Women Mastering Midlife

106. What Midlife Women Need to Know About Psychedelics: Safety, Science, and Informed Choice with Linden Schaffer

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

This is a conversation that deserves more nuance than a seven-second social media clip. Victoria sits down with Linden Schaffer, psychedelic wellness educator, author, and founder of Reveal, for an honest, evidence-informed discussion on what psychedelics actually are, what the current research says, and how midlife women can think critically about whether any of this belongs in their own wellness journey.

Linden is not a hype machine. She has spent more than two decades at the intersection of wellness, transformation, and psychedelic harm reduction, and she brings that same rigor to this conversation. What emerges is a grounded, thoughtful exchange that honors both the science and the complexity, including the parts the headlines leave out.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

A plain-language overview of psychedelics, from classic compounds like psilocybin and LSD to lesser-known substances like ibogaine and MDMA
The history of psychedelic research, from Albert Hofmann's synthesis of LSD in the 1940s to the Nixon-era criminalization that halted decades of promising clinical work
Why the pandemic became an inflection point for renewed interest in these compounds
The current legal landscape in the U.S., including Oregon and Colorado's regulated frameworks, decriminalization efforts in cities nationwide, and what federal scheduling still means for your personal risk profile
How midlife women in particular are being underserved by a medical system that too often defaults to SSRIs without exploring root causes
What microdosing is, how it differs from larger dose experiences, and why Linden chose it herself when perimenopause symptoms arrived before she could get a hormone therapy appointment
The critical importance of preparation, integration, and what Linden calls the "wellness toolbox" — and why the compound alone is never the whole story
How to evaluate a retreat, a facilitator, or an experience using Linden's five-part Reveal Method: screening, set, setting, support, and sustainability
The intersection of psychedelics and GLP-1 medications, including what is and is not yet known about interactions and timing
The ethical and cultural concerns around ibogaine, biopiracy, and what happens when pharmaceutical companies enter sacred spaces
Red flags to watch for in a commercializing marketplace, from Instagram-polished retreat brochures to untested compounds sold in smoke shops

A Note from Victoria

As a licensed pharmacist and certified menopause practitioner, I brought a lot of questions to this conversation, including ones about drug interactions, scheduling law, and what informed consent actually looks like in practice. Linden met every one of them with honesty. This episode is not medical advice, and we are both clear on that throughout. But it is the kind of informed, grounded conversation that I believe midlife women deserve access to, especially as the research and policy landscape continues to shift.

Resources and Links

Linden Schaffer's website and one-to-one coaching: revealcommunity.world
Reveal Community on TikTok (live education, Q&A, and community building)
Linden's online courses: microdosing and large-dose experience preparation
Global Psychedelic Society
MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

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Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

105. Peptides Explained: What Midlife Women Need to Know About GLP-1s, Compounding, and Clinical Safety with Dr. Jill White, PharmD

Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 -0700

The word "peptides" is everywhere right now, from your Instagram feed to your doctor's waiting room. But for most women, the information circulating online ranges from genuinely promising science to marketing that moves well ahead of the evidence. In this episode, Victoria sits down with Dr. Jill White, PharmD, a pharmacist with deep expertise in peptide therapy, to have the kind of grounded, evidence-based conversation the topic actually deserves.

This is not a conversation about quick fixes or anti-aging trends. It is a conversation about biology, clinical decision-making, and how to ask the right questions of the people who are caring for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The basics of peptide science
Why peptides are not new
The GLP-1 story
Compounded vs. FDA-approved medications
Who is and is not a good candidate for GLP-1 therapy
Why muscle preservation matters more than the number on the scale
Injectable vs. oral peptides
Other peptides worth knowing about
How to vet a provider
Why prescription-sourced compounds matter

About Dr. Jill White, PharmD

Dr. Jill White is a licensed pharmacist and peptide educator who works with both healthcare practitioners and individual clients. She offers a high-touch, one-on-one GLP-1 mentorship program for women and a group-based peptide membership that helps clients build personalized peptide protocols using prescription-sourced compounds. She also provides dedicated pharmacist training in this emerging space.

Connect with Dr. Jill White:

GLP-1 mentorship for women (one-on-one): www.JillWhiteCoaching.com

Personalized peptide protocol membership: www.peptidemembership.com

Use promo code VICTORIA25 at peptidemembership.com to save 25% on your membership fee.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

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Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

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Disclaimer

104. Why High-Performing Women Feel Exhausted: The Hidden Systems Failing Midlife Women

Mon, 18 May 2026 09:05:00 -0700

What if the problem isn’t you?

In this powerful conversation, Victoria sits down with clinical psychologist and founder of Risewell Performance Consulting, Dr. Sachi Horback, to unpack why so many high-performing women in midlife feel exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and unable to “push through” the way they once could.

Together, they explore the hidden systems failing women in midlife — from workplace expectations and invisible labor to hormonal transitions, decision fatigue, identity shifts, and chronic over-capacity living.

Dr. Horback explains why burnout is often misidentified, why “mindset” and productivity hacks are not enough, and how high-achieving women have been conditioned to internalize structural problems as personal failures.

This episode is for the woman who feels like she is doing everything right and still feels depleted.

Inside this episode, we discuss:

Why high-performing women are not failing — the systems around them are
The difference between burnout and chronic capacity overload
How identity suppression impacts women’s performance and well-being
Why midlife creates a “perfect storm” of hormonal, emotional, cognitive, and professional demands
The hidden effects of decision fatigue and invisible labor
Why women often mistake capacity depletion for imposter syndrome
The concept of “pressure loading” and how it silently drains energy reserves
How structured recovery differs from traditional “self-care”
Why pushing harder is not the solution for midlife women
What sustainable performance actually looks like for women in this season of life

Key Takeaway: “You are not broken. Your system is overloaded.”

This conversation offers a deeply validating and practical reframe for women navigating career demands, caregiving, hormonal changes, leadership roles, and the invisible emotional labor that often comes with midlife.

Connect with Dr. Sachi Horback:

Website: Risewell Performance Consulting

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Disclaimer

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

103. The Menopause Industrial Complex: How to Navigate Misinformation, Supplements, and Midlife Health with Confidence

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves—but with increased visibility comes a new challenge: navigating a rapidly growing industry filled with conflicting advice, products, and voices competing for your trust.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, Pharmacist Consultant, Integrative Women’s Health Coach, and Certified Menopause Educator, takes a thoughtful and evidence-informed look at what she calls the “menopause industrial complex.” She breaks down how this evolving landscape impacts midlife women—and how to move through it with clarity, confidence, and discernment.

Drawing from her clinical background and years of experience in women’s health, Victoria explores the intersection of social media, supplements, physician influencers, and modern healthcare systems. She also offers a grounded framework to help you filter information, avoid unnecessary spending, and focus on what truly supports your health during perimenopause and menopause.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What the “menopause industrial complex” is and why it matters
Why increased awareness does not always equal accurate information
How social media algorithms influence the health advice you see
The truth about menopause supplements, hormone “balance,” and product marketing
How to evaluate influencers, clinicians, and medical advice online
The hidden costs of traditional insurance-based menopause care
When cash-pay menopause care may offer value—and when it may not
A practical framework to assess credibility, research, and bias
Why nuance, not absolutes, is essential in menopause care
The foundational role of hormone therapy, including when it is appropriate
The Five Pillars of Midlife Health

Resources & Next Steps

Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on Substack for deeper clinical insights and ongoing conversations

Book a Midlife Mastery Clarity Session for a personalized, one-on-one approach to your menopause journey

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Disclaimer

102. Menopause in the Workplace: Why Women Are Leaving Careers and What Needs to Change with Karissa Pfeffer

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0700

What if the reason so many high-performing women are burning out, stepping back, or leaving their careers has nothing to do with ambition and everything to do with hormones?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with menopause-in-the-workplace advocate Karissa Pfeffer to unpack the real impact of perimenopause and menopause on women’s careers, leadership, and well-being.

Together, they explore the invisible challenges women face in corporate environments, why menopause is still overlooked in workplace policy, and how education, not overhaul, is the first step toward meaningful change.

This episode goes far beyond hot flashes. It dives into brain fog, burnout, anxiety, performance issues, and the systemic gaps that are quietly costing companies talent, money, and leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why 1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to menopause symptoms
The connection between perimenopause, burnout, and misdiagnosis
How hormonal changes impact focus, leadership, and productivity
Why menopause is not a “wellness perk” but a critical HR and retention issue
The financial cost to companies when experienced women leave
Why women hesitate to speak up about symptoms at work
The difference between perimenopause vs. menopause awareness
How workplace culture can either support or silence midlife women
Simple, low-cost ways companies can start supporting women now
The role of education in reducing healthcare costs and improving retention

Why This Conversation Matters:

We are the first generation openly talking about perimenopause while still actively building careers, raising families, and leading organizations.

And as Victoria shares, this is about more than us, it is about changing the experience for the next generation of women.

Connect with Karissa Pfeffer:

Learn more about workplace menopause education and how to bring this conversation into your organization:

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Disclaimer

101.Perimenopause Symptoms, Hormone Therapy, and the Care Gap for Women | Jackie Piasta (REPLAY)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700

If you have ever been told you are “too young” for perimenopause, dismissed with a quick prescription, or left feeling confused about hormone therapy, this conversation will help you understand why.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner and menopause specialist Jackie Piasta to unpack what is really happening during perimenopause and menopause—and why so many women are not getting the care they need.

We discuss the major gaps in menopause education across healthcare, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), and how misinformation continues to influence treatment decisions today. You will also learn how hormone therapy actually works, why symptoms can begin years earlier than expected, and what options are available if you have been told “everything is normal.”

If you are navigating brain fog, sleep disruption, mood changes, weight fluctuations, or simply feel like your body has changed without clear answers, this episode will help you start connecting the dots.

What We Cover in This Episode

Why perimenopause symptoms are often missed or misdiagnosed
The reality of hormone therapy and what the research actually shows
The lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study on care decisions
Why many clinicians feel unprepared to treat menopause patients
The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones
Common symptoms of perimenopause, including brain fog, sleep disruption, and mood changes
Why menopause care requires more time and individualized attention
How telehealth is expanding access to menopause care
The role of lab testing in perimenopause and menopause
Why women are often prescribed multiple medications instead of addressing root hormonal changes
Testosterone therapy in women and the current limitations in access and research
The importance of self-advocacy and trusting your intuition in midlife health

About Jackie Piasta

Jackie Piasta is a women’s health nurse practitioner and nationally certified menopause practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Monarch Health, a midlife and menopause clinic, and has educated practitioners nationwide on menopause care.

She is a recognized voice in the menopause space, known for translating complex clinical information into accessible, practical guidance for women navigating midlife.

Resources & Links

Follow Jackie Piasta on Instagram
Learn more about Monarch Health (telehealth available in select states)
Explore additional menopause care providers if you are outside her service area

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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100. One Hundred Episodes Later: The Real Story of Midlife, Perimenopause, Divorce, and Finding Your Voice

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Episode 100 of Women Mastering Midlife is not a highlight reel it is an honest reflection of what it truly takes to keep showing up in midlife while everything around you is changing.

In this deeply personal milestone episode, Victoria Byrd shares what was happening behind the microphone during the first 100 episodes of the podcast—from navigating perimenopause and parenting teenagers to experiencing a major life transition that reshaped everything.

Rather than celebrating with a polished recap, this episode explores the reality of building something meaningful while living through uncertainty, identity shifts, and the emotional weight that often defines midlife.

This conversation speaks directly to women who are in the middle of their own transition not at the beginning, not at the end, but in the messy, complicated, and often unseen middle.

In This Episode, We Cover:

What it actually took to record 100 podcast episodes during a major life transition
The intersection of perimenopause, divorce, parenting, and career reinvention
How personal hardship changed the way conversations were held and experienced
The shift from “performing wellness” to living it in real time
Why midlife clarity often leads women to make different, and sometimes difficult choices
The evolution of voice, confidence, and boundaries in midlife
Behind-the-scenes reflections on key episodes, including:

Trauma bonding and coercive control
Sexual wellness, intimacy, and pelvic health
The “messy middle” of midlife
The concept of the “D.U.N. divorce”

The reality of building a podcast, business, and community from the ground up
Why midlife is about more than hormones—it is about identity, autonomy, and expansion

Key Takeaways

Midlife is not a clean transformation it is an ongoing process of becoming
You do not need to have everything figured out to keep moving forward
Growth often happens quietly, through consistency rather than breakthrough moments
Women in midlife are navigating layered responsibilities career, caregiving, health, and identity, all at once
There is power in continuing to show up, even when life feels uncertain

What’s Next for Women Mastering Midlife

Victoria shares her vision for the next 100 episodes, including:

More unfiltered conversations about real midlife experiences
A deeper blend of clinical insight and lived experience
Expanded topics: hormone therapy, sexual wellness, finances, relationships, and mental health
Continued advocacy for women navigating healthcare systems that often overlook them

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Disclaimer

99. The Gut–Hormone Connection: How Your Microbiome Drives Perimenopause, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog with Cynthia Thurlow

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700

If you’ve been struggling with brain fog, weight gain, poor sleep, or feeling like your body has completely changed in midlife, this episode will help you understand why.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with nurse practitioner and bestselling author Cynthia Thurlow to break down the critical connection between your gut microbiome and your hormones during perimenopause and menopause.

What most women (and even many clinicians) don’t realize is that your gut is not just about digestion. It is deeply involved in estrogen metabolism, inflammation, immune function, and even how your body responds to stress and weight changes.

With over 40 trillion microorganisms living in your gut, this system influences nearly every function in your body, especially during the menopause transition.

We dive into the concept of the estrobolome, the part of your microbiome responsible for processing estrogen, and how imbalances here can lead to worsening symptoms like:

Brain fog
Weight loss resistance
Bloating and constipation
Breast tenderness
Skin changes

You’ll also hear why many women are unknowingly recirculating estrogen in the body and how that can amplify symptoms during perimenopause.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why the gut microbiome is central to hormone health and longevity
The estrobolome and how your body detoxifies estrogen
How poor gut health can worsen perimenopause symptoms
The real reason constipation matters more than you think
How stress, sleep, and lifestyle directly impact your gut
Why ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners disrupt the microbiome
The truth about supplements vs. food-based nutrition
What “bio-individual” care really means in menopause treatment
Why high-achieving women often hit a wall in perimenopause

The Lifestyle Shift Most Women Avoid (But Need)

One of the most important takeaways from this episode is this:

You cannot keep doing what worked in your 20s and 30s and expect your body to respond the same way in midlife.

Chronic stress, poor sleep, over-exercising, and under-eating create the perfect storm for hormone disruption, gut dysfunction, and metabolic resistance.

This episode walks through the foundational pillars that actually move the needle:

Sleep quality
Stress management
Fiber and whole-food nutrition
Balanced movement (not overtraining)

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Cynthia shares her groundbreaking work on the gut–hormone connection in her new book, offering both science-backed education and practical strategies for women and clinicians alike.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Disclaimer

98. CBD for Pelvic Pain, Sex, and Menopause: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Vaginal Suppositories with Tamar Hill

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700

If you’ve ever been told to “just use lubricant” or “this is normal in menopause,” this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about pelvic health.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Tamar Hill, CEO of MedRoots, to explore an emerging and often misunderstood option in women’s health: CBD vaginal and rectal suppositories for pelvic pain, painful sex, and menopause symptoms.

We discuss what clinicians are seeing in real practice, why patients are quietly turning to these products, and the gap between what is happening in women’s bodies and what is currently included in medical guidelines.

This is not about trends. This is about options.

What We Cover in This Episode

What pelvic pain really looks like in midlife women
Why painful sex (dyspareunia), vaginismus, and vulvodynia are often underdiagnosed
How CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and why that matters
The difference between CBD vs THC and what “microdosing” actually means
Why some women are choosing CBD over medications like benzodiazepines for pelvic floor therapy
The role of inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and the pelvic pain cycle
Vaginal dryness in perimenopause and menopause and how it impacts intimacy
The reality of stigma, lack of research funding, and why providers are hesitant to recommend CBD
How clinicians are navigating documentation and conversations around CBD with patients
What to look for in a safe, high-quality CBD product (this is critical)

Learn more about Tamar Hill and MedRoots

Final Thought

Women deserve more than silence, dismissal, or one-size-fits-all solutions.

This conversation is an invitation to stay curious, ask better questions, and advocate for your body, because small changes can make a big difference.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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97. Reinventing Yourself in Midlife: Perimenopause, Parenting Teens, Anxiety & Redefining Success After 40 with Krista Demcher

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700

What happens when your definition of success changes in your 40s?

In this deeply personal episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with business coach and speaker Krista Demcher for an honest conversation about perimenopause, parenting teenagers, mental health, identity shifts, and what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife.

Together, they explore the emotional and hormonal layers of this season from anxiety and anticipatory grief to launching young adults and redefining personal fulfillment beyond productivity and income.

This conversation is about courage. The courage to evolve. The courage to speak honestly. And the courage to change direction when what once worked no longer feels aligned.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Perimenopause and increased anxiety
Mood changes and decreased stress resilience in midlife
Parenting teens while navigating your own hormonal transition
The emotional impact of launching a child to college
Anticipatory grief and identity shifts in motherhood
Redefining success beyond revenue and achievements
Letting go of a successful business model to pursue alignment
Social media, mental health, and speaking up in polarizing times
Why storytelling builds trust in an AI-driven world

Connect with Krista Demcher

https://www.kristademcher.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kristademcher

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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96. The Third Act: Reinventing Yourself After 50, Grief, Career Loss & Letting Go of the Hustle with Colleen Kochannek

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Midlife is not an ending. It is a beginning.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Victoria sits down with writer, coach, and educator Colleen Kohanek to talk about what she calls “the third act” — the phase of life where women finally get to define their next chapter on their own terms.

Colleen shares the story of her 50s, which she describes as “the blender years.” After being laid off from a long career, becoming a caregiver to her husband during a sudden illness, losing him, navigating her own health crisis, and later losing her sister, she found herself rebuilding life from the ground up. Through grief, trauma, therapy, and reinvention, she began helping other women recognize that it is never too late to start over.

Together, Victoria and Colleen explore:

Why women over 45 are uniquely positioned to build something meaningful
How grief, divorce, illness, and empty nesting can become catalysts for reinvention
The fear of being seen and starting something new later in life
Imposter syndrome in highly accomplished women
Hustle culture and why midlife calls for something different
The psychological shift that happens in perimenopause and menopause
Ageism, patriarchy, and the freedom that comes from no longer centering the male gaze
Navigating social media when the world feels chaotic
Why longevity changes everything about how we think about retirement
The power of choosing flexibility and freedom over traditional security

Colleen challenges the outdated “Disney script” many women were handed: work hard, perform well, retire quietly. Instead, she invites women to see midlife as the greatest opportunity they did not know was coming.

With longer lifespans and better health than previous generations, women today have decades ahead of them. The question becomes: What do you want to do with your third act?

About Colleen Kohanek

Colleen Kohanek is a writer, coach, and educator who works with women in midlife and beyond who are ready to redefine what is possible in their next chapter. She supports women who want to translate decades of experience into meaningful work, often by building an online business or creative platform.

Her work focuses on clarity, sustainability, confidence, and aligned growth rather than hustle culture.

Connect with Colleen:

https://www.colleenkochannek.com/

https://www.instagram.com/colleenkochannek

https://www.tiktok.com/@colleenkochannek

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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95. Selfority & the Menopause Transition: Rewriting Midlife Health, Hormone Therapy, and the Workplace Conversation

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with OB-GYN and menopause advocate Dr. Sarah Berg to talk honestly about what is really happening to women in midlife — and why our healthcare system, workplaces, and culture are still falling short.

From the “slope shoulder moment” Dr. Berg noticed in her patients to the systemic gaps in menopause education, this episode explores how women are often left to navigate perimenopause and menopause without adequate support, accurate information, or validation.

Together, they discuss:

• Why menopause education is still missing from most medical training

• How misinformation from the WHI study continues to affect hormone therapy conversations

• Why only a fraction of women prescribed hormone therapy actually start it

• The foundational role of sleep in managing midlife symptoms

• Practical strategies to improve sleep without medication

• The importance of nervous system regulation, breathwork, and meditation

• Sexual health, orgasm, and why pleasure is not optional healthcare

• Why menopause should be treated as preventive care — not an afterthought

• Menopause in the workplace and the financial cost of losing women in leadership

• How cultural language around menopause shapes perception and opportunity

• The need for male education and co-ed menopause conversations

• Why symptom checklists should be standard in primary care visits

Dr. Berg also shares her journey creating Self Aware-ity, a digital menopause education platform designed to translate evidence-based medicine into relatable, story-driven learning that women can actually absorb — without needing to read another dense textbook at bedtime.

This episode is both validating and action-oriented. It reframes menopause not as decline, but as a powerful transition stage that deserves education, support, and structural change.

