Best Sharper Image Podcasts (2025)

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Ep.182 The Real Science of Healing: Trauma, Epigenetics & Midlife Burnout with Dr. Karyn Shanks 50:30

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4h ago50:30

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A lot of women in midlife are walking around feeling like they’re broken. You’ve done the labs, seen the specialists, tried the supplements… and you’re still exhausted, inflamed, and wondering if this is just your new normal. My guest today says absolutely not. Dr. Karyn Shanks is a physician, author, and pioneer in whole-person healing whose work …

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Ep.181 The Blood Tests Every Midlife Woman Needs: Gut Health, Metabolism & Longevity with Christa Tyler 45:48

7d ago45:48

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In this episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re getting real about what’s happening inside your body in midlife—far beyond diet culture, quick fixes, or another “Motivation Monday.” I’m joined by Christa Tyler, functional nutritionist, founder of Your Gut Goddess, and breast cancer survivor whose near-fatal sepsis and reconstructive surgery complicat…

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Ep.180 Beyond Kegels: Functional Pelvic Floor Care for Leaks, Prolapse & Painful Sex 47:32

14d ago47:32

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Urinary (and yes, bowel) leakage isn’t “just part of getting older”—it’s a signal from your core and pelvic floor. In this straight-talk episode, physical therapist Christina Walsh, co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, joins me to dismantle the shame around pelvic health and lay out a functional path forward that goes far beyond “just do more Kegels…

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Ep.179 Stronger Bones, Sharper Brain, Leaner Muscle: The Midlife Health Trifecta with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein 56:51

21d ago56:51

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Your bones, brain, and muscles are having the same conversation—and nutrition is the translator. Duke orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein breaks down how midlife hormone shifts accelerate bone loss, cartilage wear, and muscle decline, and why training + food choices can improve all three at once. We cover earlier DEXA timing, the bone–brain cr…

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Ep.178 Strong, Safe, and Ageless: Midlife Strength Training with Megan Dahlman 55:34

28d ago55:34

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Want to feel stronger, steadier, and more capable for the next 30 years? In this episode, I sit down with strength coach Megan Dahlman to map out a clear, science-backed path for women 50+ to build real-world strength—without injury, confusion, or intimidation. We bust common fitness myths (“just lift heavy,” “bash your bones,” “jump every day”) an…

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Ep.177 GLP-1 and Peptide Therapy for Women 50+: Beyond the Hype 25:02

1M ago25:02

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Hitting a metabolic wall in midlife? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken. In this episode, Michele Folan, midlife health coach and former diabetes industry insider, breaks down the science (and the truth) behind microdosed GLP-1 and peptide therapy for women 40+. Drawing on many years in diabetes and cardiovascular health, Michele explains how…

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Ep.176 Mom Rediscovered: Midlife Identity, Body Image, and the Power of Self-Compassion 51:30

1M ago51:30

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Ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone—and slowly disappearing from your own life? In this raw and relatable episode, host Michele Folan sits down with writer and coach Jen Butler, author of the forthcoming memoir Mom Rediscovered, to talk about the messy, brave work of finding yourself again—after kids, after moves, and after the copi…

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Ep.175 The Science of Midlife Desire: Oxytocin, Hormones, and Erotic Repair 50:39

2M ago50:39

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Reigniting Desire in Midlife with Dr. Diane Mueller: Stress, Hormones & Real-World Intimacy Fixes Desire doesn’t vanish in midlife—it evolves. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, certified sexologist Dr. Diane Mueller joins host Michele Folan to unpack what really happens to libido, intimacy, and connection as hormones shift, stress piles up, a…

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Ep.174 The Cost of the Nightly Wine Habit: Sobriety, Neuroplasticity & Midlife Freedom 52:32

2M ago52:32

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What’s the Real Cost of That Evening Glass of Wine? A Sobriety Journey with Kate Vitela Kate Vitela, a registered nurse, shares her powerful journey from physical alcohol dependence to over seven years of sobriety. Her story isn’t defined by a dramatic rock-bottom moment but by a gradual awakening to how daily drinking eroded her sleep, career, and…

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Ep.173 Your Mouth Is the Mirror of Your Health: Dr. Mark Burhenne on Sleep, Hormones & Longevity 54:01

2M ago54:01

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Unlocking the Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Mark Burhenne Did you know your mouth may be the first place chronic disease, hormone imbalances, poor sleep, and even accelerated aging show up? In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, functional dentist and bestselling author Dr. Mark Burhenne explains why oral health is the true gateway to…

