgmental look at: HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): why it’s back in the spotlight, what’s changed since FDA approval, and why this conversation is more nuanced than TikTok makes it seemGLP-1 medications: why they’re the most polarizing topic in wellness, who they may help, and why muscle, bone health, and strength still matter more than the scaleCreatine: why this once-misunderstood supplement is becoming a quiet midlife trend for strength, energy, and aging wellThis is not medical advice — it’s a clear, honest conversation for women navigating perimenopause, metabolism changes, muscle loss, and real life. If you’re tired of extremes and just want thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations about midlife health, this episode is for you. 👉 New✨Subscribe to the podcast to get bonus episodes!  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe Support the show

In this episode of Wellness After 40, Kelly Borders, MSN, a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Gynecologic Oncology at Wellstar Health System, shares essential information for women over 40. From subtle symptoms to watch for, the role of screenings, family history, and the importance of self-advocacy, Kelly empowers women to take control of their gynecologic health. She also shares practical prevention tips, including the powerful role of exercise, and busts common myths about gynecologic cancers. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health. Support the show

Strength training is one of the most important things women can do for their health—but for many, lifting heavy comes with fear: Will this cause leaks? Is my pelvic floor strong enough? What about squats, deadlifts, or weighted vests? In this episode of Wellness After 40, I’m joined by Christina Walsh—physical therapist, published researcher, and cofounder of Tighten Your Tinkler—to break down what’s actually happening in your body when you train under load. Christina shares a functional, biomechanics-based approach to pelvic health that moves beyond kegels and devices—helping women lift, carry, and get stronger with confidence. In this conversation, we cover: What the pelvic floor is doing during strength training at a muscular and pressure levelHow squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and carries challenge pelvic supportWhat current research says about heavy lifting as a risk—or a protective factorCommon mistakes with breathing, bracing, posture, and grip that increase symptomsHow to safely progress load if you experience leaks, prolapse, or pelvic heavinessWeighted walking and wearing a weighted vest—what changes biomechanicallyWho benefits from adding load while walking and who should be cautiousHow to tell if a weighted vest is building true stability or layering compensationWhat “training the pelvic floor functionally” looks like in real lifeThe very first step women should take to lift heavy without fear🎯 Want to learn more? Take the quiz and explore Christina’s work at https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/ 💥 Use code WELLNESSAFTER40 for $50 off the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature Program. 📲 Follow Christina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/ Support the show

Before you set your New Year’s resolutions, what if there was a different way to approach the year? In this episode, I’m sharing one simple idea that’s already shifting how I show up — and how it could help you approach your goals in a way that actually works, without stress or pressure. I also share my personal word for the year, why I’m putting it out into the world publicly, and how it’s guiding me to feel more alive, present, and intentional every day. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goal-setting, or tired of the “new year, new me” pressure, this episode is for you. ✨ New: Private Bonus Episodes for Subscribers I’ve just launched subscriber-only bonus episodes, including short guided meditations and reflections designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and integrate what we talk about on the podcast. You can subscribe for $5/month and get instant access here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe Connect with me and share your own journey on Instagram: @livingwellwithkatie.e Support the show

As we head into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reassess, and set goals that truly matter. In this episode, Charul from Coaching Cubed is back to explore practical tools for evaluating your past year, prioritizing meaningful goals, and creating a roadmap for 2026 that actually works. Charul shares her “elevator” method for checking in with your goals, how to weigh effort versus importance, and strategies to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether your goals this year flourished, shifted, or completely fell apart, this conversation will give you actionable insights to step into the new year with intention. Follow Charul and learn more about her coaching:  🌐 Coaching Cubed Website 📸 Instagram: @coaching_cubed

In this episode, I’m joined by Brandi Milford — leadership and life coach, CEO of Milford Medical Management, and founder of Case Management Mastery — for a powerful conversation about why rest is not a retreat, but a strategy for long-term success. Brandi wears many hats: wife, mom, CEO, coach, and founder of The Rest Spot in Smyrna, a space designed for women to slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves. With over 25 years in catastrophic and workers’ compensation case management, Brandi helps high-achieving working moms build balanced, fulfilling lives without sacrificing their well-being. We talk about… ✨ Why rest feels uncomfortable for high achievers  ✨ How to make space for wellness without losing momentum  ✨ Small routines that create rest in real life (not just on vacation)  ✨ How to know when it’s time to pause or reset  ✨ Why women over 40 need a new definition of success, wellness & purpose If you're feeling stretched thin, constantly hustling, or struggling to slow down, this episode will help you rethink rest — not as a luxury, but as fuel. 🔗 Connect With Brandi Instagram — Case Management:  https://www.instagram.com/casemamager/ Instagram — The Rest Spot:  https://www.instagram.com/the_rest_spot/ Website:  https://brandimilford.com/

Midlife brings changes we notice everywhere—including our hair. In this episode, I’m talking with Christine McMillan, a trichologist—a specialist in hair and scalp health—about the shifts many of us see as we age. We cover common concerns and questions like: Why your hair may feel thinner, drier, or more brittleShedding that seems sudden or unexplainedChanges in texture, shine, or volumeSigns that something deeper may be going on with your hairHow stress, hormones, and lifestyle can affect hairIf you’ve been noticing changes in your hair and wondering what’s normal—or what to do next—this episode is for you. Christine shares her expertise and perspective to help you navigate midlife hair with confidence. Connect with Christine McMillan & The Scalp Garden: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalpgarden/ Website: https://www.scalpgarden.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Her favorite tonic: https://cultandking.com/product/tonik/ref/rockpaperscissors/?campaign=Tonik&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