About Dr. Sarah Berg

Dr. Sarah Berg is an OB-GYN who specializes in menopause education and advocacy. After recognizing patterns in her midlife patients that were not being adequately addressed in traditional care models, she deepened her focus on menopause medicine and created Selfority, a digital educational platform designed to make evidence-based menopause care accessible and relatable.

Follow Dr. Sarah Berg and learn more about Selfority

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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94. Millennial Menopause: Early Perimenopause, Mental Health, Hormone Therapy Myths & Workplace Impact with Lauren Tetenbaum

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with menopause educator, therapist, and author Lauren Tetenbaum to talk about a conversation many millennial women are not prepared for: perimenopause in your 30s and early 40s.

Lauren, author of Millennial Menopause, shares why so many women are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told they are “too young” for hormonal symptoms, and why that narrative must change.

Together, Victoria and Lauren explore:

Why perimenopause can begin in your mid-to-late 30s
The mental health impact of hormonal fluctuations, including anxiety, irritability, and the “3 a.m. doom drops”
Why mood symptoms often appear before cycle changes
The cultural reluctance millennials have around embracing “midlife”
How menopause affects women in the workplace and contributes to lost income and stalled careers
The myths surrounding hormone therapy and breast cancer risk
Alcohol and breast cancer risk versus estrogen risk
The testosterone double standard in women’s healthcare
Pellet therapy, med spas, and how to make informed treatment decisions
Fertility grief and identity shifts during the menopause transition
Why education for providers, pharmacists, and mental health professionals must improve

Lauren explains that perimenopause is often more complex than menopause itself, especially when it comes to mood disorders and misdiagnosis. Many women are prescribed antidepressants or sleeping pills without discussion of hormonal drivers. While SSRIs can be helpful tools, they should not be the only option offered.

Lauren shares practical first steps for women who suspect they are in perimenopause:

Track symptoms
Practice self-compassion
Seek a provider who understands menopause guidelines
Consider individualized care rather than relying solely on social media advice

If you are a millennial woman feeling “off,” experiencing unexplained anxiety, irritability, sleep disruption, or simply not recognizing yourself anymore, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and direction.

You are not too young. You are not dramatic. And you are not alone.

About Lauren Tetenbaum: Lauren Tetenbaum is a therapist, menopause educator, advocate, and author of Millennial Menopause. Her work focuses on educating younger women about perimenopause, breaking down hormone therapy myths, and empowering women with accessible, research-informed knowledge.

Learn more and find her book at:Millenial Menopause Book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecounselaur/

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

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93. Menodivorce, Menopause, and the Midlife Wake-Up Call: Preparing Emotionally and Financially for Divorce with Hannah Hembree Bell

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Divorce rates for adults over 50 have doubled since the 1990s, and many midlife women are finding themselves reevaluating their marriages during perimenopause and menopause. This cultural moment has sparked a new conversation often labeled “menodivorce,” but the reality is far more complex than fluctuating hormones alone.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd is joined by award-winning family law attorney, divorce educator, and founder of My Confident Divorce, Hannah Hembree Bell. Together, they unpack what is really happening for women in midlife who find themselves done tolerating dynamics that no longer serve them.

Hannah shares her personal divorce story, including the costly consequences of entering the process unprepared and how approaching divorce differently the second time, with strategy, documentation, and emotional steadiness, completely changed the outcome for her and her children. That experience became the foundation of her work helping women prepare for divorce long before legal papers are filed.

Victoria and Hannah discuss why menopause often acts as a moment of awakening rather than impulsivity, how years of people-pleasing and unheld boundaries come to a breaking point, and why women typically consider divorce for years while men are often caught off guard.

They also address one of the most common fears midlife women face: financial insecurity, especially after years spent caregiving or stepping away from a career. Hannah offers a grounded, responsibility-centered framework for rebuilding confidence, autonomy, and financial stability over time rather than overnight.

This episode is an honest, validating, and empowering conversation for any woman contemplating divorce, navigating separation, or rebuilding her identity in midlife.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why menopause is often a catalyst for reevaluation, not the cause of divorce
The concept of “D-U-N done” and why women reach a breaking point
Financial fear, career gaps, and rebuilding independence after caregiving years
Emotional and mental preparation before filing for divorce
Boundaries, people-pleasing, and reclaiming personal agency
How stress, cortisol, and chronic emotional labor affect women’s health
Supporting children through divorce while modeling healthy relationships
The role of community and shared experience in healing

Resources mentioned:

My Confident Divorce education platform
The My Confident Life community

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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92. The Messy Middle of Midlife: Menopause, Identity, Rage, Rest, and Reclaiming Yourself with Angela Burk

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Midlife is not a makeover. It is not a glow-up montage. And it is definitely not a neat before-and-after photo.

In this deeply honest and often funny conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with Angela Burk, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife, to talk about what really happens in the messy middle of life. The years where hormones shift quietly at first, rage shows up without warning, sleep disappears at 3 a.m., relationships change, and women realize they have been shrinking themselves for decades.

Angela shares her personal story of navigating perimenopause, divorce at 45, identity loss, and reinvention, along with the realization that there was no book telling the truth about midlife the way women actually live it. What emerged was not a how-to guide, but a manifesto: one rooted in honesty, sovereignty, rest, pleasure, and self-trust.

This episode moves beyond symptom checklists and productivity culture and into the lived experience of midlife women who are exhausted, capable, burned out, and still deeply powerful.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why midlife feels so overwhelming and why it is not “just hormones”

• The emotional and identity shifts that often begin in the late 30s and early 40s

• Why many women feel invisible, depleted, or disconnected from themselves

• How people-pleasing becomes unsustainable in midlife

• How midlife forces women to confront old rules they never chose

• Why waiting for the “perfect plan” keeps women stuck

• The importance of naming needs out loud, without apology

• How children benefit when they see the real version of you

• Why midlife can be the beginning of pleasure, confidence, and sovereignty

Angela also offers a simple but powerful starting point for women who feel stuck or exhausted: identify one thing to stop carrying and one thing to begin claiming, write it down, and say it out loud. No overhaul required.

About the guest

Angela Burk is an award-winning marketing strategist, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife, a mother of three, bonus mom to four, and a fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in midlife. Her work centers on honesty, community, and helping women stop shrinking themselves in the second half of life.

Resources mentioned

• Real Girls Guide to Midlife by Angela Burk • Angela Burk’s Substack and writing (linked in show notes)

If this conversation resonated, share it with a woman who needs to know she is not alone in the messy middle.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

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91. Midlife at a Crossroads: Divorce, Burnout, Nervous System Healing, and Redefining Women’s Health in Perimenopause

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this deeply personal solo episode, Victoria Byrd steps out from behind the interviewer role and shares her own voice, experience, and uncertainty during a profound season of midlife transition.

Recorded during a time of global uncertainty and personal upheaval, this episode explores what it truly looks like to navigate perimenopause, career identity, motherhood, divorce, and nervous system overload all at once. Rather than offering polished answers or prescriptive advice, Victoria speaks candidly about the complexity women face in midlife and why simplistic wellness messaging often falls short.

This conversation marks a shift toward more honest, lived-experience discussions about women’s health, emotional capacity, and sustainable change.

In This Episode, We Discuss

Why midlife can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming, even for health professionals
Navigating separation and divorce after decades of partnership
The invisible mental load of legal, financial, and emotional labor during major life transitions
Why stress mitigation, rest, and nervous system regulation sometimes matter more than workouts
Letting go of performative wellness and unrealistic health expectations
The tension between doing “aligned work” and needing financial stability
Why one-size-fits-all programs often fail midlife women
The ethical discomfort many clinicians feel within influencer culture and product promotion
How gut health and nervous system regulation intersect with perimenopause and estrogen metabolism
Reimagining community, support, and connection outside traditional social media spaces

Listener Takeaway

If you are in a season where exercise feels impossible, clarity feels distant, or the wellness world feels overwhelming, this episode offers permission to pause, reflect, and redefine what support and health can look like right now.

You are not broken. You are responding to real life.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

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90. Downsizing with Purpose in Midlife: A Gentle, Practical Guide to Letting Go

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Downsizing in midlife is rarely just about getting rid of stuff. It is about identity shifts, changing roles, emotional attachments, and preparing for what comes next.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Tracy Hoth, professional organizer, coach, and founder of Simply Squared Away, to explore how midlife women can declutter and downsize with intention rather than urgency or guilt.

Tracy shares why so many women feel emotionally paralyzed by clutter, how stress and elevated cortisol are directly linked to disorganized spaces, and why “keeping everything” often creates more burden, not meaning. Together, they discuss the mindset shifts required to release possessions without regret, especially when items are tied to motherhood, money spent, or future “what-ifs.”

You will also learn Tracy’s practical five-step SPACE method for decluttering any physical, digital, or mental space, along with realistic strategies for navigating differing clutter tolerances with spouses, setting boundaries around children’s memorabilia, and avoiding common downsizing mistakes.

This conversation is especially valuable for women preparing for an empty nest, considering a future move, or simply craving a calmer, more intentional home environment.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Why midlife transitions make decluttering emotionally complex
The connection between clutter, stress, and cortisol
How to release guilt around money spent on unused items
A step-by-step framework for downsizing without overwhelm
What to do when everything feels sentimental
Navigating decluttering differences with partners and family
How to start small when you feel completely stuck

Guest Resources:

Learn more about Tracy’s work, coaching programs, and the 15-minute declutter challenge at simplysquaredaway.com .

To learn more about Dr. Emont’s work, follow him on social media and visit his website for updates on clinical availability.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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89. How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Hormones, Energy, and Weight in Midlife with Julie Ruelle, RD

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Julie Ruelle, a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in nutrition & metabolic health, to unpack one of the most confusing & misunderstood topics in midlife nutrition: ultra-processed foods.

Julie currently serves as a registered dietitian for GoCoco, a consumer education app designed to help people make informed food choices by identifying ultra-processed ingredients & offering healthier alternatives without calorie counting or restrictive tracking.

Together, they explore how ultra-processed foods differ from simply “processed” foods, why ingredient quality matters more than calories alone in perimenopause and menopause, & how daily food choices influence insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, brain health, & hormone balance.

This conversation is especially relevant for midlife women who feel overwhelmed by nutrition advice, burned out by dieting, or frustrated by changes in energy, weight, & metabolic health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The critical difference between processed foods & ultra-processed foods
How ultra-processed foods contribute to insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, fatigue, & inflammation in midlife
Why calories alone don't reflect metabolic health during perimenopause & menopause
How ingredient lists & added sugars reveal more than front-of-package marketing claims
Common “health food” traps
Why fiber & protein should come primarily from whole foods
The connection between gut health, estrogen metabolism, mood, & brain fog
Practical, realistic ways busy women can reduce ultra-processed foods without perfectionism or burnout
How the GoCoco app empowers women to make confident grocery store decisions without macro tracking

📱 About the GoCoco App (Listener Bonus)

Julie explains how the GoCoco app allows users to:

Scan barcodes to rate foods from 0–10 based on ultra-processed ingredients
Identify added sugars, refined carbohydrates, & inflammatory additives
Receive healthier swaps within the same food category
Photograph meals to see the percentage of real food versus ultra-processed food
Learn which additives are banned in Europe or restricted in certain U.S. states

Exclusive Listener Offer

Women Mastering Midlife listeners receive one full year of GoCoco Premium free.

Use code: WMML

iOS 1 year (use this link)https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=WMML

Android 90 days (type in the below code. This code will work 4 times to equal 1 year. Android doesn't allow year length codes)

Code: WMML

🔗 Connect with Julie Ruelle

GoCoCo

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, & share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, & midlife health with clarity & confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts & stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife & @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs & courses

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, & informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, & experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

88. Closing the Gap in Menopause Care: Dr. Jordan Emont on Hormone Therapy, Misconceptions, and Patient-Centered Medicine

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Women Mastering Midlife Podcast, Victoria Byrd, RPh, welcomes Dr. Jordan Emont, an OB-GYN dedicated to raising the standard of care for women in perimenopause and menopause. As the first male guest on the podcast, Dr. Emont brings a thoughtful and clinically grounded perspective shaped by listening deeply to women’s experiences, recognizing gaps in medical training, and advocating for evidence-based, compassionate menopause care.

Throughout this conversation, Victoria and Dr. Emont discuss why menopause care remains underemphasized in traditional medical education, how fear-based narratives around hormone therapy persist despite strong data, and why patient-centered care is essential for improving outcomes for midlife women. This episode highlights both the systemic challenges women face in healthcare and the meaningful progress being driven by clinicians committed to change.

Topics Covered

Why most clinicians receive minimal training in menopause care

The importance of listening and humility in caring for midlife women
How systemic bias contributes to women feeling dismissed in healthcare settings
Common and overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, including mood changes and heart palpitations
The importance of maintaining a full differential diagnosis rather than attributing all symptoms to perimenopause
The overlap between menopause symptoms and thyroid or cardiovascular conditions
Why standard 15-minute medical appointments are inadequate for menopause care
How to personalize hormone therapy using evidence, safety data, and patient feedback
What excites Dr. Emont most about the future of menopause medicine
Why menopause care must extend beyond OB-GYNs into primary care and other specialties
The critical role of patient advocacy and informed decision-making

About Dr. Jordan Emont

Dr. Jordan Emont is an OB-GYN specializing in perimenopause, menopause, and sexual health. He currently offers telehealth care in California and Florida, with plans to expand to additional states. He is also a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), an organization committed to advancing education and care in women’s sexual and hormonal health.

To learn more about Dr. Emont’s work, follow him on social media and visit his website for updates on clinical availability.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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87. The New Rules of Women’s Health in Midlife: Advocacy, Menopause, and Taking Ownership of Your Care

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

What if the real problem in women’s healthcare isn’t a lack of information but decades of outdated rules that were never designed for women in the first place?

In this powerful and deeply validating episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbitt to discuss her new book, The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age, and why midlife is a critical turning point for women to stop outsourcing their care and start advocating for themselves.

With more than 20 years of experience translating complex medical science into accessible guidance, Meghan brings both evidence and lived experience to a conversation that spans the full female lifespan from anatomy and hormones to brain health, heart health, lifestyle, and the unseen gaps that still exist in modern medicine.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why women’s health research has historically treated men as the “default patient” and how that legacy still affects diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes today
Why perimenopause is not a niche issue, but a major blind spot in healthcare during a crucial window for prevention and longevity
How to stop normalizing symptoms like brain fog, heavy periods, fatigue, and mood changes that deserve real clinical attention
What women need to know about menopause hormone therapy, including where evidence ends, where clinical judgment begins, and why shared decision-making matters
The role of lifestyle factors: nutrition, strength training, sleep, alcohol use, and stress regulation in shaping long-term health during midlife
How misinformation, clickbait headlines, and influencer culture are fueling confusion around women’s health, and how to evaluate claims using evidence-based thinking
Why pharmacists are an underutilized and highly accessible resource for women navigating medications, supplements, and hormone therapy
Meghan’s personal health journey, including years of dismissed symptoms, the eventual diagnosis of uterine fibroids, and the importance of tracking and naming what your body is telling you
How to prepare for medical appointments with confidence, ask better questions, and recognize when it is time to seek a second opinion or a new provider
The empowering truth about midlife: this is not a decline, but a transition into clarity, agency, and informed self-leadership

How to find Meghan:

Her Book: The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age

Her Website

Instagram

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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86. When Hormone Therapy Isn’t the Answer: Andrea Nakayama on Root-Cause Healing and Thriving Through Midlife Naturally

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd, RPh sits down with Andrea Nakayama, functional medicine nutritionist and founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance, to unpack what happens when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t the right fit.

Whether due to contraindications, side effects, or personal choice, many women find that HRT doesn’t solve everything. Andrea shares how to navigate perimenopause and menopause naturally, focusing on root-cause healing, functional nutrition, and the body’s terrain—including sleep, gut health, blood sugar balance, and stress.

Together, they explore:

Why HRT doesn’t work for every woman — and how to know if it’s not working for you
How to support your body’s natural hormone metabolism through nutrition and lifestyle
The importance of balancing sleep, digestion, and blood sugar before adding hormones
The truth about functional lab testing and what’s actually worth your money
Why joy, purpose, and community matter just as much as supplements or prescriptions

Andrea reminds us that vitality and balance are possible—with or without hormones. Her compassionate, evidence-based perspective helps women reclaim agency over their midlife health and make empowered decisions that align with their individual stories.

Connect with Andrea Nakayama: andreanakayama.com Instagram: @andreanakayama

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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85. Peptides, GLP-1s, and Midlife Metabolism: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Marina Yuabova

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd, RPh, sits down with Dr. Marina Yuabova, DNP, APRN, an expert in metabolic and functional medicine, to unpack the truth about GLP-1 therapies (like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and peptide treatments for women in midlife.

Together, they explore how these powerful tools can fit into a holistic approach to wellness—and why they aren’t a magic fix. Dr. Yuabova explains the physiology behind weight changes in perimenopause and menopause, the connection between cortisol, insulin resistance, and midsection weight gain, and how lifestyle foundations like nutrition, sleep, and hormone balance must come before any medication or peptide protocol.

You’ll learn:

What peptides and GLP-1s actually do inside the body
The risks of using GLP-1 medications without addressing nutrient deficiencies
How to support your metabolism naturally before considering medication
The role of sleep, cortisol, and thyroid health in midlife weight gain
Why “microdosing” GLP-1s may be safer and more effective than traditional dosing
How to find qualified, evidence-based providers for peptide therapy
Ways to become a more informed, self-advocating patient

Dr. Yuabova and Victoria discuss the importance of personalized, functional care and the dangers of cookie-cutter approaches to midlife health. Whether you’re curious about GLP-1s, struggling with metabolic changes, or simply want to understand how to keep your energy, strength, and vitality through menopause, this episode is packed with insight.

Connect with Dr. Marina Yuabova:

🌐 nationalwellnessgroup.com

🌐 roadtofertility.com

📞 (561) 788-8888

Empower your midlife health journey—one conversation at a time.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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84. Menopause Belly Fat, Insulin Resistance & GLP-1s: Dr. Heather Awad on Sustainable Midlife Weight Loss

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Why do so many women suddenly struggle with belly fat, stubborn weight gain, and shifting body composition during perimenopause and menopause? And what role do new medications like GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy) play in the conversation?

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Dr. Heather Awad—family medicine physician, entrepreneur, and founder of Vibrant Menopause Weight Loss—to explore the biology, cultural pressures, and medical advances shaping midlife weight loss.

Dr. Awad shares her personal journey of gaining—and then losing—27 pounds in menopause, the surprising role of insulin resistance, and why the strategies that worked in our 20s and 30s often fail us in midlife. Together, we unpack the science, mindset shifts, and lifestyle changes that actually make weight loss sustainable—without endless restriction or calorie counting.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why a drop in estrogen leads to insulin resistance and sudden midlife weight gain
The difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat—and why menopause belly fat carries health risks
How to stop tying your self-worth to the number on the scale and build confidence during weight loss
Practical nutrition strategies: protein, fiber-rich carbs, healthy fats, and choosing sugar with intention
Why GLP-1 medications may help some women, but aren’t always the answer—and the risks to consider
How to shift from “just give me a meal plan” to creating a lifestyle that actually fits your life
The power of community and coaching in achieving lasting results

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Dr. Heather Awad: Vibrant-MD.com
Listen to Dr. Awad’s Vibrant Menopause Podcast
Download her free guide: The Best Breakfasts for Menopause

Key Takeaway: Midlife weight loss is possible. You are not broken, and with the right knowledge and support, you can feel like yourself again—healthy, strong, and confident.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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83. Ayurveda & Midlife: Dr. Christie Smirl on Hormone Balance, Energy & Healing

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this enlightening episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Dr. Christie Smirl, Ayurveda Doctor, nurse practitioner, yoga teacher, and founder of Healthier Vibrations. With her unique background blending modern medicine and ancient Eastern practices, Dr. Smirl offers a holistic approach to navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the midlife transition .

We dive deep into how Ayurveda can support women’s hormones, digestion, sleep, and energy during this transformative stage of life. Dr. Smirl shares practical tools for balancing doshas, reducing inflammation, supporting the nervous system, and cultivating spiritual resilience when modern life feels overwhelming .

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Ayurvedic perspective on perimenopause and menopause, and how it complements Western medicine
How to identify which dosha imbalances may be driving your midlife symptoms
Simple daily rituals and lifestyle practices that improve sleep, mood, and digestion
Why food, herbs, and mindful movement are considered medicine in Ayurveda
How stress, overstimulation, and technology affect the nervous system—and what to do about it
The connection between spiritual health, energy, and hormone balance
Practical ways to integrate Ayurveda into your busy midlife lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Learn more about Dr. Christie Smirl and her programs: Healthier Vibrations
Connect with Dr. Smirl on Instagram: @drchristiesmirl
Free resources and Ayurvedic tools: healthiervibrations.com/resources

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply seeking more energy, balance, and clarity in midlife, this episode offers a roadmap to healing through the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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82. No More Layers: Martine Cohen on Identity, Self-Leadership & Midlife Transformation

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this inspiring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Martine Cohen—attorney turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. After a life-changing concussion forced her to question everything she thought she knew about herself, Martine developed her groundbreaking approach, No More Layers, to help women peel back self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs to reconnect with their true selves.