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Ep.172 Stop Asking, Start Becoming: Manifestation Secrets for Women 40+ 52:26

2M ago52:26

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Steffani LeFevour shares that manifestation isn’t magic—it’s mindset. Learn how to create life on your terms. Why do some prayers go unanswered while others manifest with ease? The difference may surprise you. Manifestation mentor and happiness coach Steffani LeFevour joins me on Asking for a Friend to share how women in midlife can stop asking and…

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Ep.171 Thyroid Cancer & Midlife Women: Why Normal Labs Don’t Mean You’re Safe 33:14

3M ago33:14

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Hashimoto’s, Hormones, Neck Checks & the Future of Thyroid Screening Thyroid cancer is on the rise among midlife women—and most don’t even know they’re at risk. In this eye-opening episode of Asking for a Friend, Dr. Rashmi Roy, Director of Thyroid Surgical Services at the Clayman Thyroid Center and one of the world’s most experienced thyroid surge…

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Ep.170 The Power of Breathwork for Midlife Women: Better Sleep, Less Stress, Fewer Cravings 58:33

3M ago58:33

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Breathe Like Your Health Depends On It: Midlife Stress, Sleep, & Cravings with Sandy Abrams Is your nervous system stuck in overdrive? Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mindless snacking, snapping at your spouse—these aren’t just “midlife things.” They’re signs your body is begging for calm. And the fastest way to get there? Your breath. In this empowe…

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Ep.169 The Truth About Female Hair Thinning: Hormones, Genetics & Hope 48:27

3M ago48:27

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Is your shower drain trying to tell you something? Hair loss is one of the most common and emotionally devastating issues women face in midlife, yet it’s often met with silence—or endless product promises that rarely deliver. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, board-certified internist Dr. Mary Wendel—a physician who has dedicated over 20 year…

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Ep.168 Reversing Osteoporosis: My Midlife Bone Health Blueprint with Michele Folan 20:08

3M ago20:08

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The day my DEXA scan results revealed osteoporosis was a wake-up call I dreaded. No symptoms. No warning signs. Just a family history of poor bone health. The casual “take medication and see you in two years" was a no-go for me. Like so many women in midlife, I knew there had to be another way. In this episode, I share my personal journey of revers…

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Ep.167 Unlocking Your "Prime Time Glow Up" with Dr. Ellen Albertson, The Midlife Whisperer 50:24

4M ago50:24

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Is midlife really a crisis, or is it the launchpad to your most vibrant chapter yet? In this empowering episode, Dr. Ellen Albertson, The Midlife Whisperer, brings her infectious energy and groundbreaking wisdom to debunk myths about aging, body image, and what it means to thrive after 50. At 62, Dr. Albertson radiates confidence that challenges so…

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Ep.166 Breakthrough Method for Reclaiming Balance, Brain Health, and Mobility After 50 with Dan Metcalfe 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

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What if everything you thought you knew about balance and mobility was flat-out wrong? Dan Metcalfe was a Broadway performer at the top of his game when he suddenly became paralyzed mid-performance. What followed—partial brain death, a long recovery, and a total reinvention—sounds impossible, until you hear him tell it. Dan didn’t just survive. He …

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Ep.165 My Menopause Wake-Up Call: The Story Behind My HRT Journey 30:50

4M ago30:50

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shouldn't be shrouded in outdated fears and misinformation. When I finally started HRT at 57, I realized I'd spent years unnecessarily suffering through sleepless nights, hot flashes, and night sweats—chalked up to “normal aging”—when effective treatments already existed. My journey began after a hysterectomy, when…

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Ep.164 A Game-Changer for Breast Health in Motherhood, Menopause & Cancer Care 39:14

4M ago39:14

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Breast pain is one of the most common—and most ignored—issues women face from puberty through post-menopause. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Debbie and Troy Sutton, the inspiring mother-son duo behind The Healing Bra—a revolutionary product offering real relief for breast discomfort through every stage of life. From painful…

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Ep.163 Skin Confidence After 50: The Truth About Midlife Skin Care with Dr. Mary Alice Mina 58:35

4M ago58:35

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The mirror doesn’t lie, but it doesn’t have to be your enemy either. As wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin become a part of your reality, it’s easy to feel betrayed by your reflection. But what if midlife skin changes weren’t a crisis but a chance to evolve your skincare game? In this episode, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina join…