In this episode, we’re having a real, candid conversation with Dr. Jackie Crowell about the changes that come with midlife and what your body is trying to tell you. Jackie, a licensed physical therapist and founder of Progressive Pelvis Physical Therapy, shares her expertise in pelvic health, orthopedics, and chronic pain, helping women in their 40s understand and support their bodies. In this episode, we cover: What the pelvic floor does and why it matters beyond postpartum recoveryCommon changes women in their 40s may notice and early signs to watch forHow lifestyle, stress, and hormones impact pelvic healthSimple exercises and habits to support your body at homeTechniques used in therapy like dry needling and visceral mobilizationCreating a calm, approachable environment around pelvic healthPractical tips for first-time visits and what usually surprises patientsDr. Jackie’s personal approach to wellness and aging wellConnect with Dr. Jackie Crowell: Website: https://progressivepelvis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressivepelvis/

Social Security might sound like something to worry about “later,” but your 40s are actually the time to start paying attention. Angela from Social Security Made Simple (@socialsecuritymadesimple) joins me to unpack how benefits really work, what mistakes to avoid, and why understanding it now can save you major stress—and money—down the road. From self-employed tips to what your old W-2s can tell you, this is your crash course in planning smarter for the future you want. And if you’re helping a loved one who’s currently retiring, this episode will give you the info you need to best support them. 💬  Share this one with your parents—or anyone planning their next chapter.

Feeling stuck or like life is just happening to you? It doesn’t have to be that way. Inspired by Debbie Millman’s “How to Design Your Life,” this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to start creating the future you really want. Learn how to: Ask the right questions to uncover your dream lifeMake choices that actually shift your trajectoryStop focusing on what’s probable and start imagining what’s possibleTake concrete steps to bring your vision to lifeAvoid the one mistake that can sabotage your plansIt’s time to stop waiting and start designing a life you’ll love. Support the show

Life insurance might not sound like a fun topic — but today’s guest, Betsy Burgess from Georgia Farm Bureau, somehow makes it just that! Betsy has a way of turning “adulting” into something approachable, empowering, and even a little bit funny. In this episode, we dive into how our relationship with life insurance changes in midlife, the biggest myths women over 40 believe about planning for the future, and why it’s never too late to start. Betsy shares how having the right coverage (and a will!) can bring genuine peace of mind — and how planning ahead is really an act of love for the people who matter most. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to start, Betsy’s warmth and practical advice will help you take that first small, confident step. 👉 Connect with Betsy on Instagram: @betsybgfb Learn more through her local Georgia Farm Bureau office in Roswell, GA.

Parenting during midlife comes with unique challenges—especially when our kids hit the teen years. How do we support them through their growing pains while also honoring our own boundaries and well-being? On this episode of Wellness After 40, we’re looking at how parenting fits into our larger journey of creating healthy, connected relationships in midlife. I’m joined by Kirsten Cobabe—known as the “teen whisperer”—who has spent over two decades helping families build trust, connection, and resilience at home. Together, we explore what teens really need from us, how to balance support with independence, and why caring for ourselves first is essential to raising grounded, capable young adults. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the relationships we build with our teens not only shape their future, but also deepen our own wellness and sense of balance in our 40s and beyond. 👉 Learn more about Kirsten’s work at parentingwave.com 👉 Follow Kirsten on Instagram: @kirstencobabe | @parentingwave

Hi friends! Can you believe Season One is already wrapped? When I started Wellness After 40, I dreamed of creating a space where we could talk honestly about what it means to thrive in midlife. Together we’ve explored everything from manifestation and brain science, to fashion and fitness, to gut health, perimenopause, stress managment, and even beauty myths. We’ve heard from experts, coaches, and inspiring people in their 40s who are truly living their best lives. In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite moments and biggest takeaways from Season One, and giving you a little glimpse of what’s to come in Season Two. We’ll be diving deeper into relationships, finances, emotional health, and the ways we can keep creating a life of balance and joy after 40. Thank you for being here with me. Your support, your listening, and your willingness to grow alongside me mean so much. Here’s to all that’s ahead.

Our 40s bring new challenges — and opportunities — when it comes to beauty and skincare. In this episode, we dive into how our skin changes with age, the must-have ingredients worth investing in, and how to use makeup to enhance your natural features without feeling heavy or overdone. Brooke Buettner, Sephora manager and skincare expert, shares her insider tips on: Updating your skincare routine for your 40s and beyondCommon makeup mistakes (and easy fixes)Lifestyle habits that truly impact how your skin looksHow to shop smart at Sephora without overspendingThe mindset shift from “looking younger” to “looking your best”✨ Brooke also gave us specific product recommendations, and you can find them all linked below. Products Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment Shani Darden Retinol Reform Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Vegamour GRO Advanced Hair Serum ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr “On ‘Til Dawn” Setting Spray 💸 Don’t forget to use Brooke’s Friends & Family Sephora discount link here from September 5-14th 2025 : Shop with Brooke’s Link And don’t miss our exclusive Beauty After 40 private event at Sephora. Details can be found at https://www.yogawithkatiee.com/event-details/beauty-after-40-at-sephora 📲 Connect with Brooke on Instagram: @brooke.buettner