Together, we dive into the identity shifts that so many women face in perimenopause, menopause, and midlife—when roles as mothers, caregivers, or professionals evolve, leaving us wondering Who am I now? Martine shares how to reframe these transitions as opportunities for growth, how to quiet the noise of imposter syndrome, and why self-leadership is the key to living with confidence and purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Martine’s brain injury became the catalyst for discovering her true essence beyond identity and achievement
What the concept of “layers” means—and how perfectionism, shame, and outdated beliefs hold women back
Why midlife is the perfect time to shed old stories and reclaim confidence, clarity, and freedom
How to use Martine’s Four-Minute Reset tool to stop mental chaos and rewire your brain for calm and clarity
The intersection of personal transformation and leadership—and why leading yourself first is the foundation of leading others
Practical ways to shift from fear and self-doubt into curiosity, empowerment, and self-trust

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Martine’s book: No More Layers: Discover Your Inner Power and Reclaim True Freedom from the Inside Out
Download Martine’s free Four-Minute Reset Tool: martinecohen.com/connect
Connect with Martine: martinecohen.com | Email: martin@martinecohen.com

If you’ve been struggling with self-doubt, identity shifts, or the fear of “what’s next” in midlife, this episode will show you how to peel back the layers, reclaim your inner power, and step into the second half of life with confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

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81. Mother-Daughter Lessons: Bernadette Catalana on Parenting, Forgiveness & Generational Healing

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

What does it really mean to raise daughters—and to be raised by them in return?

In this heartfelt episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with lawyer, mentor, and author Bernadette Catalana to explore the sacred, messy, and magical journey of motherhood. Drawing from her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving Our Daughters, Bernadette shares the paradox of guiding our children while being humbled and healed by them.

Together, Victoria and Bernadette discuss:

The unique dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they shape us across generations
Why forgiveness—of ourselves and others—is one of the most powerful lessons we can pass down
The role of happiness, independence, and dreams in modeling a fulfilling life for our kids
The beauty of creating a written or spoken legacy for our children to cherish long after we’re gone
How parenting evolves through the stages—from early motherhood to grandparenting—and the healing it can bring to our own childhood wounds

Whether you’re a mother, a daughter, or both, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own relationships and the legacy of love and wisdom you hope to leave behind.

Key Takeaway: Your happiness is your responsibility—and one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is the permission to pursue their own.

Learn more about Bernadette Catalana and her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving our Daughters

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80. From Emotional Eating to Empowered Living: Terry Tateossian’s Journey to Strength, Healing & Sustainable Health

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd is joined by health coach and emotional eating expert Terry Tateossian. Terry shares her transformative journey from a burnt-out, overstressed, 80-pounds-overweight businesswoman to a strong, grounded, and thriving coach helping women reclaim their health mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Through raw honesty, humor, and deep wisdom, Terry reveals how her two hospitalizations became the wake-up call that led her to explore macro-based nutrition, emotional eating patterns, and sustainable strength training. She dives into the emotional roots of food addiction, how to differentiate emotional vs. physical hunger, and the tools she now teaches her clients to break the binge-restrict cycle without shame.

What We Cover:

Terry’s rock-bottom moment that changed everything
How emotional eating masked deeper unmet emotional needs
The difference between primary (emotional) and secondary (physical) food
Recognizing and disrupting the emotional eating loop
Tools to manage cravings without guilt or restriction
How macro tracking changed Terry’s mindset around food and freedom
Substitution strategies like protein ice cream and dark chocolate
Parenting, pantry challenges, and building sustainable habits with kids
Why strength training is about honoring your body not punishing it
The myth of “eating less” and how more food can actually heal
How to rewire your brain (and taste buds) away from sugar dependency

Whether you’ve battled emotional eating, tried every diet under the sun, or simply want to feel strong and aligned in your midlife body, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and deep inspiration.

Connect with Terry Tateossian:

Instagram: @howgoodcanigitget
Website: thehouseofbros.com
Email: terry@thehouseofbros.com

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79. The FDA Lifts the Black Box Warning on Vaginal Estrogen: What It Means for Women’s Health and Sexual Wellness

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this special solo episode of *Women Mastering Midlife*, host **Victoria Byrd, RPh**, wraps up the Sexual Wellness Series with a timely and powerful discussion. Recorded on the very day the **FDA removed the black box warning from vaginal estrogen**, Victoria explores what this historic decision means for women in perimenopause and menopause.

From sexual wellness products to the importance of safe intimacy, body awareness, and pleasure as a birthright, Victoria reviews highlights from her conversations with experts throughout the series, including intimacy coach Shana Stewart, nurse practitioner Megan, Rosebud Woman founder Christine, and NP Vanessa Weiland.

She also shares insights from the Menopause Society Conference, discussing:

* Why vaginal estrogen is now recognized as safe and effective

* The difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

* The evolving role of vibrator therapy and sensate touch as medical tools for women’s health

* The cultural stigma and shame still surrounding female pleasure

* How open communication and education can transform sexual wellness at midlife

Victoria closes the episode with practical recommendations on trusted sexual wellness brands, including Intimate Rose, Pelvic People, Rosebud Woman, Bonafide, Uberlube, and Good Clean Love, and reminds listeners that pleasure, comfort, and connection are essential parts of well-being.

Listen to this empowering finale and join the movement to reclaim sexual wellness in midlife.

Resources & Links:

* FDA ruling on vaginal estrogen: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy

* Intimate Rose

Bonafide Revaree

Pelvic People Ohnut and Kiwi

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78. Sex, Shame & Midlife Liberation: Breaking Taboos Around Women’s Pleasure with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this powerful closing episode of the Women Mastering Midlife sexual wellness series, I sit down with Dr. Sadaf Lodi—board-certified OB-GYN, intimacy coach, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and host of The Muslim Sex Podcast. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Sadaf is on a mission to help women reclaim their sexual agency, navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence, and challenge cultural and societal taboos around intimacy and desire

Together, we explore how shame, silence, and outdated beliefs have shaped women’s sexual experiences—and how midlife offers a chance for liberation, healing, and joy. From understanding how religion and culture influence our sexual narratives, to moving from sex negativity toward sex neutrality and positivity, this conversation offers both practical insights and deep encouragement for women ready to reconnect with themselves and their partners

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why women’s sexual health is often left out of traditional medical training—and how Dr. Sadaf is changing that
The impact of cultural, religious, and societal messages about sex on women’s beliefs and relationships
The concept of moving from sex negativity → sex neutrality → sex positivity as part of sexual healing
The truth about the orgasm gap and why so many women feel “broken” around pleasure
How media and porn have shaped harmful myths about women’s bodies and sexuality
The importance of communication, self-discovery, and date nights for a thriving midlife sex life

Why sex should never be painful—and what to do if it is

Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Connect with Dr. Sadaf Lodi: The Muslim Sex Podcast | Instagram @drsadaflobgybn
Menopause Society: https://menopause.org
ISSWSH – International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: https://www.isswsh.org

If you’ve ever felt shame around intimacy, struggled with desire, or wondered how to rebuild your sexual confidence in midlife, this episode is for you. It’s time to rewrite the narrative, reclaim your pleasure, and embrace sexual wellness as an essential part of whole-body health.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

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77. Vaginal Estrogen & GSM: Myths, Facts, and Sexual Wellness in Midlife with NP Vanessa Weiland

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I welcome back Nurse Practitioner Vanessa Weiland for a candid and much-needed conversation about vaginal estrogen, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and sexual wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond.

Too many midlife women suffer in silence from vaginal dryness, recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and bladder issues—often unaware that safe, effective treatments exist. Vanessa and I unpack the myths, explore the latest research and guidelines, and explain why vaginal estrogen is not only safe but also life-changing for many women.

We also dive into alternatives like vaginal DHEA, the role of pelvic floor therapy, how to advocate for yourself with your provider, and why the FDA’s outdated black box warning continues to create unnecessary fear.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is and how it affects sexual and urinary health
Why vaginal estrogen is different from systemic hormone therapy—and why it’s considered safe, even with a history of breast cancer or blood clots
The pros and cons of creams, tablets, and rings for vaginal estrogen
How vaginal estrogen can improve blood flow, sensation, lubrication, and overall sexual experience
The growing evidence for pelvic floor physical therapy, yoga, and lifestyle strategies as part of GSM care
How to confidently start the conversation with your provider, even if they don’t bring it up
Myths and misconceptions that prevent women from getting the care they need

Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Menopause Rating Scale (Self-Assessment Tool)
ACOG guidelines on vaginal estrogen safety
GSM Clinical Guidelines (latest recommendations)
Connect with Nurse Practitioner Vanessa Weiland on Instagram: @phases.clinic

If you’ve been struggling with vaginal dryness, painful sex, or recurrent UTIs, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with knowledge, confidence, and practical steps to reclaim your comfort and sexual wellness in midlife.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

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Join the Conversation

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76. Reclaiming Pleasure and Redefining Womanhood with Christine Marie Mason, Founder of Rosebud Woman

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this deeply insightful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Christine Marie Mason, founder of Rosebud Woman—a company redefining intimate and sexual wellness through natural, body-honoring products and conscious conversation. Together, they explore the intersection of pleasure, embodiment, spirituality, and healing across every stage of a woman’s life.

Christine shares her journey from creating Rosebud Woman out of personal need to building a global movement that challenges shame and celebrates the feminine. This heartfelt discussion touches on the cultural conditioning around women’s bodies, how pleasure is a birthright—not a luxury, and the importance of daily rituals of self-care that reconnect us with softness, sensuality, and strength.

They also explore Christine’s new book, The Nine Lives of Women: Sensual, Sexual, and Reproductive Stages from Birth to 100, which reframes how we view womanhood beyond reproductive milestones—offering a roadmap for embracing joy, purpose, and liberation at every age.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Christine created Rosebud Woman and how her products promote self-love and empowerment
The importance of vulvar and vaginal care as part of whole-body wellness
How to restore blood flow and vitality through simple daily practices
Why pleasure is not indulgent—it’s an essential pathway to health and joy
How social and cultural narratives have shaped women’s relationship with their bodies
What the nine stages of womanhood reveal about growth, wisdom, and freedom after menopause
The inspiration behind Christine’s Hawaiian retreat space and her evolving podcast and book projects

About Christine Marie Mason:

Christine is a visionary entrepreneur, author of The Nine Lives of Women, host of The Rose Woman Podcast, and founder of Rosebud Woman—an award-winning intimate wellness brand centered on body literacy, plant wisdom, and radical self-acceptance. Her work bridges the sensual and the spiritual, inviting women to reclaim their full, embodied selves.

Mentioned in This Episode:

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75. Reclaiming Pleasure in Midlife: Understanding Painful Sex, Sensate Focus, and Vibrator Therapy with Nurse Practitioner Magen Price

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Magen Price, MSN, FNP-BC, NCMP, AASECT Certified Sex Counselor, to unpack one of the most under-discussed aspects of women’s health — sexual wellness in midlife. Together, they explore how hormonal shifts, shame, & lack of education have shaped women’s experiences with sex, pleasure, & pain during perimenopause and menopause—& how we can change the narrative.

Magen shares her journey from primary care to founding Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness, a concierge clinic specializing in sexual dysfunction, menopause care, & couples intimacy counseling. She introduces listeners to two evidence-based approaches—Sensate Focus Therapy & Vibrator Therapy—that help women reconnect with pleasure, reduce pain during sex, & rediscover confidence in their bodies.

From the anatomy of arousal to why “self-touch is physical therapy for your vulva,” this conversation is both clinical & compassionate, blending practical tools with stigma-free empowerment.

What We Discuss:

Why sexual wellness deserves a seat at the table in menopause care
The difference between physical & psychological causes of painful sex (dyspareunia)
How vaginal dryness, hormone changes, & pelvic floor tension contribute to discomfort
What Sensate Focus Therapy is and how it helps retrain your brain & body for pleasure
The science behind vibrator therapy and how it improves blood flow, lubrication, & arousal
Breaking generational shame around female pleasure & self-touch

How to talk to partners—& your healthcare provider—about sexual concerns

Why pleasure is more than orgasm

Resources Mentioned:

Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness
OMGYes – A resource for women’s pleasure education
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (find a specialist near you via the APTA directory)

FREE Sexual Wellness in Midlife Guide

About Magen Price:

Magen Price is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, certified menopause practitioner, & AASECT-certified sex counselor. She has over a decade of experience in community health & sexual medicine, blending primary care expertise with evidence-based sexual wellness practices. In 2025, she opened Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness in Melrose, MA, where she helps women & couples reclaim pleasure, heal from pain, & thrive in midlife and beyond.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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74. From Vanilla to Vibrant: Redefining Midlife Intimacy, Pleasure, and Safety with Shauna Stewart

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:07:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes back certified sexuality educator and intimacy coach Shauna Stewart for a powerful conversation about redefining sex, pleasure, and intimacy in midlife.

Together, they explore why “vanilla” intimacy doesn’t have to mean boring, how novelty and intentionality fuel desire, and why safety and communication are the foundation of great sex. Shauna also shares how women can shift from repression to full self-expression, the role of responsive desire, and why slowing down and savoring life is essential for both pleasure and wellness.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Why women’s desire often shifts after the first year in a relationship—and how to reignite it
How consent conversations create deeper safety, connection, and freedom in the bedroom
The truth about “vanilla sex” and how to bring curiosity and play back into intimacy
Understanding spontaneous vs. responsive desire—and how to work with both
Why rest and pleasure outside the bedroom are the foundation for sexual satisfaction
Stories from Shauna’s transformational retreat in Tuscany and how learning to receive changes everything

Whether you’re feeling stuck in routine, navigating midlife changes, or simply wanting to deepen intimacy, this episode will leave you inspired to explore pleasure as your birthright.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Connect with Shauna Stewart: https://lingerboutique.com/pages/sexuality-education-intimacy-coaching
https://www.instagram.com/linger.u
Shauna’s podcast: Life Turned On

Sexual Wellness in Midlife FREE Guide

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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73. Surgical Menopause Explained: Symptoms, Risks, and Hormone Therapy Options with Julie Parana, The Menopause OT

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700

What happens when menopause comes suddenly instead of gradually? For women facing a hysterectomy or ovary removal, surgical menopause can feel like being hit by a truck—bringing abrupt hormone loss, severe symptoms, and long-term health risks.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Julie Parana, occupational therapist and founder of The Menopause OT. Julie shares her personal story of entering menopause at 42 after a hysterectomy and how it led her to dedicate her practice to supporting women through this life stage. Together, we explore:

The difference between natural menopause and surgical menopause
Why symptoms are often more intense after surgery
The critical role of estrogen in protecting brain, bone, heart, and metabolic health
Hormone therapy options (and why more women should wake up from surgery with an estrogen patch)
Mental health implications of early menopause—and why antidepressants aren’t always the answer
Lifestyle strategies that help women thrive, from strength training to nutrition to sleep hygiene
How to advocate for yourself and work with the right providers

If you’re considering surgery, already in surgical menopause, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will give you the knowledge and tools to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and find relief.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Julie at themenopauseot.com
Follow Julie on TikTok & YouTube: @themenopauseot
Instagram: @themenoot

Listen now to learn how to take control of your health during surgical menopause and beyond.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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72. Bone Health, Calcium, and Clean Supplements: Pharmacist Jennifer Han on Creating SEEN Nutrition for Women’s Wellness

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Jennifer Han, PharmD, BCACP, clinical pharmacist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of SEEN Nutrition, to talk about bone health, calcium supplementation, and why women deserve better options.

After experiencing a rare case of pregnancy-lactation osteoporosis, Jennifer discovered firsthand the gaps in women’s health when it comes to bone support. Frustrated with outdated calcium supplements full of fillers, dyes, and corn syrup, she partnered with co-founder Adrienne Bittar to create the first patented calcium chew made entirely from real food ingredients.

Together, Victoria and Jennifer dive into:

Jennifer’s personal health journey that led to launching SEEN Nutrition
Why bone health matters at every stage of a woman’s life—from postpartum through menopause and beyond
The shortcomings of most over-the-counter calcium supplements and what to look for on a label
How bioavailability from food sources like milk minerals and vitamin D mushrooms outperforms synthetic options
The importance of prevention, lifestyle choices, and nutrition in reducing osteoporosis risk
Why SEEN Nutrition intentionally uses Nutrition Facts (not Supplement Facts) labeling for transparency and trust
Practical ways women can support their bones daily—without horse-sized pills or added sugars

This conversation is both scientifically grounded and deeply personal, highlighting the intersection of pharmacy, functional medicine, and women’s lived experiences. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or simply want to protect your long-term bone health, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for mastering midlife on your terms.

Learn more about SEEN Nutrition and their food-first calcium chews at www.seennutrition.com. Use VICTORIABYRD10 for 10% off your first order!

Want more support for your midlife transition?

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

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Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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71. Stronger Bones, Longer Life: What Midlife Women Must Know About Osteoporosis, Estrogen, and Strength Training

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this must-listen episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT, to unpack the often-overlooked topic of bone health in perimenopause and menopause. Together, they explore the critical connection between estrogen and osteoporosis, the surprising risks of low BMI, and why midlife is the perfect time to start strength training—not just to build muscle, but to protect your bones, prevent fractures, and maintain your independence for decades to come.

Dr. Moore shares her personal and professional journey into bone health and cancer rehab, revealing how her own osteopenia diagnosis shifted the course of her career. She delivers actionable insights on:

Why osteoporosis is a silent disease and how to know if you're at risk
What osteopenia really means (and why it's your wake-up call)
The powerful role estrogen plays in bone remodeling and collagen production
Why "strong and stable" matters more than "small and skinny" in midlife
The truth about weighted vests, DEXA scans, and the real exercise prescription for your bones
Her go-to formula: protein-forward nutrition, anti-inflammatory eating, sleep as medicine, and functional movement
The evidence-based strength training approach that actually improves bone density even if you're a beginner

If you're a midlife woman who wants to stay active, vibrant, and fracture-free for the long haul, this episode is your essential guide to taking charge of your bone health starting now.

Links & Resources: Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT – Learn more at www.drlisamooredpt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisamooredpt/

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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Want more support for your midlife transition?

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70. Thyroid Health in Midlife: Hashimoto’s, Thyroid Cancer, and Simple Neck Checks with Dr. Rashmi Roy

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Your thyroid may be small, but it plays a mighty role in your midlife health. From energy and mood to metabolism, hair, skin, and even heart health; this butterfly-shaped gland has an outsized influence on how you feel day to day. Yet for many women, thyroid issues are often dismissed as just “getting older” or blamed on perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Dr. Rashmi Roy, the highest-volume thyroid surgeon in the world and a national leader in thyroid cancer awareness. Together, they break down what every midlife woman needs to know about her thyroid and how to protect it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

What the thyroid is, where it’s located, and why it’s “small but mighty” for your overall health
How thyroid symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or hair loss are often mistaken for menopause or aging
Why thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in women, especially ages 30–50
Why routine blood work may not reveal thyroid cancer and the importance of ultrasounds
The simple two-minute neck check you can do at home to catch thyroid problems early https://www.thyroidcancer.com/selfcheck
How Hashimoto’s disease impacts women, and when surgery may be life-changing
Lifestyle, diet, and supplement strategies that support thyroid health, including gluten-free and anti-inflammatory approaches
Why every woman should consider a baseline thyroid ultrasound by age 30

Dr. Roy also shares her #NeckCheck Challenge, a movement to empower women to take control of their thyroid health and spread awareness through simple, practical self-care.

If you want a tutorial of how to perform a neck check, Dr. Roy has one available on her YouTube channel

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are menopause, thyroid, or something more—you won’t want to miss this essential conversation.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Follow Dr. Rashmi Roy on Instagram TikTok and YouTube for her #NeckCheck Challenge
Learn more about the Clayman Thyroid Center in Tampa, Florida
Book a discovery call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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69. Fertility, IVF, and Identity: Abbe Feder on Turning Infertility into Empowerment

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this heartfelt episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes fertility and life coach Abbe Feder, founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Women's Wellness with Abbe Feder podcast. Together, they explore the deeply emotional and often invisible journey of infertility, IVF, midlife motherhood, and the identity shifts that come with them.

From the raw reality of eight IVF rounds and an ectopic pregnancy to navigating grief, isolation, and the societal pressure to stay silent, Abbe shares how she transformed pain into purpose. She now helps other women advocate for themselves through infertility, loss, and pregnancy after trauma with a deep understanding of the gaps in our healthcare system and the emotional toll of being unheard.

This episode dives into:

Abbe's personal story of infertility, IVF, and ultimately, the birth of her twins
How women are conditioned to not “bother” their doctors and why that must change
The emotional cost of fertility struggles in a motherhood-focused culture
What pregnancy after infertility really feels like
The identity shift from "infertile woman" to motherhood—and the guilt that can come with it
Why social media is both a gift and a trigger in the fertility journey
How Abbe is supporting women today through coaching, advocacy, and real talk

This is a must-listen for any woman navigating fertility, midlife identity, or looking to support others through it with more empathy and honesty.

Connect with Abbe Feder:

🔗 Website: www.incirclefertility.com

📸 Instagram: @incirclefertility

🎙 Podcast: Women's Wellness with Abbe Feder

📧 DM her on Instagram or book a consult via her website

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Ready to join the Macronutrients 101 Course? We begin October 6th. Register here: bit.ly/Macros101WMM

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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68. Get Quiet to Get Clear: Healing, Boundaries, and Midlife Reconnection with Elaine Glass

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this soul-stirring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with transformational speaker, spiritual teacher, and author Elaine Glass to discuss the profound healing power of getting quiet. Elaine shares the story behind her book Get Quiet, how a chance encounter with a labyrinth changed her life, and why silence is the missing ingredient so many midlife women are seeking.

We explore how stress, over-productivity, and people-pleasing keep us disconnected from our bodies and truth and how reconnecting to that stillness helps us reclaim our power. Elaine walks us through the seven energetic paths in her book, each tied to a part of the body, and how we can use this framework to release emotional and physical blocks, regulate our nervous systems, and return to ourselves.

Whether you're going through a transition like divorce, empty-nesting, or simply feeling lost in the chaos, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. Elaine and I also dive into:

Why rest is rebellious (and necessary)
Using the labyrinth as a tool for transformation
Letting go of guilt around peace and joy
How boundary-setting is an act of self-love
The connection between stress, inflammation, and midlife health
Why getting away from your environment may be the catalyst you need
How childhood clues may reveal your purpose today

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or ready for a shift—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Get Quiet is available in print and Audible, with a unique body-based meditation at the end of each chapter to support your healing.

Listen now and take your first step toward peace and purpose.

📌 Resources & Links:

Connect with Elaine Glass
Purchase Get Quiet on Amazon
Learn more about retreats and 1:1 work with Elaine

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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67. Run Like Hell: Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso; licensed marriage and family therapist, trauma bonding and narcissistic abuse expert, and author of the memoir Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds. You may recognize her as the former wife of the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street,” but today, Nadine is rewriting the narrative by helping women recognize the red flags of coercive control, reclaim their sense of self, and heal from emotional trauma.

Together, Victoria and Nadine explore:

What trauma bonding really is and how it differs from general relationship toxicity
The subtle signs of narcissistic abuse and coercive control
Why smart, accomplished women often fall into these relationships
The healing process: rebuilding self-trust, confidence, and identity
Why people-pleasing and boundary-blurring are red flags we shouldn’t ignore
How women can create emotionally safe, calm relationships—especially in midlife

Dr. Nadine also shares her journey from fashion designer to psychotherapist, her reflections on the Wolf of Wall Street movie, and why writing Run Like Hell was more than a memoir; it was a roadmap to healing for women worldwide. She discusses the importance of therapy, emotional intelligence in midlife, and her thriving Surthriver™️ Community that offers affordable, expert-led healing support.

Whether you’re recovering from a trauma bond, exploring a new relationship in midlife, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode offers hope, validation, and a clear path forward.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

About Dr. Nadine Macaluso: Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in somatic psychotherapy. Drawing from her own lived experience and clinical expertise, she specializes in helping women recognize trauma bonds, escape narcissistic abuse, and rebuild safe and empowered lives. She is the author of Run Like Hell and the founder of the Surthriver™ Community.

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

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66. Pellet Hormone Therapy: What Every Midlife Woman Should Know with Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Is pellet hormone therapy safe? Why isn’t it FDA-approved? And why is there so much controversy surrounding it?

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, RPh, dives deep into the nuances of pellet hormone therapy with Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C- an integrative hormone specialist with over 20 years of experience. Christine shares her clinical insights and personal journey with hormone replacement, explains the science and safety behind pellets, and clears up misconceptions that often spark online debate.

You’ll learn:

What pellet hormone therapy actually is and how it works
The differences between testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone in pellet form
Why pellets aren’t included in current Menopause Society guidelines (and what that really means)
The risks of overprescribing and why proper training matters
How Christine determines if pellets are right for a patient (hint: it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution)
The truth about testosterone therapy and women’s libido
Why lifestyle, stress, sleep, and movement must be considered alongside hormones

Christine emphasizes that pellets are a powerful tool, but only in the right hands and with the right patient. If you’re pellet-curious or trying to navigate hormone therapy options, this is the balanced, evidence-informed conversation you need.

About Today’s Guest:

Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C, is a hormone health expert and founder of Bioidentical Wellness in Westlake Village, CA. She blends conventional and integrative medicine to provide personalized hormone care for men and women. Christine is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA and a member of the Menopause Society, International Menopause Society, and other global organizations. She is certified in Vitapel hormone implant therapy and is a sought-after speaker and educator in the menopause space.

Connect with Christine Farrell:

🔗 Website: https://bioidenticalwellness.com

📍 Clinic: Bioidentical Wellness, Westlake Village, CA

📱 Instagram: @bioidenticalwellness

Want more support for your midlife transition?

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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65. Why Midlife Women Struggle With Sleep—and What to Do About It with Dr. Andrea Matsumura

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Are you waking up at 3 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep? Tossing, turning, and wondering if it’s your hormones or just aging? In this essential episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd talks with Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, internist, and Menopause Society-certified practitioner, about the unique sleep struggles women face in perimenopause and menopause and how to actually fix them.

Dr. Matsumura breaks down the misunderstood relationship between estrogen, progesterone, and melatonin, and shares why women are vastly underdiagnosed when it comes to sleep apnea. She introduces her D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method, a holistic framework to uncover root causes of sleep disruption in women, including hormonal shifts, anxiety, nighttime routines, and undetected sleep disorders.

We dive into:

• Why estrogen is essential for temperature regulation and sleep quality

• The truth about melatonin (and why it’s not just for jet lag)

• How to take melatonin for best results, especially in midlife

• Why women are misdiagnosed or ignored when it comes to sleep apnea

• Sleep apnea without snoring- what you need to know

• How to advocate for better care if you're told to “just take a sleeping pill”

• Prescription sleep aids vs. root cause solutions

• The D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™ explained

• Why wearable sleep trackers can reveal helpful patterns even if they’re not diagnostic

• What sleeping like a goddess actually looks like

Dr. Matsumura and Victoria discuss why midlife sleep issues are not just normal aging—and why high-quality sleep is foundational for your health span, not just your lifespan.

🔗 Resources & Connect with Dr. Matsumura:

Website: https://www.sleepgoddessmd.com

Instagram: @sleepgoddessmd

Take the Sleep Goddess Quiz to find your archetype

Interested in Dr. Matsumura’s patient offerings or consulting? Visit her site for more.

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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64. The Dusty Muffins: Menopause Myths, Hormone Truths, and Why One Hot Flash Is Too Many

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this spirited and insightful episode, Victoria Byrd welcomes the powerhouse trio behind The Dusty Muffins podcast: Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, and Dr. Christine Hart Kress. These certified menopause practitioners—and self-declared “Menno Besties”—share their journey from training and clinical collaboration to launching one of the most refreshing, no-holds-barred podcasts in the menopause space.

Together, they tackle:

The origin of their hilarious and unforgettable podcast name
What they wish every woman—and every provider—knew about perimenopause and menopause care
Why even “mild” hot flashes could be a red flag for brain and heart health
The connection between vasomotor symptoms and increased risk for cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis
The challenges women face getting prescriptions filled due to outdated pharmacy education and systemic hurdles
The case for collaborative, ego-free care across specialties—especially for midlife women
Their approach to hormone therapy, patient advocacy, and building business and friendship together

You'll laugh, nod along, and probably rethink how hot flashes show up in your own life (spoiler: they might not look how you think). Whether you're a patient, pharmacist, or provider, this episode is packed with validation, education, and real-talk about why women deserve better.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Dusty Muffins Podcast
The SWAN Study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation)
Dr. Rebecca Thurston’s research on hot flashes and brain changes
HRT myths and how to empower informed choices
SNL’s “Dusty Muffin” skit with Betty White (yep, it's real—and worth watching)

🔗 Connect with the Dusty Muffins:

🎧 Listen to The Dusty Muffins: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dusty-muffins/id1799704881

📸 Follow them on Instagram: @portlandmenopausedoc

@thedustymuffins @christinehartkress_dnp @drrebbeccaherteldo

🌐 Learn more about their work: https://www.christinehartkressdnp.com/

https://osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/

https://portlandmenopausedoc.com/

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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63. The Menopause Rebrand: Rage, Hormones, and the Rise of the Menopunks Movement with Alicia J. Rose

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this electrifying episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with filmmaker, photographer, and punk rock truth-teller Alicia J. Rose, the force behind the upcoming documentary Menopunks. What starts as a conversation about the personal and political impacts of hormone therapy quickly evolves into a raw, radical takedown of the broken systems that have failed women for decades.

Alicia shares the origin story behind Menopunks: a grassroots movement born from her own hormone journey and frustration over the decades-long misinformation surrounding HRT.

Together, she and Victoria dig into:

The shocking truth behind the WHI study and its long-term consequences
How Gen X rage may finally turn the tide in menopause advocacy
Why hormonal optimization is a feminist issue
The impact of estrogen on brain health, creativity, and longevity
How the system gaslights women into silence and suffering
Why artists, not just doctors, might be the messengers midlife women finally trust

This episode is a call to arms. It's emotional, unapologetic, and unapologetically sweaty. You’ll walk away informed, outraged, and fired up to reclaim your health, your story, and your power.

Resources & Links:

🎬 Learn more and support the Menopunks movement: https://www.menopunks.com
📸 Follow Alicia on Instagram: @aliciajrose
👕 Buy the merch, support the film: Menopunks Merch
📚 Recommended reading: Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris

Key Quotes:

“We don’t need more products. We need the truth—and a hell of a lot more rage.”

“What happens if all women were hormonally optimized? Everything.”

“HRT didn’t just change my symptoms, it gave me my creativity and power back.”

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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62. Myth-Busting Midlife Fitness and Nutrition with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple- exercise scientist, researcher, and truth-teller in the crowded world of wellness advice for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about fitness, fat loss, protein, hormones, and everything in between for midlife women.

Dr. Colenso-Semple helps demystify the noise around social media trends and wellness fads. Together, they explore evidence-based strategies for building muscle after 40, bust the myth that cardio is “bad,” and clarify the real science behind weighted vests, intermittent fasting, protein intake, and cortisol.

Whether you're frustrated by conflicting advice, overwhelmed by online "hacks," or simply wondering what actually works for women in perimenopause and menopause, this episode will give you practical, research-backed insights without the gimmicks.

What We Cover:

Why women can build muscle in midlife (yes, even in their 80s!)
The truth about strength training, cardio, and walking with weighted vests
Cortisol myths and how real stress, not hormones alone, affects weight
Calorie deficits, diet quality, and why "calories in vs. calories out" still matters
Protein goals made simple: what's realistic, what’s overkill, and how to hit your needs
The deal with intermittent fasting and fasted workouts
What to know before filling your cabinet with supplements
The dangers of oversimplified hormone therapy messaging on social media
Why nuance matters in science communication and how to spot red flags online

One big takeaway? The basics still work. No magic pills, no quick fixes—just consistent habits, realistic expectations, and informed choices.

🔗 Follow Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple on Instagram: @drlaurencs1

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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61. The Estrogen Alzheimer’s Connection: Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl on Menopause, Brain Health & Cleopatra RX

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Could the key to protecting women's brains during menopause already exist and be overlooked for decades?

In this groundbreaking episode, I sit down with Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, UCLA neurologist and internationally recognized researcher, to explore the powerful link between estrogen, menopause, and cognitive health. Dr. Voskuhl breaks down her decades of research on sex differences in neurological disease and the role of estriol, a lesser-known estrogen unique to pregnancy, in protecting brain function.

We discuss:

Why 70% of menopausal women experience cognitive decline and how it’s often dismissed
The overlooked role of estriol in brain protection and how it differs from estradiol
Her creation of Cleopatra RX and the science behind its formulation for cognition, not just hot flashes
What her clinical trials in MS patients revealed about estrogen’s neuroprotective effects
The future of menopause care, Alzheimer’s prevention, and women’s brain health
The difference between FDA approval, safety data, and why estriol has been used safely in Europe for 40+ years

Dr. Voskuhl shares why she believes we must stop ignoring the brain in menopause and how Cleopatra RX is aiming to fill that gap with a safe, affordable, and research-backed solution for cognitive decline in midlife women.

This is a must-listen for any woman experiencing brain fog, verbal memory lapses, or focus issues during perimenopause and menopause.

🔗 Resources & Links:

Learn more: https://www.cleopatrarx.com
Research publications: Cleopatra RX → RCare → Scientific Publications
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl’s UCLA profile: HERE

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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60. From Pause to Power: How Stay-at-Home Moms Can Reinvent Themselves and Thrive in Midlife with Sharon Macey

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this inspiring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes Sharon Macy — motivational speaker, content creator, and host of the globally ranked podcast Mom to More. Sharon shares her journey from two decades as a stay-at-home mom to becoming a celebrated podcaster and community builder.

Together, Victoria and Sharon dive into the often invisible value of motherhood, reframing career "pauses" as strategic and powerful foundations for a new chapter. They explore how the skills women gain during motherhood — from emotional intelligence and conflict resolution to project management and leadership — are deeply transferable and deserve recognition.

Listeners will walk away with:

Practical steps for rediscovering your purpose after motherhood
Ways to reframe fear and self-doubt when stepping into something new
Inspiration from other midlife women who started small and created massive impact
How to identify and own the "invisible resume" of your stay-at-home years
The importance of community and connection during reinvention

Whether you’re reentering the workforce, starting something entirely new, or simply trying to rediscover yourself after years of caregiving, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Sharon Macy:

🎙 Podcast: Mom to More

📧 Email: hello@momtomore.com

🌐 Website: www.momtomore.com

📸 Instagram: @momtomore

🔗 LinkedIn: Sharon Macy on LinkedIn

📘 Facebook: Mom to More Facebook Page

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

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59. Rebuilding, Reinventing, & Rising: Thriving Through Divorce, Motherhood, & Midlife Business with Annie Evans

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Today on Women Mastering Midlife, I’m joined by Annie Evans- entrepreneur, single mom, skincare expert, and all-around powerhouse, for a refreshingly real conversation about navigating life after divorce, building a thriving business, and embracing self-care and community during the midlife years. Annie shares how she went from reluctant business owner to founder of two successful locations and her own skincare line, all while raising her two children and learning how to prioritize her own well-being.

We dive into the realities of midlife dating, the challenges of managing hormonal shifts alongside parenting teens, why self-care is non-negotiable (even if it looks different than you expected), and how women can leverage their hidden skills to reinvent their lives after major transitions. Annie’s story is packed with wisdom, laughter, and the reminder that reinvention at midlife isn't just possible, it’s powerful.

If you're a midlife woman wondering how to rebuild, reclaim your identity, or take a leap into something new, this episode is for you.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Annie's journey from economist to esthetician to multi-location business owner
Lessons from building a business as a single mom in midlife
How divorce reshapes your sense of identity and motherhood
The unexpected benefits (and challenges) of dating in your 40s
Prioritizing self-care in the busiest seasons of life
Letting go of societal expectations and redefining success on your terms
The importance of asking for help, building community, and finding joy in solo adventures
Why women underestimate their transferable skills — and how to own your experience
Words of encouragement for any woman standing at a new beginning

Resources Mentioned:

Books: Who Not How, 10x is Easier than 2x, Traction

Small Business Administration (SBA) resources for women entrepreneurs

Connect with Annie Evans: https://spruceshoppe.com/

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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58. Magnesium and Midlife: The Unsung Hero of Hormone Health, Sleep & Mood

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:02:00 -0700

In this empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, RPh, dives into one of the most underrated minerals for women in perimenopause and menopause: magnesium.

Often overlooked, magnesium plays a critical role in hormone balance, sleep quality, mood regulation, muscle function, and more. But not all magnesium is created equal—and the form you choose can make a big difference in how you feel.

Join Victoria as she breaks down:

Why magnesium is essential in midlife (and why declining estrogen makes deficiency more common)
The signs you may be low in magnesium (hello, insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, and restless leg syndrome!)
Top magnesium-rich foods to add to your plate
A breakdown of the different forms of magnesium—including glycinate, citrate, malate, L-threonate, oxide, taurate, and chloride—and which ones support sleep, digestion, brain health, and more
Dosage guidance and supplement safety tips
When to supplement and when to prioritize food sources

Whether you’re struggling with sleep, mood swings, or muscle tension, magnesium could be the missing piece of your midlife wellness puzzle.

Mentioned in the Episode

📝 Free Supplement Guide with a magnesium breakdown chart: Get it at www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides
🧠 Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s research on magnesium and brain health
📚 Dr. Lara Briden’s Period Repair Manual
🧂 NIH Magnesium Fact Sheet for health professionals

Want more support for your midlife transition?

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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57. Why Creatine Is a Game-Changer for Women Over 40: Muscle, Memory & Midlife Strength

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, licensed pharmacist and integrative women’s health coach, breaks down everything you need to know about creatine supplementation for women over 40.

Once known only for “muscle bros,” creatine is now backed by solid research for its benefits in muscle preservation, cognitive function, bone density, and energy—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

You’ll learn:

Why women start losing 3–8% of muscle mass per decade after 30—and how creatine helps slow it down
What the latest research says about creatine’s effects on strength and performance in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (even without workouts!)
Creatine’s brain-boosting and bone-supporting benefits as we age
The truth about safety, water retention, and common myths
Dosage, timing, and whether capsules or powder work better
Victoria’s personal routine and trusted brands (Thorne, Optimum Nutrition, Naked Creatine)
Why consistency matters more than timing—and how to easily add it to your day

👟 Whether you're strength training 3x a week or just getting started, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to decide if creatine belongs in your midlife wellness plan.

🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned:

💪 Grab Victoria’s Free Strength Training Guide for Midlife Women
📖 Blog post: Creatine for Women in Midlife
🧠 Book a 50-minute Midlife Mastery Clarity Session
📚 Experts to follow: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Stacy Sims

💬 Let’s Connect: Have questions about creatine or midlife muscle loss? DM Victoria on Instagram @msvictoriabyrd or leave a comment with your takeaways!

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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56. Midlife Ask Me Anything: Hormone Therapy, Brain Fog, Strength Training, and the Truth About Belly Fat

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Welcome to a special Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode of Women Mastering Midlife with your host, Victoria Byrd, pharmacist, certified menopause practitioner, and integrative health coach. In this milestone episode, Victoria reflects on her journey from pharmacy to midlife coaching and answers your most frequently asked questions about navigating the menopause transition.

Tune in as she unpacks powerful and practical advice around:

Why she left pharmacy to become a menopause health coach
The evolving role of pharmacists in menopause care and why education and collaboration matter
Hormone therapy facts: Is it safe? Who is it for? What the WHI study got wrong
Perimenopause brain fog and what Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s research reveals about estrogen and the brain
How to stay motivated during injury recovery and strength training setbacks
Real talk on midlife belly fat, metabolic changes, cortisol, and why cookie-cutter diet plans don’t work

Victoria also dives into the cultural messaging midlife women have internalized about their bodies and the real reasons sustainable weight loss is more complicated than calories in/calories out.

Whether you’re deep in perimenopause, navigating the changes of postmenopause, or just curious about your body, this episode is full of insights, validation, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.

🔗 Resources & Links:

💼 Learn about 1:1 coaching & availability: msvictoriabyrd.com
📩 Submit your AMA questions for the next episode: hello@msvictoriabyrd.com
📚 Free resources for midlife women: msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides
🧠 Book Rec: The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Join the Conversation:

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

55. Menopause as a Superpower: How Elana Broitman’s Graphic Novel Flips the Script on Midlife

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In today’s empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sat down with Elana Broitman, author of the groundbreaking graphic novel Holy Menopause! Adventures of a Middle-Aged Superheroine. Elana shares how she turned the often-overlooked midlife experience into a vibrant, hilarious, and deeply relatable story, redefining menopause not as a limitation, but as a superpower. We dive into how her character Mina reclaims her voice, strength, and invisibility to transform everyday frustrations into heroic triumphs.

Elana’s message is clear: Midlife is not the end of your story, it's just the beginning of a new adventure.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Elana chose a comic book to tell a midlife woman’s story
How menopause became a metaphor for hidden superpowers
The societal invisibility women often face and how to flip it into strength
The importance of creativity, play, and rediscovering your passions at midlife
Behind-the-scenes stories about using hot flashes, Tide Pods, and gray hair as hilarious weapons
How women can stop curbing their own power and step into leadership in life, love, and career

Special Highlight:

Elana’s book Holy Menopause! was named Oprah Daily’s #1 pick for Mother's Day- a must-read (and must-gift!) for every woman redefining midlife on her own terms.

Connect with Elana Broitman:

Get your copy of ⁠Holy Menopause! Adventures of a Middle-Aged Superheroine

Find more on Instagram!

Join the Conversation:

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

54. Celebrating a Year of Women Mastering Midlife: Lessons, Conversations, and What's Next

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Season 2 of Women Mastering Midlife! In this special episode, I’m reflecting on one full year of podcasting: 53 episodes filled with powerful conversations, expert interviews, personal stories, and important truths about navigating midlife. From tackling perimenopause and menopause care to rebuilding identity during major life transitions, this community has grown stronger with every listen.

Today, I’m keeping it short and sweet to say thank you and to encourage you to dive into our growing library of episodes covering midlife health, wellness, and the messy, beautiful reality of mastering this chapter of life.

What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

A behind-the-scenes look at how Women Mastering Midlife began
Highlights from favorite guest interviews on menopause care, launching kids to college, pelvic health, relationships, and chronic dieting
Why mastering midlife doesn’t mean having it all figured out
How midlife can feel like thriving one day and chaos the next, and why that’s normal
A call to action to download, save, rate, and share your favorite episodes
A peek at what’s coming in Season 2 including even bolder conversations and unfiltered opinions!

Featured Past Guests Mentioned:

Jacqueline Piasta, Menopause Care Advocate
Dr. Ifa O'Sullivan, Women's Health Expert
Verena Phillips, Chronic Dieting Recovery Coach
Monica, The Closet Therapist
Debbie Weiss, Author of Embrace the Middle

Listener Favorites to Revisit:

Chronic Dieting and Breaking Free with Verena Phillips
Launching Your Kids and Rediscovering Yourself
Understanding Perimenopause: What No One Tells You
Stop Hiding in Beige: Finding Your Style Confidence in Midlife

Take Action:

Go back through the Women Mastering Midlife library and tap “save” on the episodes that call to you.
Share your favorites with a friend who needs support in her midlife journey.
Leave a rating or review to help more women discover this empowering community.
Message me to let me know what topics you'd love to hear in Season 2!

Final Thoughts:

Mastering midlife isn’t about perfection it’s about showing up, learning, falling, thriving, and doing it all with strength and grace. Thank you for being here. Season 2 is going to be bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful. I can't wait to keep growing with you.

Join the Conversation:

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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53. Why Midlife Women Feel Overwhelmed: The Hidden Impact of the Invisible Load on Mental Health

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:29:29 -0700

In this heartfelt solo episode, Victoria wraps up Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful conversation about the invisible mental load so many midlife women silently carry. From managing family schedules, emotional labor, aging parents, and career shifts, all while navigating perimenopause and hormonal changes — it's no wonder we feel anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed.

Victoria dives deep into how constant low-grade stress actually reshapes the brain, impacting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. She explores why the midlife transition feels like a "pressure cooker," the role hormone loss plays in our mental resilience, and the hidden ways the mental load weighs heavier than we realize.

You’ll leave this episode with practical, compassionate strategies to lighten your load — including brain dumps, cognitive boundaries, nervous system support, and reclaiming moments of joy in your day.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by noon, snapped over something small, or forgotten why you walked into a room, this episode is for you. You are not alone.

What You'll Learn:

What the "invisible load" really is — and why it goes unnoticed
How constant low-grade stress physically changes your brain
The impact of perimenopause and hormone shifts on stress resilience
Signs your mental load may be too heavy to carry alone
How to set cognitive boundaries and lighten the emotional burden
Simple strategies to reclaim your autonomy, protect your brain, and find more joy

Powerful Takeaways:

72% of mothers report feeling solely responsible for managing the household, even with a partner (YouGov 2022).

Chronic cortisol exposure shrinks the hippocampus (your brain’s memory center) and over activates the amygdala (your anxiety response).

Estrogen loss in midlife makes women more vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress than younger women or men.

Join the Conversation:

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

52. Regulate, Don’t Overwhelm: Nervous System Tools for Midlife Women with Jessica Addeo

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:00:00 -0700

What if the real reason you're feeling frazzled, forgetful, or reactive isn't about willpower, but about your nervous system?

In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Victoria sits down with nervous system coach Jessica Addeo to explore why midlife women are so often living in a state of chronic dysregulation and what to do about it.

From the myth of “regulate once and done” to the science of sensory input and co-regulation, Jessica breaks down the nervous system in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how your body communicates through stress, overwhelm, and even that scroll-you-can’t-stop moment, and why your gum-chewing, weighted vest, or crunchy snack might be doing more than you realize.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why nervous system dysregulation is normal (and not something to fix)
What "fight, flight, and freeze" really look like in daily life
How chronic stress shows up as brain fog, memory issues, sleep disruption, and gut problems
The real reason mindset alone won’t calm you down and what to use instead
Personalized tools to support your nervous system using sensory input (like seltzers, ankle weights, spicy snacks, and yes, your neck fan)
Why co-regulation is critical in midlife relationships and how loneliness affects our physiology
How to shift out of survival mode without adding more to your plate

Key quote: "Your regulated nervous system isn’t always calm and quiet, it’s the version of you that feels the most present, connected, and capable. That’s what we’re building." – Jessica Addeo

Resources Mentioned:

Jessica Addeo:@jessicaraddeo on Instagram
Her website: jessicaraddeo.com

Tune in, take a breath, and walk away with real-life tools to help you move through midlife with more resilience and regulation.

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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51. Move Your Body, Heal Your Mind: How Exercise Supports Mental Health in Midlife Women

Mon, 12 May 2025 08:00:00 -0700

The science, the struggle, and the small steps that make a big difference

Feeling emotionally drained, mentally exhausted, or overwhelmed in midlife? You’re not alone—and there’s a powerful, underutilized tool that can help: movement.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria dives deep into the mental health benefits of exercise during the perimenopause and menopause transition. We’re not talking six-packs or perfection. We’re talking about brain care, emotional resilience, and reclaiming your strength—one walk, one stretch, one breath at a time.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why exercise is 1.5x more effective than therapy or medication for depression and anxiety (British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023)
How just 15 minutes of brisk walking can lower your risk of major depression by 26% (Harvard study)
The role of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and how movement supports emotional regulation and prevents cognitive decline
Why inflammation, estrogen drops, and cortisol spikes are impacting your mood—and how movement can help
Real-life strategies to start moving even when you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or short on time

Plus, Victoria gets real about her own recent season of burnout—and how movement helped her find her way back.

Whether you’re walking to the mailbox, stretching at the stove, or dancing between strength sets, this episode will remind you: movement isn’t about willpower—it’s about mental wellbeing.

Resources Mentioned:

Women Mastering Midlife Community: Access workouts, movement tracking, and coaching support
1:1 Coaching with Victoria: For personalized, realistic movement routines that meet you where you are
Download the free guides: Find it under Freebies at www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

50. We’re Not Fine: Unmasking Midlife Depression in Women- What every woman in her 40s needs to hear about mental health during the menopause transition

Mon, 05 May 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this raw and relatable episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria opens up about a topic too often overlooked: depression and mental health in midlife women. While we’re busy holding it all together—juggling kids, caregiving, aging parents, careers, and relationships—we often ignore the quiet signs of emotional struggle. And worse, society expects us to be grateful, busy, and “fine.”

But what if we’re not fine?

This episode is a deep dive into what midlife depression really looks like, how it’s different from traditional depression, and why so many women suffer in silence. From the mental load and "menorage" to 3 a.m. anxiety spirals and the question of “What’s next for me?”, Victoria shares personal stories, client insights, and research to bring this invisible load into the light.

You’ll learn:

Why depression in midlife women often goes unnoticed and untreated
The connection between estrogen, progesterone, and mood
How the Menopause Society and studies from 2019 support the role of hormones in mental health
What to know about SSRIs, hormone therapy, and other treatment options
The stigma women face when asking for support and why that needs to change now

Plus, Victoria shares supportive tools you can access today from therapy to coaching to community. This is your reminder: you are not broken, you are not weak, and you are not alone.

Resources Mentioned:

Book a free 15-minute call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow
Download your free midlife mental health guide and tools: Check the Freebies section on the website

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

49. Brain Fog in Perimenopause: What’s Really Happening & How to Support Your Midlife Brain

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Are you forgetting words mid-sentence, walking into rooms with no clue why, or worrying that your memory issues are something more serious? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not losing your mind.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd, RPh, dives deep into one of the most misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause: brain fog. Backed by research from experts like Dr. Lisa Mosconi, this episode unpacks the hormonal changes that directly impact how your brain works and why it’s not all in your head.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why estrogen is essential for brain health and how its fluctuation affects memory, focus, and mood
The roles of progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA in mental clarity
The surprising brain scan research on perimenopausal women
Lifestyle factors that worsen brain fog (and what you can do about them)
How nutrition, sleep, exercise, and connection support cognitive health
The latest insights on hormone therapy and its potential cognitive benefits

Whether you’re in the thick of perimenopause or just beginning to notice the shifts, this episode is packed with actionable advice, science-backed insights, and a whole lot of reassurance.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

The XX Brain and The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi
Mediterranean and MIND diets for brain support
Magnesium supplements for sleep and brain function ( find my FullScript Counter for discounts!)

💡 Takeaway: Brain fog is not a flaw it's biology. And with the right support, you can not only protect but enhance your brain health during midlife.

Connect with Victoria Byrd:

www.msvictoriabyrd.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd
Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: https://coach.everfit.io/package/RO749151 PODCAST5 for $5 off every month of your membership

If You Loved This Episode…

Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
Subscribe for more empowering conversations on mastering midlife.

48. Why Can’t I Sleep? Understanding Perimenopause and Midlife Sleep Disruptions

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd dives deep into one of the most frustrating and common challenges women face during perimenopause: disrupted sleep. From 3 a.m. “doom drops” and night sweats to anxiety-fueled awakenings and cortisol spikes, Victoria explores why sleep goes haywire in the midlife transition- and more importantly, what you can do about it.

You'll learn:

How fluctuating estrogen and declining progesterone affect your sleep cycle
Why you might be waking up anxious at 3 a.m.
The role of cortisol, blood sugar, and body temperature in midlife sleep issues
Practical tips for improving sleep hygiene, from cooling down your room to dimming lights
The impact of nutrition, nighttime routines, and tech use on your rest
How tools like the Oura Ring or journaling can help you recognize sleep patterns
When to consider hormone therapy or CBT-I for chronic insomnia

Whether you’re tired of tossing and turning or just beginning to notice changes in your sleep, this episode is packed with science-backed strategies and empowering advice to help you reclaim your nights, and your energy.

Resources & Mentions:

The Menopause Society
Dr. Shelby Harris – Sleep Expert
Hot Flash Inc. and the 3 a.m. Doom Drop
CBT-I tools like Sleepio
Oura Ring & Natural Cycles app
Soma Cool Nights Pajamas, Tommy John Sleepwear

Let’s connect:

Share what sleep tips are working for you!

Tag @womenmasteringmidlife or message me on Instagram.

You can also find me @msvictoriabyrd

Want more support?

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community for resources, coaching, and connection.

47. Perimenopause Anxiety and Mood Swings: How to Manage Hormonal Changes in Midlife

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Welcome back to Women Mastering Midlife! In this episode, Victoria Byrd dives deep into a topic that resonates with so many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—perimenopause anxiety and mood changes. If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., overthinking everything from bills to the health of your family (even when there’s no logical reason for worry), you’re not alone.

Victoria shares her personal experience with perimenopause and the overwhelming anxiety that can sneak up during this transition. She explains why these symptoms are so common (hint: it’s hormonal!) and how they differ from traditional anxiety or mood disorders. You’ll also learn actionable strategies to manage mood swings and anxiety—whether through lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or community support.

This episode is packed with compassionate advice, science-backed strategies, and relatable stories to remind you that what you’re feeling is real—and there are tools to help you through it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why perimenopause often brings on anxiety and mood swings, even before hot flashes and night sweats start.
How progesterone plays a major role in mood regulation—and why its decline hits hard.
Symptoms of perimenopause anxiety, including increased worry, restlessness, and brain fog.
Victoria’s personal journey with perimenopause anxiety (including her 40th birthday during the COVID lockdown).
The difference between perimenopausal mood changes and traditional anxiety disorders.
Holistic strategies to support your mood, including nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and breathwork.
When hormone therapy, including micronized progesterone, might be worth considering.
The importance of community support in navigating midlife transitions.

Key Takeaways:

You’re not imagining it—perimenopause can be an emotional roller coaster, and hormones are often to blame. Lifestyle habits make a huge difference. Regular movement, nutritious foods, and good sleep hygiene are non-negotiables for feeling better. Micronized progesterone can be a game changer. Victoria shares how it’s helped her sleep and mood. You don’t have to do this alone. Find your community and share your experience—whether it’s through a podcast, a walk with a friend, or the Women Mastering Midlife Community.

Connect with Victoria Byrd:

www.msvictoriabyrd.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd
Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: https://coach.everfit.io/package/RO749151 PODCAST5 for $5 off every month of your membership

If You Loved This Episode…

Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
Subscribe for more empowering conversations on mastering midlife.

46. Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms, Treatment, and Advocacy with Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes back Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, MD MSCP, for an in-depth conversation about perimenopause. While the menopause movement is gaining momentum, perimenopause often remains misunderstood and underrepresented in medical discussions. Together, Victoria and Dr. O’Sullivan shed light on the symptoms, challenges, and treatment options for perimenopause, providing women with the knowledge they need to advocate for their health.

Key Topics Discussed:

The lack of standardized care and awareness around perimenopause
Why many doctors still don’t recognize or treat perimenopause effectively
The hormonal shifts that occur and how they impact the body and brain
The connection between progesterone, sleep issues, and anxiety
How fluctuating estrogen levels contribute to hot flashes and night sweats
The impact of perimenopause on cognitive function, brain fog, and mood
Why perimenopause-related anxiety is different from traditional anxiety disorders
Understanding perimenopausal menstrual cycle changes and irregular bleeding
The importance of hormone therapy and how to advocate for the right treatment
Dr. O’Sullivan’s insights on the latest research in menopause and brain health
How perimenopause symptoms affect women in the workplace and daily life

Dr. O’Sullivan also shares exciting news about her new podcast, The Dusty Muffins, co-hosted with Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) and Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP). This show offers a mix of expert insights and candid conversations about navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s Research on Women’s Brain Health

Contemporary Management of Hormone Therapy – Research Paper by Dr. Jim Simon & Dr. Rebecca Levy

Connect with Victoria Byrd:

If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused about what’s happening to your body, this episode is for you. Tune in to gain clarity and confidence in navigating perimenopause!

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe!

45. Rewriting the Narrative on Aging: Embracing Midlife with Confidence, Strength & Joy

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

For too long, society has told us that aging is something to fear, fight, or erase. We’ve been bombarded with messages about “anti-aging,” “reversing time,” and “looking young for your age.” But what if we flipped the script?

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, we’re reclaiming aging as a privilege, a sign of wisdom, and a powerful new chapter of life. No more shrinking, hiding, or trying to meet impossible standards. Midlife is a time to step into your confidence, own your worth, and live fully.

Tune in as we discuss:

✅ Why the anti-aging industry profits from making women feel “less than”

✅ How to reframe aging as a time of power, self-awareness & reinvention

✅ Three powerful mindset shifts to help you embrace pro-aging

✅ How to care for your body with strength training, nourishment & self-care (not restriction!)

✅ Why midlife is a launching pad, not a waiting room

This is your time to own your story, prioritize what lights you up, and embrace every stage of your journey. Let’s throw out the outdated scripts and redefine what it means to thrive in midlife!

🎧 Hit play now and start rewriting your narrative on aging!

🔗 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community

🔗 Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Work with me 1:1

💬 Loved this episode?

✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more women find this message!

✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

✨ Tag me on social media with your biggest takeaway!

🔥 Connect & Continue the Conversation:

Aging isn’t something happening to you—it’s happening for you. Let’s step into this next chapter with confidence, joy & strength.

44. Rewriting the Midlife Fitness & Nutrition Narrative: Strength, Nourishment, & Sustainable Health for Women

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

For too long, midlife fitness and nutrition have been dominated by outdated, punishing narratives—excessive cardio, restrictive eating, and an obsession with shrinking. But what if we flipped the script? In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, we’re rewriting the rules of health in midlife, focusing on strength, nourishment, and sustainability instead of deprivation.

Tune in to learn:

✅ Why excessive cardio and restrictive dieting don’t work for midlife women

✅ The power of strength training for metabolism, muscle mass, and longevity

✅ How to fuel your body with protein, healthy fats, and fiber instead of chasing low-calorie diets

✅ Why mindset shifts are the key to long-term success in midlife health

✅ How to redefine what success in health and fitness looks like at this stage of life

Your midlife body isn’t the problem—the outdated fitness and diet rules are. It’s time to embrace a new approach that makes you stronger, more energized, and more resilient than ever.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a health journey that actually works for YOU.

Resources & Links: 🔗 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community

🔗 Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Work with me

If you loved this episode, please:

✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more women find this message!

✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this.

✨ Tag me on social media and let me know your biggest takeaway!

Midlife is your time to thrive—not just survive. Let’s rewrite the rules together. 💪🔥

43. Rebranding Menopause: How Midlife Women Are Redefining Power, Purpose, and Pleasure

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

For too long, menopause has been framed as the beginning of the end—a time when women become invisible, irrelevant, and undesirable. But that narrative is outdated and completely false. In this empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, we’re rebranding menopause as a time of awakening, strength, and new opportunities.

Listen in as we discuss:

✅ The outdated menopause myths that need to go

✅ How declining estrogen can actually be a path to newfound freedom and confidence

✅ Why midlife is the perfect time to step into leadership, start businesses, and reinvent careers

✅ The science behind menopause and how it shifts your priorities and mindset

✅ How to embrace self-expression, pleasure, and purpose without guilt or apology

This is your time to own your space, speak your mind, and redefine what success looks like on your terms.

🎧 Hit play now and start rewriting your own midlife story!

Resources & Links: 🔗 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community

🔗 Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Work with me

If this episode resonated with you:

✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more women find this message!

✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

✨ Tag me on social media with your biggest takeaway!

Midlife isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of your most powerful chapter yet. Let’s own it together. 💪🔥

42. The Real Cost of Getting Lean: Balancing Hormones, Health and Happiness in Midlife

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Welcome to another episode of *Women Mastering Midlife*! In today’s conversation, we’re pulling back the curtain on the cost of getting lean—the sacrifices, trade-offs, and realities that many midlife women face when striving for society’s ideal physique. But here’s the thing: health and fitness in midlife go far beyond aesthetics. It’s about finding balance, honoring your hormones, and creating a life that feels sustainable and joyful.

Here’s what we unpack in this episode:

1. The Price Tag of Getting Lean

We’ve all seen the images—six-pack abs, sculpted arms, and toned bodies—often shared by social media influencers in their 40s and 50s. What those images don’t show you are the hours in the gym, the meticulously planned meals, and the social sacrifices it takes to achieve that look. For women juggling careers, caregiving, and hormonal changes, it’s not just about effort—it’s about priorities.

2. Hormonal Impacts of Extreme Leanness

As midlife women, our hormones are already in flux due to perimenopause and menopause. Striving for extreme leanness can push these changes into overdrive, leading to significant health issues.

3. On the Other End of the Spectrum: The Cost of Being Overweight

While excessive leanness comes with its challenges, so does being overweight in midlife. Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and inflammation can all take a toll on your body and hormones, increasing your risk of chronic diseases. We explore why maintaining balance—not extremes—is key to thriving during this phase of life.

4. Finding Your Middle Ground

This episode is about giving yourself permission to step off the extremes and focus on what’s truly sustainable and fulfilling for you.

5. Empowering Choices for Your Health

At the end of the day, the cost of getting lean isn’t just about time and effort. It’s about what you gain and what you give up. There’s no “right” way—just what’s right for YOU. A bit of body fat can be protective in midlife, supporting estrogen production and cushioning your body against injury. Remember, health isn’t defined by a number on a scale or how your body looks in the mirror—it’s about how you feel, how you show up, and how you care for yourself.

Key Takeaways:

- Midlife health and fitness aren’t about perfection—they’re about creating habits that support a joyful, fulfilling life.

- Balance is the goal. Extreme leanness isn’t sustainable, but neglecting your health has its own risks. Find the middle ground that works for you.

- Prioritize movement, nourishing foods, sleep, and stress management over chasing unrealistic ideals.

If you’d like more information on the article I based this topic, check it out HERE

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

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41. Midlife is So Damn Exhausting

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Welcome back to *Women Mastering Midlife*! In this episode, we tackle a universal truth that so many of us feel but rarely speak out loud: *Midlife is so damn exhausting.* From sleepless nights to societal expectations, we’re navigating a phase of life that’s demanding more than ever before. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way.

Join me as we dig deep into the overwhelming pressures placed on midlife women and explore how we can rewrite the narrative. Together, we’ll talk about giving ourselves permission to rest, finding balance, and embracing our wisdom to create a meaningful, joyful midlife on *our terms*.

Key Takeaways:

1. Midlife is Overwhelming—But It’s Not Your Fault - Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and sleeplessness are often dismissed as “just getting older” or “stress.”

- The midlife and menopause industry profits from feeding us conflicting advice and endless “shoulds.”

2. The Cost of Doing It All

- We were told we could have it all—astronaut, CEO, PTA president, and mom—but no one warned us about the cost.

- Staying small and acceptable has robbed us of confidence, creativity, and joy.

3. Giving Ourselves Permission to Rest

- Rest isn’t laziness; it’s restoration. Step away from the “shoulds” and ask, *What do I need right now?*

4. Rebranding Menopause

- Let’s reject the tired stereotype of menopause as a time of decline and embrace it as a period of empowerment.

Quotes from the Episode:

- *“We were the generation told we could have it all, but no one warned us about the cost.”*

- *“How much have we sacrificed trying to shrink ourselves to fit into a society that doesn’t value aging women?”*

- *“Rest isn’t laziness—it’s restoration. It’s how we rebuild and show up for what matters most.”*

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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40. Midlife Sexual Wellness & Menopause: Breaking Barriers with Expert Insights from Kristen Stehle, NP

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Welcome to another empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife. In this insightful conversation, Victoria Byrd is joined by Kristen Stehle, a nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience in OB-GYN and women’s primary care. Together, they tackle the often-overlooked topic of sexual wellness in midlife and the profound impact of menopause on women’s bodies, relationships, and self-esteem.

From defining sexual wellness and navigating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) to discussing the emotional and psychological aspects of libido, this episode is packed with actionable advice, resources, and encouragement for midlife women. Kristen shares her personal and professional journey into menopause care, offering valuable insights into treatment options, from local estrogen therapies to non-hormonal solutions and even innovative laser treatments.

Key Topics Discussed:

Kristen’s journey into menopause care and advocacy.
Understanding GSM: How menopause affects vaginal, bladder, and sexual health.
Exploring the psychological and emotional factors impacting libido during menopause.
Effective treatment options: Hormonal and non-hormonal therapies for GSM and sexual health.
The role of self-compassion in navigating menopause transitions.
Breaking societal and medical taboos around midlife sexuality.
Tips for initiating open conversations about changing sexual dynamics with partners.
Advocacy for improved menopause care and education in the medical community.

Resources Mentioned:

Books for Education & Empowerment:

You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Casperson
When Sex Hurts by Dr. Andrew Goldstein and Dr. Jill Krapf
Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris
The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Social Media Resources:

Follow Dr. Kelly Casperson and Dr. Jill Krapf on Instagram for evidence-based insights on GSM, pelvic pain, and menopause care.

Therapeutic Options Discussed:

Local estrogen therapies like vaginal creams, rings, and tablets.
Non-hormonal alternatives, including DHEA suppositories and laser treatments (e.g., Mona Lisa Touch).
Tips for safe and effective use of testosterone therapy for low libido.

Key Takeaways:

Sexual health in midlife is deeply personal and entirely valid.
It’s crucial to advocate for yourself and seek support from certified menopause practitioners.
Open conversations with partners about changes in sexual health can foster understanding and intimacy.
The tide is turning, but more work is needed to prioritize women's health research and treatments.

Connect with Kristen Stehle: Kristen practices telemedicine and in person in Connecticut and shares her expertise with women worldwide through her social platforms. Follow her for more resources, guidance, and empowerment. Instagram

Join the Conversation: What resonated with you from this episode? Have questions or stories to share? Reach out on social media or leave us a review to let us know!

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community:www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria:www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria:msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here:Ask Me Anything Form

39. Redefining Relationships in Midlife: From Parents to Friendships, Empty Nesting, and Self-Love

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Welcome to another episode of Women Mastering Midlife! This week, we’re diving into one of the most essential aspects of life in midlife: relationships. Whether it’s with parents, significant others, children, or friends, the dynamics of our relationships evolve during this season of transformation—and so do we.

In this heartfelt solo episode, I take you on a journey through the joys and challenges of maintaining healthy, meaningful relationships in midlife. Together, we explore how to balance the needs of others with our own, set healthy boundaries, and honor ourselves every step of the way.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Parents: Navigating the Role Reversal

How to manage caregiving as parents age while prioritizing your own needs.
The emotional challenges of guilt, grief, and letting go of old dynamics.

2. Significant Others: Redefining Partnerships

How empty-nest syndrome can reshape your relationship with your partner.

Compassionate strategies for approaching separation or divorce if the relationship is no longer serving you.

3. Children: Guiding Teenagers and Building Bonds with Adults

The delicate dance of guiding teens while respecting their growing independence.
Tips for “soft launching” your kids and maintaining strong connections as they transition to adulthood.

4. Friendships: Nourishing the Ones That Matter

The importance of cultivating supportive, reciprocal relationships.
How to make new friends in midlife by stepping outside your comfort zone and joining communities.

5. Staying True to Yourself

The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.

The power of self-love in attracting the right connections—and letting go of those that don’t serve you.

A Final Thought:

Relationships in midlife are an ongoing evolution. As we navigate changes with our parents, partners, children, and friends, it’s essential to remember that the most vital relationship is the one we have with ourselves. By staying true to who we are, we create space for authentic, fulfilling connections that bring joy and purpose to this chapter of life.

Resources Mentioned:

Emily MacMason’s episode on launching children and rediscovering yourself (from our archives!)
The Women Mastering Midlife Community—your space for support, connection, and growth.

Share your thoughts and stories about your relationships in midlife by connecting with me on social media or leaving a comment on this episode. Let’s build a community where we lift each other up and embrace this transformative time together!

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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38. Heart Health and Menopause: Expert Advice with Cardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this enlightening episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd sits down with the accomplished Dr. Jayne Morgan, a leading cardiologist and advocate for women's health. Together, they unpack the critical connections between midlife hormonal changes and heart health, offering empowering insights for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Hormonal Shifts and Heart Health:

How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause.
The protective role of estrogen on the heart and its anti-inflammatory effects.
Risks of cardiovascular disease as estrogen levels drop, including increased blood pressure, cholesterol changes, and arterial stiffness.

2. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT):

Benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy for heart health.
Lesser-known symptoms of menopause, such as palpitations, vertigo, and underarm odor, and their connections to hormonal changes.
The critical need for individualized conversations about treatment options with healthcare providers.

3. The Medical Gap in Menopause Education:

The lack of menopause training in medical and pharmaceutical education.
The systemic exclusion of women from clinical research and its long-term implications.
Dr. Morgan's advocacy for improving medical education on menopause and women's health.

4. Empowering Women as Advocates:

Recognizing and addressing the subtle warning signs of heart disease, such as fatigue, back pain, or jaw pain.
Challenges women face in advocating for their health due to cultural biases and systemic issues in healthcare.
The importance of early intervention and self-advocacy in reducing the risk of heart disease.

5. Practical Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips:

Quit smoking: The #1 step to improve heart health.
Move your body: Simple, sustainable ways to incorporate physical activity, from walking to gardening to Pilates.
Add resistance: Building muscle mass to support heart and bone health post-50.

Feeling inspired? Join the movement to advocate for women's health! Share this episode with friends, family, and your healthcare provider to spread awareness about the critical connections between menopause and heart health.

Connect with Dr. Jayne Morgan:

Instagram: @DrJayneMorgan
LinkedIn: Dr. Jayne Morgan
TikTok, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube: Search DrJayneMorgan for science-based, actionable health advice.

Connect with Victoria Byrd:

Stay in touch for more empowering conversations about midlife health and wellness:

Instagram:@MsVictoriaByrd
Podcast: Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite platform.

Thank you for tuning in to this special Heart Health Month episode! Together, let’s create a healthier, more vibrant future for midlife women. 💗

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us@WomenMasteringMidlife and@misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website:www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Book a FREE1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

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37. Loving Yourself, Even When Midlife Throws You Curveballs

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Hi, I’m Victoria Byrd, and today’s episode is deeply personal. Recorded just moments after a workout, this raw and unfiltered conversation stems from my reflections on heart health this February and, more importantly, matters of the heart—self-love, resilience, and grace.

As midlife women, we often find ourselves juggling caregiving, careers, and personal health, leaving little room for self-compassion. In this episode, I’m sharing my own struggles with giving myself grace through the challenges of recovering from major spine surgeries, navigating perimenopause, and being a caretaker for my daughter. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Power of Grace in Recovery

• My journey through two spine surgeries and the mental, emotional, and physical toll of healing.

• How I balanced following strict post-surgery recovery rules with navigating the guilt and frustration of “starting over” in fitness and health.

2. Caregiving and Losing Yourself

• The emotional and physical challenges of caring for a loved one while neglecting your own needs.

• My reflections on balancing motherhood, being a wife, a health coach, and a woman—without losing myself.

3. Self-Love Isn’t Selfish

• Why self-love is critical for resilience and strength, even when it feels like the world expects you to do it all.

• How reframing self-care as a necessity (not a luxury) changed my mindset and helped me show up better for my family and clients.

4. Reclaiming Strength and Confidence in Midlife

• Accepting the imperfections of a nonlinear health journey and finding power in starting over.

• How the messy realities of my experience make me a better health coach for women navigating their own midlife challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Grace isn’t just something we give others—it’s a gift we must give ourselves.

• Perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up with an open heart, even when it’s hard, is what truly matters.

• Your health journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Small, consistent steps are the foundation of sustainable change.

• Caregiving, motherhood, and work don’t have to mean losing yourself. Self-love is the bridge to balancing it all.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”

• “I’m doing the best I can with the resources I have, and that’s good enough.”

• “Showing up for yourself with an open heart, even when it’s hard, is an act of self-compassion we all deserve.”

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.

Disclaimer

36. Finding Purpose After 40: How a Mom and Lawyer Reinvented Her Career Helping Other Women Do the Same with Allison Marketti

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this empowering and deeply authentic episode, host Victoria Byrd sits down with Allison Marietta, a former trial attorney turned entrepreneur and mentor for women in midlife. Together, they explore the journey of stepping away from safe, traditional career paths to pursue a passion-driven life that aligns with personal values and aspirations.

Allison candidly shares her transition from an intense career in law to becoming a business coach, driven by her desire to empower women 40 and over to create thriving, flexible lives. Victoria and Allison delve into the challenges women face during midlife, including redefining identity, combating societal stigmas around aging, and balancing motherhood while nurturing personal goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaiming Your Purpose: Both Victoria and Allison reflect on the “hunger” many midlife women feel—a longing for something beyond motherhood or careers they may no longer connect with. Allison shares how following her inner voice led her to a new, fulfilling career path.

• Building Confidence Through Small Steps: This episode highlights the importance of starting small, even in the face of fear. Whether it’s creating a new business, advocating for yourself in healthcare, or redefining your self-worth, incremental action builds the foundation for lasting change.

• The Power of Authenticity: Allison and Victoria discuss the liberating realization that showing up as your true self—in business, on social media, and in life—is the key to connecting with others and standing out in a crowded space.

• Embracing the “And” in Midlife: This episode breaks down the myth that women must choose between being a mother and pursuing their passions. Allison and Victoria share actionable advice for navigating these dual roles and finding alignment in your day-to-day life.

• Overcoming Judgment and Fear: The hosts share personal anecdotes about stepping into their unique callings, facing societal and personal doubts, and learning to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth.

Inspirational Quotes from the Episode:

• “You can be a great mom and still pursue your dreams. It’s not one or the other—it’s the ‘and.’” – Allison Marietta

• “Your journey doesn’t have to look perfect to be meaningful. Just give yourself 20 seconds of courage to start.” – Victoria Byrd

• “Authenticity is your superpower. When you show up as you, you attract the people who are meant to connect with your message.” – Allison Marietta

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Reflect: Take time to ask yourself, “What do I want for my life right now?” without the constraints of societal expectations.

2. Start Small: Choose one small step toward your goal, whether that’s reaching out for support, setting a boundary, or investing time in a passion project.

3. Seek Community: Find like-minded women who uplift and inspire you. Surround yourself with those who celebrate your wins and understand your challenges.

4. Embrace Your Story: Your experiences, both triumphs and struggles, make you uniquely qualified to inspire and help others. Own your narrative.

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Let’s keep the conversation going about redefining midlife and creating a vibrant, passion-filled future!

Connect with Allison:

Find on social media: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmarketti

For more information to work with Allison: https://stan.store/Allisonmarketti

Connect with Me:

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria:https://victoriabyrd.as.me/booknow

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

35. Reclaiming Your Why...A Journey Back to Self

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this powerful opening episode for 2025, Victoria Byrd guides listeners through an introspective journey about rediscovering their authentic purpose and breaking free from external expectations. She shares personal insights and practical exercises to help women reconnect with their true selves and define their own "whys" for the year ahead.

Episode Overview

Victoria introduces a transformative vision for 2025, focusing on helping women step away from societal, familial, and professional expectations to rediscover their authentic selves. Through personal anecdotes and guided visualization exercises, she creates a safe space for listeners to explore their buried dreams and ambitions.

Key Themes

**Breaking Free from External Expectations**

Victoria addresses how women often live according to others' expectations, from body image to career choices. She shares her own story of choosing pharmacy over her childhood dream of working in space, illustrating how we sometimes follow paths that are "easy" rather than truly fulfilling.

**The Garden Visualization Exercise**

The episode features a powerful metaphor of tending to one's personal garden, where listeners are invited to imagine clearing out plants representing others' expectations to make room for their own choices and dreams. This exercise symbolizes the process of reclaiming personal agency and authentic desires.

**Inherited Versus Authentic Whys**

Victoria explores the difference between goals we inherit from family, society, and culture versus those that truly resonate with our internal voice. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between external pressures and genuine personal aspirations.

**Breaking the "Good Girl" Narrative**

A significant portion of the episode challenges the "good girl" narrative that many women have internalized throughout their lives. Victoria advocates for moving beyond people-pleasing behaviors that can stifle personal growth and ambition.

Practical Tools and Exercises

Victoria provides several practical exercises for listeners:

- Creating sacred space for inner listening

- Writing a personal permission slip to stop disappointing others

- Identifying activities that bring joy when no one is watching

- Examining dreams buried for the sake of keeping peace

- Writing a letter from your 80-year-old self

- Building a circle of truth-tellers and supporters

Personal Insights

Victoria vulnerably shares her own journey, including:

- Her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut

- The path that led her to pharmacy

- Her experience starting the Women Mastering Midlife podcast

- The fears and doubts she faced in pursuing her dreams

Resources Mentioned

Victoria mentions several resources and concepts throughout the episode, including:

- Journal prompts for self-discovery (available upon request)

- The concept of space camp for adults

- The importance of having a coaching relationship for achieving goals

- The value of building a support network

About the Host

Victoria Byrd brings her background as a pharmacist and her personal journey of transformation to help other women navigate midlife transitions. Her approach combines professional expertise with authentic vulnerability, creating a relatable and inspiring space for listeners to explore their own paths to self-discovery.

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

34. The Closet Therapist: Why Your Clothes Should Fit You (Not The Other Way Around) with Monika Nielsen

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

We are continuing this month with throwing out the “New Year, New You” mentality and approaching 2025 with the idea that we can accept and love who we are at this very moment, even with the desire to change for the better. In this episode, I sat down with closet therapist and personal stylist Monika Nielsen to discuss the importance of dressing for who you are today, letting go of clothes that no longer serve you, and embracing your personal style in midlife.

Episode Highlights

The Problem with New Year's Resolutions

- Discussion about moving away from traditional weight loss resolutions

- Why keeping "goal clothes" can be mentally damaging

- The importance of dressing and accepting your body as it is today

Working with a Closet Therapist

- Overview of Monika's closet clarity workbook process

- Focus on mindset work before tackling the closet

- Examining how clothing reflects current lifestyle vs. past life

- Understanding shopping patterns and triggers

- Importance of personality in style choices

Key Insights on Closet Organization

- The "80/20 rule" - most people wear only 23% of their wardrobe

- Why keeping clothes that don't fit creates negative self-talk

- How to handle "memory clothes" without letting them clutter your active wardrobe

- Tips for seasonal clothing rotation

- The importance of removing items from visual space that don't serve you

Shopping Tips and Strategies

- Benefits of shopping with assistance

- Why local boutique shopping can be advantageous

- The "10% rule" - expecting only 10% of items in a store to work for you

- Importance of paying attention to your initial reaction when trying on clothes

- Why having a "runner" while shopping for difficult items is helpful

Personal Style Development

- Moving beyond the "capsule wardrobe" movement

- Why standard "must-have" items don't work for everyone

- The importance of dressing for your current lifestyle

- How to honor who you are today through your clothing choices

Midlife Style Evolution

- Embracing the changes that come with aging

- Finding joy in current body acceptance

- Moving past the feeling of becoming "invisible"

- Celebrating the wisdom and freedom that comes with age

Practical Advice

- Tips for organizing and rotating favorite items

- How to handle sentimental clothing pieces

- The importance of proper undergarments

- Why professional bra fittings are worth the investment

About the Guest

Monika Nielsen is a closet therapist and personal stylist who helps women, particularly those in transition (empty nesters, post-divorce, midlife), discover their authentic style and create wardrobes that reflect who they are today. She works with clients through her closet clarity workbook and provides personal shopping services.

Connect with Monika Nielsen

https://www.instagram.com/styleclosetcoach/

www.styleclosetcoach.com

Take her closet clarity quiz! https://youengage.me/p/6717e27cc3f25d01000a16bb

Connect with Me:

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria:https://victoriabyrd.as.me/discovery

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

33. Embracing Midlife in 2025: Why Enhancement Over Transformation is the Key to Women's Wellness

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this opening episode of 2025, host Victoria Byrd challenges the traditional "new year, new you" messaging and introduces a fresh perspective for midlife women. She advocates for enhancement over transformation, encouraging listeners to embrace their current selves while making mindful improvements. Together, we head into this year remembering that our worth is not attached to our size, physical appearance, or material possessions.

🔑 Key Themes:

- Rejecting traditional New Year's resolutions in favor of intentional enhancement

- Understanding and accepting midlife body changes

- Setting realistic expectations for personal growth

- Creating sustainable habits and lifestyle changes

- Building support systems for success

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:17 - Introduction and reflection on New Year's resolutions

02:37 - January focus on mindset and upcoming guest topics

04:53 - Discussion on closet organization and self-image

07:20 - Understanding hormonal changes and body composition

09:42 - Addressing midlife identity shifts

11:25 - Perspective on self-acceptance vs. resignation

13:14 - Focus on progress over perfection

15:28 - Understanding current life seasons

16:14 - Setting realistic intentions

18:08 - Working with your body, not against it

21:36 - Practical strategies for 2025

25:39 - Establishing non-negotiables and boundaries

28:15 - Community support and accountability options

31:56 - Closing messages about self-worth

📝 Detailed Episode Highlights:

1. January 2025 Focus Areas:

- Mindset around nutrition and menopause

- Home cooking strategies

- Closet organization with expert guest

- Heart health preparation for February

2. Body Changes & Hormones:

- Understanding estrogen shifts

- Body composition changes

- Energy fluctuations

- Managing perimenopause symptoms

3. Practical Action Steps:

- Establish health baselines (bloodwork, mammograms)

- Create a support system web

- Define non-negotiables

- Set realistic, sustainable goals

- Track progress without scale focus

🎯 Resources Mentioned:

- Women Mastering Midlife Community

- One-on-one health coaching program

- Brain dump guide

- Habit tracking app

- Journaling prompts (available upon request)

✨ Final Thought:

This episode sets the foundation for a year of authentic growth, self-acceptance, and sustainable change for women in midlife. Victoria encourages listeners to approach 2025 with grace, wisdom, and a commitment to enhancement rather than transformation.

#WomenMasteringMidlife #MidlifeWellness #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #SelfAcceptance #HealthyAging #WomensWellness #MidlifePodcast

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

32. From Chronic Dieting to Sustainable Nutrition & Fitness: A Woman's Guide to Health After 40 with Dr. Verena Phillips

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Verena Phillips, a cosmetic dentist and Faster Way to Fat Loss Coach, to discuss sustainable approaches to health, fitness, and nutrition. Dr. Phillips shares her personal journey from chronic dieting to finding a balanced lifestyle that works for busy professionals, moms, and women of all ages. If you are looking for a 6 week program with meal plans, workouts, a personal coach, a group setting then this is an episode for you! We dive into the FASTer Way to Fat Loss with coach, Dr. Verena Phillips. We talk about why it stood out to her so much she had to share it with others and the lifestyle of balance it has created for her clients.

Episode Highlights

Dr. Phillips' Health Journey

- Growing up in Germany with early exposure to diet culture

- Previous experience with various restrictive diets and intensive workouts

- Transformation during menopause and discovering Faster Way to Fat Loss

- Journey from client to coach, helping other women achieve their health goals

Key Program Components

- Nutrition focus with macro tracking

- 30-minute daily workouts

- Intermittent fasting (16/8 method, adaptable to individual needs)

- Emphasis on whole foods

- Gluten and dairy-free approach for reducing inflammation

- Carb cycling strategy

- VIP program with ongoing support and challenges

Practical Implementation Tips

- Making the program work for busy schedules

- Meal prep strategies for working professionals

- Restaurant dining strategies

- Travel adaptations

- Importance of consistency over perfection

- 80/20 approach to sustainable lifestyle changes

Workout Philosophy

- 30-minute efficient workouts

- Importance of strength training for women

- Misconceptions about "bulking up"

- Low-impact alternatives available

- Rest and recovery emphasis

Lifestyle Integration

- Balance between work and health routines

- Managing social events and holidays

- Alcohol considerations and alternatives

- Sleep priority

- Active recovery through walking and movement

Professional Insights

- Coaching approach for different client needs

- Individualized program modifications

- Progressive implementation strategies

- Long-term sustainability focus

About Dr. Verena Phillips

Dr. Verena Phillips is both a practicing cosmetic dentist and a certified Faster Way to Fat Loss Coach. She brings a unique perspective to health and fitness, combining her medical background with practical experience in helping women navigate their fitness journeys, particularly during and after menopause.

Connect with Dr. Verena Phillips

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drverena/

- New Member January 2024 Round and returning VIP Information: https://bit.ly/FWTFLVB

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

31. Why New Year's Resolutions Fail (And What to Do Instead): A Guide to Sustainable Goal Setting in Midlife

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I discuss why traditional New Year's resolutions often fail and present a more effective approach to creating lasting change through micro-goals and habit stacking. Perfect for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in 2025 without the pressure of traditional resolutions.

Key Statistics

- Approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February

- Most people abandon their resolutions within the first two months

Why Traditional New Year's Resolutions Often Don't Work

- Create unrealistic expectations

- Timing is arbitrary

- Lack proper support systems

- Don't account for lifestyle sustainability

- Put too much pressure on January 1st as a start date

- Often too ambitious without proper planning

Better Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions

SMART Goal Setting

- Specific

- Measurable

- Achievable

- Relevant

- Time-bound

Micro-Goals Approach

- Start with small, manageable changes

- Examples:

- 10-minute walks, 3 times per week

- Adding one vegetable to dinner

- Getting to bed 30 minutes earlier

- Writing for 30 minutes each day

Habit Stacking

- Build one small habit at a time

- Add new habits only after mastering previous ones

- Focus on sustainability over quick results

- Create systems rather than focusing solely on outcomes

Tips for Success

Regular Check-ins
Celebration Strategies
Support Systems
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Alternative Timing Approaches

Resources Mentioned

- Book: "Wintering" by Katherine May

- Women Mastering Midlife community

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

30. Natural Stress Relief: How CBD Can Help Women Navigate Holiday Anxiety & Midlife Changes with Melody Swehla

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I sit down with Melody Swehla, a former nurse turned CBD advocate and wellness entrepreneur, to discuss how CBD can help manage stress, particularly during the holiday season and in midlife.

Episode Highlights

About Melody's Journey

Former nurse who became a certified personal trainer after the pandemic
Started using CBD to manage her own anxiety and stress
Found significant improvement in mood regulation and stress management
Now helps others, particularly midlife women, with CBD education and wellness

Understanding CBD vs. THC

CBD and THC are different compounds from the cannabis plant
CBD focuses on wellness without psychoactive effects
CBD works with the body's endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1990s
All mammals have this system, which helps maintain bodily balance

Benefits of CBD for Holiday Stress

Helps manage social anxiety at holiday gatherings
Improves sleep quality
Reduces stress-related emotional eating
Strengthens immune system
Helps with stress-induced physical symptoms
Provides a healthier alternative to alcohol at social events

Quality Matters in CBD Products

Important factors for choosing CBD:

Must be USDA certified organic
Third-party tested
Certificate of Analysis (COA) available
CO2 extraction method
Transparent company practices

Warning signs:

Avoid CBD products on Amazon (not authorized)
Avoid gas station CBD
Be wary of products from China (80% of U.S. CBD)

CBD for Children

Safe for children when using quality products
Helps with:

School-related anxiety
Sleep issues
Mood regulation
Allergies
ADHD symptoms

Getting Started with CBD

Recommended starter products:

Nano jellies (90-95% bioavailable)
Oil tinctures
Balance and Restore bundle options

Importance of working with an advocate for personalized recommendations
No "one size fits all" approach

Safety Considerations

Consult healthcare provider if on blood thinners
Discuss with doctor if on multiple medications
Many users have successfully reduced other medication usage
No impairment for driving
No significant side effects reported

Connect with Melody

https://www.instagram.com/ftsfitness/

For More Information on Green Compass Products: https://Msvictoriabyrd.greencompassglobal.com

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

29. The Truth About Alcohol in Midlife: Impact on Menopause, Sleep, and Health for Women Over 40

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Have you been noticing a “sober curious” or sober lifestyle grabbing social media attention? In this essential episode, we dive deep into the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and women's health during midlife and menopause. From holiday celebrations to stress management, we explore why women might increase their alcohol intake during this life stage and the surprising health implications that come with it. I also offer my suggestions for sans-alcohol options during this holiday season.

Important Statistics & Research Findings

- More than one drink disrupts sleep in 39.2% of cases

- One drink reduces sleep quality by 24%

- Even less than one drink disrupts sleep quality by 9.3%

- Women who drink three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer

- Risk increases by 10% for each additional daily drink

- 66% of alcohol-attributable cancers in women were breast cancers

- Approximately 144,000 new cases of breast cancer annually are linked to alcohol consumption

- 8.6% of all breast cancer cases and 7.3% of breast cancer deaths are attributed to alcohol consumption

Impact on Menopausal Symptoms

- Increases frequency of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats)

- Disrupts sleep architecture:

- Increases sleep latency

- Decreases REM sleep

- Alters deep sleep patterns

- Exacerbates brain fog and cognitive issues

- May increase risk of depression and anxiety

Resources Mentioned

- Mocktail guide with recipes (available in show notes)

-Oura app for tracking sleep and alcohol consumption

- Book reference: "Upgrade" (discussing brain changes during life transitions)

-https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol

-https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleep#references-78452

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

28. Embracing Midlife: Dr. Shayna Kaufmann on Finding Wisdom, Strength and Joy Beyond Menopause

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this enlightening conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shayna Kaufmann about her book 'Embrace the Middle.' We delved into the challenges and gifts of midlife for women, discussing the importance of shifting perspectives on menopause, the SOFTT method for navigating midlife challenges, and the significance of self-compassion and resilience. Dr. Kaufmann emphasized the need for open conversations about aging and encouraged women to embrace their wisdom and experiences as they navigate this transformative stage of life.

Episode Highlights

The Inspiration Behind 'Embrace the Middle'

Dr. Kaufmann shared that her own journey through menopause and other midlife challenges inspired her to write the book. She wanted to find a way to navigate these changes more gracefully and powerfully, drawing from her meditation practice and real-life experiences.

The SOFTT Method

I was particularly impressed with Dr. Kaufmann's SOFTT method for handling difficult moments:

- S: Slow down

- O: Observe thoughts and feelings

- F: Feel bodily sensations

- T: Tenderness (self-compassion)

- T: Tune into inner wisdom

Dr. Kaufmann provided a powerful example of using this method when dealing with her mother-in-law's cancer diagnosis, demonstrating how it can help in real-life situations.

Challenges and Gifts of Midlife

We discussed the top challenges women face in midlife, including:

1. Physical decline

2. Death and loss

3. Caregiving demands (the "sandwich generation" issue)

However, Dr. Kaufmann also emphasized the often-overlooked gifts of midlife:

- Wisdom

- Comfort in one's skin

- Resilience

- More fulfilling friendships

- Greater self-awareness

Changing the Midlife Paradigm

Dr. Kaufmann and I talked about the need to shift society's view of midlife women. Some key points included:

- Having more open conversations about menopause

- Welcoming and celebrating midlife beauty

- Addressing ageism and sexism

- Celebrating women's accomplishments in midlife

Finding Direction in Midlife

For women struggling to find meaning or direction, Dr. Kaufmann advised:

- Giving yourself grace during this uncomfortable period

- Staying open-hearted and open-minded

- Exploring new interests without rushing

- Tapping into wisdom and self-awareness

The Power of Stillness

We discussed the importance of finding stillness in a culture that values constant activity. Dr. Kaufmann suggested starting small, even with just three breaths, to begin cultivating this practice.

Personal Reflections

As someone with teenage daughters, I found Dr. Kaufmann's insights on the evolving nature of motherhood particularly touching. Her description of the beautiful adult-like relationships that develop as children grow older gave me a positive perspective on the changes to come.

I also appreciated her emphasis on embracing the physical changes of midlife. As someone who has struggled with body image, her message of self-acceptance was powerful and liberating.

Connect with Dr. Shayna Kaufmann

Embrace the Middle

linktr.ee/embracethemiddle

www.instagram.com/shaynakauffmann

Connect with Me

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

Remember to subscribe to the Women Mastering Midlife podcast for more inspiring conversations about navigating the joys and challenges of midlife!

27. The Power of a Gratitude Practice in Midlife: Transforming Your Health and Happiness

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this Thanksgiving week episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude, especially for women in midlife. I share my personal experiences with gratitude practices, scientific insights into how gratitude affects our brains and bodies, and practical tips for incorporating gratitude into daily life. The conversation emphasizes the mental health benefits of gratitude, including reduced anxiety and improved relationships. I encourage listeners to start a gratitude practice, no matter how small, and reflect on the long-term positive impacts it can have on overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude can significantly improve mood and mindset.

2. Incorporating gratitude into daily life can enhance emotional well-being.

3. Practicing gratitude can help rewire the brain for positivity.

4. Gratitude practices can reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression.

5. Acknowledging small things can lead to a greater sense of abundance.

6. A gratitude practice strengthens relationships and social connections.

7. Starting a gratitude practice can be simple and flexible.

8. Overcoming negative mindsets is crucial for practicing gratitude.

9. Gratitude can help navigate difficult life transitions.

10. Consistency in gratitude practices leads to lasting benefits.

Call to Action

1. Start a 7-day gratitude practice, even if it's just one thing per day.

2. Reflect on how this practice impacts your mood and outlook.

3. Share your experiences with me on social media or in the podcast comments.

4. If you already have a gratitude practice, consider sharing it to inspire others.

5. Subscribe, download, and share this podcast with friends who might benefit from these discussions.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to practice gratitude. The key is to find a method that works for you and to be consistent. Let's embrace the power of gratitude together and transform our midlife experiences!

Thank you for listening, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next episode.

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

26. Dionna Hickox: Creating a Perimenopause Journey on Her Terms

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this candid and inspiring conversation, I sat down with Dionna Hickox, a woman I've known through social media for seven years. Dionna shares her remarkable journey from being a reluctant gym-goer to embracing a fitness lifestyle, navigating the emotional challenges of becoming an empty nester, and even embarking on an adventurous van life experience. We dive deep into her experiences with perimenopause, the importance of community support, and her mission to empower women through strength training and self-acceptance.

Key Takeaways

1. Dionna started her fitness journey in her late 30s, initially feeling intimidated by the gym.

2. She found motivation through accountability by becoming a Beachbody coach.

3. Transitioning to an empty nester brought feelings of loss and the need to redefine her identity.

4. Living in a van was a dream of her husband's, which she supported despite initial hesitations.

5. Dionna's experiences with perimenopause led her to share her journey to help other women feel less alone.

6. She emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about menopause and its symptoms.

7. Dionna encourages women to embrace their imperfections and prioritize their health.

8. She believes in the power of community support among women navigating similar life changes.

9. Dionna is creating a strength training guide to help women feel empowered in their fitness journey.

10. She advocates for a balanced approach to health, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.

Talking with Dionna felt like chatting with an old friend. Her honesty, humor, and willingness to share both the ups and downs of her journey are refreshing. As someone who also talks about menopause frequently (much to my 13-year-old's chagrin!), I appreciate Dionna's efforts to normalize these conversations.

Our discussion about the differences in food and lifestyle between the U.S. and places like Italy was particularly interesting to me. It's a reminder of how our environment and choices can significantly impact our health and well-being.

If you're inspired by Dionna's journey, I encourage you to:

1. Follow Dionna on social media for daily inspiration and honest conversations about midlife.

2. Start educating yourself about perimenopause and menopause - knowledge is power!

3. Consider incorporating strength training into your routine, no matter your age or fitness level.

4. Be open to trying new things and embracing imperfection.

5. Join or create a community of women supporting each other through midlife changes.

Connect with Dionna Hickox

Dionna’s links: https://www.kevintheberner.com/dionna

Follow Dionna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dionnahickox/

Connect with Me:

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

25. Creating the Life of Your Dreams Regardless of Age or Circumstances with Debbie Weiss

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this inspiring conversation, I had the pleasure of interviewing Debbie Weiss, author and motivational speaker, about her journey of self-discovery and empowerment in midlife. Debbie shared insights from her memoir and upcoming guide, emphasizing the importance of embracing change, setting boundaries, and pursuing dreams at any age. Through her personal experiences, Debbie illustrated that it's never too late to make meaningful changes in life and that personal growth often comes from overcoming obstacles and listening to one's intuition.

Key Takeaways

1. Our stories are important, even if they seem small or ordinary

2. Midlife can be a time for reinvention and personal growth

3. Learning to say "no" is a crucial part of self-care and boundary setting

4. Setting boundaries helps prioritize personal needs and dreams

5. Pursuing dreams requires action, commitment, and sometimes financial investment

6. Investing in yourself can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth

7. Stepping outside of comfort zones is essential for personal development

8. Listening to your intuition is key to making important life decisions

9. Exploring multiple streams of income can enhance financial stability

10. It's never too late to start a new chapter in life or pursue a passion

Memorable Quotes

* Debbie: "Our stories are important."

* Debbie: "I didn't want to get to the end of my life with regrets."

* Debbie: "Learning to say no is a form of self-care."

* Debbie quoting Glinda from The Wizard of Oz: "You always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself."

* Debbie: "Nobody's going to come ringing your doorbell and saying, 'I think this is what you need to do. Come with me.' You have to make it happen yourself."

About Debbie Weiss

Debbie Weiss is an author, motivational speaker, and advocate for women's empowerment in midlife. Her memoir details her journey of self-discovery after turning 50, and her upcoming book, "The Sprinkle Effect," offers guidance for creating a more fulfilling life. I was intrigued to learn about Debbie's background as a CPA and insurance agency owner, and how she found her calling in inspiring others to embrace change and pursue their dreams.

Upcoming Book: The Sprinkle Effect

Debbie gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming book:

* It's a guide to creating a more colorful and fulfilling life

* Includes 15-16 different "sprinkles" or strategies for personal growth

* Topics include perspective, mindset, belief, dreaming, action, and resilience

* Comes with an optional workbook for exercises and self-reflection

After this inspiring conversation with Debbie, I encourage you to:

* Read Debbie's memoir for inspiration on embracing change in midlife

* Look out for her upcoming book, "The Sprinkle Effect," and its accompanying workbook

* Reflect on your own life and consider what dreams or goals you may want to pursue

* Start setting boundaries and practicing saying "no" to create space for personal growth

* Invest in yourself through courses, books, or experiences that align with your goals

Connect with Debbie Weiss

debbie@debbierweiss.com

www.debbierweiss.com

https://www.instagram.com/debbie.r.weiss

https://www.tiktok.com/@debbierweiss

Please click here to join the Maybe I Can free FB Community

Connect with Me

Learn more about the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

Remember to subscribe to the Women Mastering Midlife podcast for more inspiring conversations and practical advice on navigating midlife with confidence and purpose!

24. Embracing Holiday Joy in Midlife: Balancing Weight Concerns and Traditions

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Can you savor holiday joy without the guilt? Today's episode explores how to fully embrace the magic of the season in midlife, balancing traditions with self-care and letting go of weight worries for a truly joyful holiday. We dive into the art of enjoying holiday indulgences while staying true to your health goals, covering mindful eating, stress management, and staying active. Plus, we reveal the surprising truth about holiday weight gain, share heartwarming family traditions, and invite you to join our supportive community for a joyful, balanced season.

Tune in to hear:

Mindful eating tips that will allow you to to enjoy the season guilt-free
Tips for incorporating exercise to keep up your fitness during this season
Strategies for managing holiday stress that include breathing exercises, meditation, and ways to focus on joyful connections rather than weight worries
The value in embracing holiday traditions to boost well-bring and strengthen bonds with your favorite people

Missed a Chance to Join WMM? Get on the Waitlist...https://victoriabyrd.myflodesk.com/wmm

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

23. Talking Hypnotherapy, Hormones and Myth Busting in Menopause with Vanessa Weiland, NP

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Feeling the buzz around hormone therapy for menopause? In this episode, Vanessa Wyland busts myths, uncovers facts, and sets the record straight on menopause and hormone therapy. We’ll explore how the 2002 WHI study misled a generation, the game-changing benefits of starting therapy at the right time, and why personalized care is key. Plus, Vanessa shares her own journey with hormone therapy, hypnotherapy, and finding the right menopause support. If you’re ready to take charge of your menopause journey, this episode is a must-listen!

Tune in to hear:

Why we are re-evaluating hormone therapy with new insights from the WHI study that can shift the narrative toward its potential benefits
The importance of telehealth regulations post-COVID and the call for consistent guidelines to ensure access to crucial treatments
Accurate information and open conversations about hormone therapy help break down myths and empower women to make informed health decisions
Specialists in personalized menopause care can tailor treatments and adjust dosages for improved outcomes during this transition

Connect with Vanessa Weiland, NP

https://www.phasesclinic.com

Learn more and register for the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

22. How to Improve Your Diet without Restriction with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Let's be honest—how many of us have actually shifted our focus from weight loss to health? In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne to break down how to create a positive and sustainable relationship with food, especially amidst the chaos of midlife. We dive into family food dynamics, the psychological effects of diet culture, and Sarah’s practical approach to introducing new foods to her teenagers and her husband's practice of appreciating the effort behind cooking. Sarah’s insights are practical and relatable!

Tune in to hear:

Why it’s crucial to rethink diet culture and shift your focus from weight loss to overall health
How the Nutrivore approach helps prioritize nutrient-dense foods while offering flexibility for an enjoyable, sustainable diet
Personalized nutrition strategies to navigate family dynamics and meal prep, making it easier to meet everyone’s needs
The importance of addressing emotional responses and building a positive relationship with food for better mental and physical health

Connect with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne:

Nutrivore: https://a.co/d/hOZgKqV

Learn more and register for the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

21.The Answer in Your Perimenopause Journey

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Have you ever felt like a stranger in your own body—losing sleep, hair, and maybe even your cool? I’ve been there, too, and it can feel overwhelming and isolating. In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that doesn’t get enough attention: perimenopause. After my own challenging journey and my work as an integrative women’s health coach, I have launched a community to support women like you. Today, I’ll walk you through what this community offers—resources, expert talks, and a supportive network of women—hoping you’ll join us. Let’s navigate midlife together!

Today I cover:

How to access a collection of the latest research and expert advice to empower you on your journey in our curated library
The importance of our safe, inclusive space where women can share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others on similar paths
Promotions — founding members get a special rate, a free 45-minute coaching session, and priority access to resources and events
How you can experience personal growth with by engaging in our book clubs, wellness challenges, and activities designed to foster growth and strengthen community bonds

Learn more and register for the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

20. Making Mistakes in Perimenopause? It's Not Your Fault

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Ever feel like you’re bombarded with impossible standards? Societal expectations aren’t just coming from Hollywood and the media anymore - they are all over social media. In today’s episode, I tackle a tough topic: why the challenges women face in perimenopause aren't our fault. I dive into unrealistic societal expectations, the shady side of menopause marketing, and how influencers can sometimes mislead us. It’s all about finding reliable information and creating a support system!

Today we cover:

Unrealistic societal expectations from media and social platforms impose unattainable beauty and youth standards on women
How misinformation and marketing gimmicks make navigating unregulated menopause supplements and diet fads challenging
Menopause influencers can offer personal insights but often promote untested products
The importance of reliable health guidance and encouraging the integration of menopause education into medical, pharmacy, and nursing programs

Join the waitlist for the upcoming Women Mastering Midlife Community Launching October 14: ⁠https://victoriabyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist⁠

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: ⁠www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow⁠

Connect with Victoria: ⁠msvictoriabyrd ⁠

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: ⁠Ask Me Anything Form

19. The 5 Mistakes Women in Perimenopause are Making

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 01:53:16 -0700

Be honest—do you really know what perimenopause is? Many women either aren't sure or think they're too young for it, but it can sneak up as early as your mid-30s with symptoms like sleep disturbances and anxiety. Recognizing it can transform your health journey! In today’s episode, I share the common mistakes women make during perimenopause and how to navigate this transformative phase more effectively.

Tune in to hear:

Why discussing perimenopause early and recognizing symptoms can help break the stigma and get support
How to adjust your diet and exercise for your changing hormonal needs
The power of educating yourself about perimenopause to make informed health decisions
How to build a support network or find a coach to share your journey and avoid isolation

Join the waitlist for the upcoming Women Mastering Midlife Community Launching October 14: ⁠https://victoriabyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist⁠

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: ⁠www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow⁠

Connect with Victoria: ⁠msvictoriabyrd ⁠

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: ⁠Ask Me Anything Form

18. Changing the Standard of Menopause Care with Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700

How often do you think about your hormones? Believe it or not, they play a huge role in your daily life! In today’s episode, I team up with Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan to explore the often overlooked topic of hormone health. We dive into the importance of testosterone in women—its vital role in muscle health, metabolism, and longevity—and the challenges women face with hormone replacement therapy. From navigating complex pharmacy regulations to finding effective, FDA-approved treatments, we cover it all. If you're navigating midlife and want to better understand your hormone health, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge.

Today we cover:

How testosterone plays a crucial role in women's bone and muscle health, especially during midlife
The importance of personalized care, and why tailored hormone treatments can address symptoms that estrogen and progesterone therapies may not resolve
Tips for navigating healthcare challenges - accessing testosterone replacement therapy can be challenging!
How advocating against the stigma around hormone treatments ensures women receive better, more supportive healthcare - let’s break the stigma!

About Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan:

She is a medical doctor, specializing in the care of midlife women. She has a telemedicine practice called Portland Menopause Doc and works with Dr. Heather Hirsch as part of the Heather Hirsch MD Collaborative.

She has studied and worked in medicine for thirty years. Helping women through the menopause transition gives her immense joy and over the past few years she has centered her practice more and more around menopause care.

She is a board certified Family Physician, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). She teaches doctors in Oregon about this massive area of medicine, that has been neglected for the past twenty years, through educational lectures and also gives talks to businesses and local groups.

She is very active on social media as @PortlandMenopauseDoc, a frequent podcast guest, proud member of the Menoposse and a loud advocate for women’s equality in healthcare.

Connect with Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan:

Instagram: @PortlandMenopauseDoc

https://linktr.ee/portlandmenopausedoc

Join the waitlist for the upcoming Women Mastering Midlife Community Launching October 14: ⁠https://victoriabyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist⁠

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: ⁠www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow⁠

Connect with Victoria: ⁠msvictoriabyrd ⁠

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: ⁠Ask Me Anything Form

17. What Does a Menopause Coach Do, Anyways?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700

What if more women had a coach to guide them through a topic we don’t talk about enough—menopause? This episode is a heartfelt dive into my personal and professional journey, navigating the realms of pharmacy and women’s health coaching. I want to provide a safe, judgment-free space for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and other midlife transitions. Tune in to hear about the importance of intuition in health, our group coaching setups, and how I'm working to demystify menopause!

We cover:

Why menopause requires personalized care tailored to each woman's unique needs
The importance of empowerment and how I help women make informed health decisions by focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes over medication
The value of comprehensive support, offering personalized coaching on diet, exercise, sleep, relationships, and stress management
Community matters! Join our coaching sessions, Q&A discussions, and connect with like-minded, supportive women

Join the waitlist for the upcoming Women Mastering Midlife Community Launching October 14: https://victoriabyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

16. How Putting your Health First Can Lead to Helping other Women: A Chat on the Mat with Kia Gregory

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700

What if we started to believe that health and fitness are a journey, not a race? In today’s episode, I sit down with health coach Kia Gregory, who is on a mission to empower women in their 40s to take charge of their health and wellness. Throughout the conversation, Kia shares her experience with burnout recovery and highlights the importance of mental health and setting realistic expectations. We also dive into body positivity, emphasizing self-acceptance over trying to mimic influencers. Get ready for all things health, fitness, and ways to find balance in the whirlwind of midlife!

Tune in to hear:

The importance of focusing on sustainable health habits and incremental progress to avoid burnout and maintain balance
How to emphasize body positivity and self-acceptance by prioritizing overall well-being over striving for influencer physiques
Ways to make fitness fun and social by incorporating activities like family hikes and beach outings to build lasting habits and strengthen family bond
How personalized health coaching offers accountability, tailored advice, and motivation, with Kia’s empathetic approach guiding clients toward realistic and sustainable health goals

Connect with Kia:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiagregory

Website: https://kiagregory.my.canva.site/kiagregorywebsite Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

15. Chris Gorton: An Ageless Trailblazer Shares her Midlife Story

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700

How often do you embrace you imperfections and face your fears? Today’s guest, Chris Gorton, is a remarkable woman who’s redefining what it means to age gracefully and powerfully. Over the course of the episode we explore the beauty of aging, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the need for women of our generation to have a stronger voice. Don't miss out on Chris's unique insights drawn from a lifetime of diverse experiences.

Tune in to hear:

Tips on overcoming imposter syndrome and how to view imperfection as a key part of personal growth
The importance of embracing age with fulfillment and strength, despite societal pressures
Why Chris believes women of her generation wield significant buying power but need greater visibility in tech and other industries
The importance of maintaining strength and health to ensure lifelong wellness and independence

Connect with Chris on Instagram @xo.chrisgorton

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

14. Grief Brought on by Menopause: A Conversation with Grief Coach Hannah Wachter

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0700

What if we told you it’s okay to feel grief and sadness around aging? Aging, grief, and empowerment as women can be a complex journey, but meaningful conversations can help pave the way forward. In today’s episode, I sit down with Hannah Wachter, a coach and grief recovery method expert, to explore these transitions. Whether you're experiencing midlife shifts or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in to hear:

Allowing space to deeply feel and process emotions without rushing to turn them into positives
The importance of female friendships, offering loving support and creating safe spaces for emotional growth and healing
Using gratitude to guide midlife transitions while staying true to yourself
Strategies for addressing unmet expectations

Connect with Hannah:

Website: https://www.hannahwachter.com

IG: @stayroyalqueen

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

13. Having Conversations with Your Teens about Sex with Desi Saylors

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Let’s be honest, children often turn to their devices for answers if we don't talk to them at home. Let's get ahead of that and ensure they're getting accurate, reliable information from home! In today’s episode, we dive into the critical topic of teaching kids about human biology and sexuality with Desi Saylors, a seasoned health educator. We explore why open conversations at home starting young, setting boundaries, and acknowledging our kids' tech-savvy nature is key. Join us as we break down taboos and build stronger connections with our kids.

We cover:

How starting “early and naturally” can set the stage for open dialogue which can help gauge your child's comfort and knowledge level
The right education can significantly protect children's sexual health, reduce STI rates, and prevent teen pregnancies and sexual assaults
Regular, small conversations about tough topics – like sexuality and the responsible use of tech – are crucial
Why increased screen time and limited social interactions during the pandemic have highlighted the need for ongoing conversations about online content, privacy, and emotional maturity

Connect with Desi: @growing.conversations

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

12. Let’s Get Real About Nutrition in Midlife with Dena Norton

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Feeling overwhelmed by midlife dietary advice? You are not alone! In today's episode, I dive deep into the importance of nutrition with the incredible Dena Norton, a registered dietitian and women's health coach. During our time together we explore Dena's essential knowledge and strategies for optimizing health during this transformative stage of life. From the importance of protein in your diet to building a multidisciplinary healthcare team, we cover all of your holistic needs. Tune in to reclaim your vitality and master midlife with confidence.

Tune in to hear:

The importance of optimal protein intake to preserve muscle mass, aid in weight loss, stabilize blood sugar, and boost energy levels
How to take a holistic approach to health by combining conventional and holistic medicine
Why implementing long-term, sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes is far more effective than adhering to short-term diet plans
The importance of building a team of healthcare providers, including dietitians, Ob GYNs, general practitioners, and health coaches, to offer comprehensive support during midlife

Connect with Dena:

Instagram: @backtothebooknutrition

Website: https://www.backtothebooknutrition.com/

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

11. The Importance of the Right Colors to Help You Shine with Nicole Kaczmarek

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Have you ever wondered why some shades of color make you feel amazing while others just don't? What if I told you there is a science behind it all! In today's episode, I sit down with Nicole Kaczmarek, personal color & style consultant, and dive into the transformative power of color analysis. We explore how knowing your best colors can boost your confidence, save you time and money, and help you make smarter style choices. We also chat about prioritizing self-care, feeling confident in photos, and even packing efficiently for travel. It's all about embracing who you are now, feeling great, and showing up as your best self every day.

Tune in to hear:

What knowning your "season" and color palette means for your fashion and makeup choices
Why prioritizing yourself for family photos ensures you feel confident, which can set the tone for a harmonious family session
Tips and tricks for efficient packing and why knowing your colors can lead to stress-free travel
The importance of feeling good in the present moment and using color to enhance your appearance, even as your body and features change with age

Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @houseofcolour_ballard

Find your nearest House of Colour franchise: https://www.houseofcolour.com/find-consultant

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

10. Protecting Your Pelvic Floor in Midlife: It's More than Just Kegels with Guest Allison Poole

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Experiencing pelvic health issues like painful intercourse or incontinence? Today, I sit down with Allison Poole, a renowned physical therapist and women's health coach who specializes in pelvic health, perimenopause, and menopause. During our conversation, we dive deep into the challenges women face with estrogen intolerance, the maze of hormone therapy, and holistic approaches like pelvic health physical therapy. We cover everything from managing pelvic pain and incontinence, to proactive measures for vibrant postmenopausal living. Remember, it's about embracing your health, tackling uncomfortable topics, and seeking help without shame.

Tune in to hear:

Reasons women cannot tolerate estrogen and why alternatives are needed
Why hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all and what is pivotal to a vibrant postmenopausal life
The importance of addressing pelvic health issues such as leaking, pain with sex, and organ prolapse
What pelvic floor physical therapy addresses and how it's different from traditional physical therapy
The need for women to trust their bodies and seek help for pelvic health issues without feeling embarrassed or rushed

Connect with Allison:

Instagram: @_allisonpoole

Website: https://korumaine.com/

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

9. Hormones 101: Helping You Understand What in the World Is Going on in Your Body

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Did you know that in 2024, government funding surged for women's health research!? This milestone, 30 years after mandating women's inclusion in drug studies, is huge! In today's episode I am exploring the significant strides in women's health research and the crucial impact of social connections and oxytocin on managing stress. I dive into the complexities of hormone therapy, emphasizing personalized care, and unpack the natural transitions of perimenopause and menopause. Join us as we navigate this empowering journey, seeking knowledge and open conversations about menopause. Remember, menopause is a stage of life that needs support, not treatment.

Tune in to hear:

The vital role of building and maintaining strong social connections on your well-being
Understanding hormonal changes and why individualized care and informed choices, whether through natural methods or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are essential!
Strategies that will empower you to optimize your health through diet and simple lifestyle changes
Ways to take actionable steps towards mastering midlife with confidence and grace

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

8. Pleasure in Midlife with Shauna Stewart

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Let's get real about aging and intimacy. Did you know that midlife is actually the perfect time to reclaim your sexuality for YOU? In today's episode, I sit down with the remarkable Shauna Stewart, founder of Linger Boutique and host of the "Life Turned On" podcast. We explore boosting confidence with sexy undergarments and reclaiming your body for personal pleasure, no matter your relationship status. Shauna also shares actionable tips on reclaiming your body, enhancing intimacy, and embracing your sexuality at any age because midlife is your time to shine!

Tune in to hear:

Why Shauna believes that midlife can be a great time to reclaim parts of yourself and prioritize personal pleasure, challenging the misconception that women lose their sexuality as they age
How pelvic floor health/therapy, high-quality lubricants, and consulting the right healthcare providers can significantly enhance physical intimacy, especially during the menopause transition
The power of practicing sensate experiences, open-minded communication with partners, and redefining intimacy with certain techniques can foster a more profound connection and enjoyment
The importance of recognizing the link between rest and pleasure

Connect with Shauna: Website: https://lingerboutique.com/pages/our-story

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-turned-on-stories-of-sexual-self-discovery-in/id1697971292

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

7. Prioritizing Rest and Sleep: Why it's more than just how many hours you clock at night

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Let's unplug and recharge! Today's episode is a deep dive into the importance of rest and relaxation for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. We explore types of rest—creative, emotional, social, and spiritual—and how they can combat burnout and elevate well-being. I share practical tips from Dr. Sandra Dalton Smith's "Sacred Rest" and highlight the need for quality sleep, mindful relaxation, and stress management techniques. Remember, prioritizing rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for thriving through life's transitions!

Tune in to hear:

How to identify and embrace diverse types of rest
Tips on how to establish a calming sleep routine to support brain health, manage stress, and mitigate risks of chronic conditions
Ways to pretext your rest time by setting boundaries and scheduling rest
How to prioritize holistic well-being by incorporating small habits that can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

6. Burnout & Overwhelm: Why Women Get there and How to Avoid Burnout with Christine Seager

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Feeling overcommitted? You aren't alone! In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible life coach, Christine Seager. We discuss the pressures women face, from household responsibilities to societal expectations, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Christine shares invaluable tips on delegating tasks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care to prevent overwhelm and burnout. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Tune in to hear:

Embracing who you truly are and resisting the pressure to follow social media trends
Strategies for asking for help and setting boundaries to prevent burnout
Why open, honest dialogue with your spouse or partner about responsibilities can alleviate stress and prevent feeling overwhelmed
How to no and reassess commitments to help prevent burnout and achieve a healthier balance

Connect with Christine:

Website: https://christineseager.com

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

5. My Night in the ER: A Discussion of Giving Yourself Permission

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0700

What if we decided to redefine how we approach self-care AND healthcare? In today's episode, I shared a deeply personal story about a midnight ER visit stemming from heart attack fears. Over the next 26 minutes, I dive into the emotional struggle of prioritizing our health, societal pressures, and the importance of self-advocacy. Remember, your health is worth the time, the effort, and yes, even the cost. Let’s break the cycle of guilt and start caring for ourselves as fiercely as we care for others.

Tune in to hear:

Why I ended up in the ER + my insights and reflections from the experience
The difference between men's and women's responses to potential medical emergencies
Tips on how and why you should keep a detailed health journal
How to advocate for yourself and seek out quality care that respects and addresses your specific needs
The importance of a strong support system and what I'm doing moving forward

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

4. Launching your Children and Rediscovering Yourself with Emily McMason

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:46:19 -0700

We know the mental load can feel heavy at this stage in life, but what if we told you there's room for joy too? In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Emily McMason—a coach and consultant celebrated for her work with women and families. During our conversation we explore how midlife women can find joy and overcome feelings of ambiguous grief as children grow up and become more and more independent. As we launch our children into their own lives, we are battled between joy in seeing their independence and fear of what is to come as our role shifts away from mother of younger children. Tune in to hear:

The importance of self-discovery in midlife and how Emily's "Return to Me" program is a fantastic resource for mothers seeking to reconnect with their past selves
The power of emotional connection in changing family dynamics
How to balance parental support by empowering our kids to grow resilient
Tips on navigating personal transitions with an open mind and a compassionate heart for personal growth

Connect with Emily:

Website: https://evolving-parents.com

Instagram: evolvingemily

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria: msvictoriabyrd

Have questions you'd like answered in an "Ask Me Anything" episode? Send them in here: Ask Me Anything Form

3. Your Vision Of Health

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the unrealistic health goals on social media? You’re not alone! In today’s episode, I am diving deep into what true health means for each of us individually. I share insights on breaking free from cookie-cutter diets and fitness plans, embracing our unique values, and crafting a personalized health vision. Whether it's building stamina, finding joy in movement, or redefining beauty standards, it's about listening to your inner voice and charting a course that fits you.

Tune in to hear:

The importance of finding an individualized health journey that aligns with your lifestyle and core values
Why you should take a moment to visualize where you want to be in 1, 5, or 10 years regarding your well-being
The power of embracing and navigating midlife changes on our own terms
How to work backwards to set practical and realistic goals for yourself

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria:www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd

2. My Midlife Health Story

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:05:00 -0700

Welcome to the Women Mastering Midlife podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing my own personal experience entering perimenopause earlier than expected and the challenges I navigated along the way to get the support I needed. It’s time to shift the narrative around midlife for women and normalize conversations around aging and menopause so that no other woman has to feel alone.

Tune in to hear:

What to expect from the Women Mastering Midlife podcast
What my personal menopause journey looked like- struggles with brain fog, erratic periods, and anxiety
The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and seeking the right treatment
How I’m combining my background in pharmacy and holistic health in my approach to supporting women in midlife
My own experience transitioning to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and its impact
The value of community support and having open, honest conversations with other women in this season
Why it’s important to prioritize our well-being more than ever in midlife

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community: www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

Free 1:1 Coaching Consult Call with Victoria: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria:

www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd

1. Changing Midlife Women's Healthcare: A Conversation with Jackie Piasta, NP

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0700

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to have Jackie Piasta, a seasoned women's health nurse practitioner and national certified menopause practitioner, join us. With over 15 years of experience, Jackie has been a trailblazer in menopause care and was notably voted one of the top three nurse practitioners in Arkansas in 2022. She now runs Monarch Health, a midlife and menopause clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Jackie shares her journey and insights into menopause care, including how social media has helped spread awareness. We dive into the importance of personalized menopause treatment, the benefits of telehealth, and the future of women's healthcare.

Tune in to hear:

Jackie's unique career path and how she became dedicated to women's health
The challenges and differences in menopause care compared to regular OB-GYN practice
How telehealth is making menopause care more accessible and convenient for women
A break down of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study and its effects on hormone therapy views
Jackie's thoughts on hormone testing and why it matters
Tackling myths and fears around hormone replacement therapy
The need for FDA-approved testosterone replacement for women
Jackie's hopes for the future of menopause care

Connect with Jackie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiep_gynnp/

Jackie's clinic (Offering telehealth services for AR, TX, FL, GA: https://www.mymonarchhealthco.com/)

Resources mentioned:Women's Health Initiative (WHI): https://www.whi.org/

Women Mastering Midlife Community:www.facebook.com/groups/womenmasteringmidlife

1:1 Coaching Free Consult Call with Victoria www.msvictoriabyrd.com/booknow

Connect with Victoria:

www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd

Welcome To Women Mastering Midlife

Wed, 01 May 2024 01:29:37 -0700

Welcome to the Women Mastering Midlife podcast - this little corner of the internet where we get real about the honest ins and outs of womanhood in our middle years. I'm your host, Victoria Byrd. I'm a Pharmacist, Women's Integrative Health & Menopause Coach and I've spent the last 3 years not only helping women navigate the roller coaster that is midlife, but I'm also in the thick of it myself.

Gone are the days of being afraid to share that we're in our fabulous 40s and beyond. It's time we boldly discuss it all - the good, the great, the challenging, and the "how come no one prepared us for this?!" realities of midlife.

Whether you're navigating the joys and stresses of mothering teens while managing hot flashes, or seeking real solutions for that stubborn midlife middle, or feeling the strain of life's transitions on your relationships and sense of self - girl, you are not alone.

Here, we're diving deep into the complete mental, physical and emotional rewiring that happens during this stage.

We will have journal club: where I bring back an activity from pharmacy school...dissecting a research article and breaking it down for you in easy to understand ways so you can know the latest in women's health.

Chats on the mat will be conversations with girlfriends...like you do before yoga class. Aside from conversations with experts on midlife women's topics, we will attack this transition with different perspectives and hopefully some levity.

I will be using my 7 Pillars to Menopausal Health framework to provide conversations on topics that offer options in prescriptive and lifestyle so that you can walk away with tools to create your individual vision of what healthy means to you.

Experts will join me in discussions around relationships, sexual health, physical health and more.

So stick around, tell your friends, and get ready for a judgment-free dose of midlife inspiration, candid education, expert guidance and hopefully, the occasional laugh - even at my expense. We're all in this together on the path of mastering midlife.

Let's do this!

Please submit Ask Me Anything Episode questions to hello@msvictoriabyrd.com

Look for me on instagram @msvictoriabyrd

Join my FREE Facebook Community, Women Mastering Midlife

Or check out my website for more information about 1:1 health coaching, upcoming group programs, or educational offerings.