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Ep.162 How to Add 15 Healthy Years to Your Life: The Power of Data-Driven Healthcare 1:01:21

5M ago1:01:21

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What If Your Annual Physical Is Missing the Most Important Clues About Your Future Health? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Dr. Dave DeMarco—primary care physician and owner of DexaFit Cincinnati—to uncover what most standard medical exams are failing to tell us, especially for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Dr. DeMarco i…

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Ep.161 Losing Everything to Find Yourself: Breaking Free from Trauma & Overwhelm 37:37

5M ago37:37

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When life knocks the wind out of you, how do you find your way back to yourself? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, we sit down with Cristina Simmons—a mother, occupational therapist, Faster Way coach, and now author of Eat Your Feelings. Her journey reads like a survival manual for the modern woman: deep grief, childhood trauma, infidelity, c…

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Ep.160 Midlife Unfiltered: The Real Slim Sherri Is Saying What We’re All Thinking 57:36

6M ago57:36

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What if the real glow-up in midlife has nothing to do with wrinkle creams—and everything to do with finally showing up unapologetically as yourself? Meet Sherri Dindal, better known as The Real Slim Sherri—the blue-haired, tattooed, profanity-positive powerhouse who's become a viral voice for women over 40. With over 5 million followers, Sherri’s r…

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Ep.159 Why She Gave Up Wine—and Gained a Global Movement - Sober Is the New Cool 38:46

6M ago38:46

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What If Sober Was the New Cool? Breaking the Wine Culture Narrative with Kim Bellas This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend Is wine really the answer to midlife stress—or have we just been sold that story? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Kim Bellas, founder of …

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Ep.158 The Truth About Dying: What Hospice Nurse Julie Wants Every Family to Know 53:38

6M ago53:38

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How Understanding Death Can Help You Live More Fully — with Hospice Nurse Julie This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend What if facing the realities of death could actually help you live with more intention, gratitude, and peace—right now? In this powerful episode of Asking for a Frie…

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Ep.157 Stop Shrinking, Start Leading: The Midlife Wellness Wake-Up Call 47:07

6M ago47:07

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Feeling like you’re doing everything right—but still not feeling like yourself? This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Courtney Townley—health coach, creator of the Grace & Grit podcast, and a fierce advocate for midlife…

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Ep.156 Osteoporosis Isn’t Inevitable: Midlife Bone Health Strategies That Work 58:15

7M ago58:15

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Think Bone Loss Is Just a Part of Aging? Think Again. This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend If your doctor’s only advice for bone health is “take calcium, vitamin D, and wait,” this episode is your wake-up call. I’m joined by Dr. Doug Lucas—former orthopedic surgeon turned bone heal…

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Ep.155 Eat More, Weigh Less: The Midlife Metabolism Fix You’ve Been Missing 34:44

7M ago34:44

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Still Cutting Calories After 40? Here’s What You Should Do Instead This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend Lisa Holtan, Faster Way coach and personal trainer with 17 years of experience, joins me this week to flip everything you thought you knew about midlife weight loss on its head. …

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Ep.154 Vaginal Dryness, UTIs, and Hormones: What Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know 52:34

7M ago52:34

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This episode is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend Your Skin's Glowing, But What About Down There? Let’s Talk. We obsess over skincare, fitness, and aging gracefully—but when it comes to vaginal health? Total silence. Meanwhile, millions of women in perimenopause and beyond are battling dryness, painful sex, recurrin…

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Ep.153 Transform Your Walk, Transform Your Health: The Science Behind Better Movement 55:01

7M ago55:01

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Think you know how to walk? Think again. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by international health expert Joanna Hall, founder of the WalkActive Method. Joanna reveals how improving your walking technique can dramatically boost posture, joint health, hormone balance, and even cognitive function—all especially important in midlife. …

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Ep.152 Sober Curious After 50? Why Midlife Women Are Ditching the Drink 53:05

7M ago53:05

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What if that evening glass of wine isn’t helping you relax—but actually holding you back? In this honest and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Heather Lowe, founder of Ditch the Drink, to talk about her personal journey of quitting alcohol at age 42 after nearly three decades of what most would call “normal” drinking. From beer tents in Wisconsi…

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Ep.151 Why Diets Fail Women Over 50—And What Actually Works with Karen Karlsen 52:22

8M ago52:22

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Think Your Best Years Are Behind You? Think Again. If you're in midlife and wondering why your body suddenly feels like it's working against you—fatigue, stubborn weight, poor sleep—you are so not alone. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I sit down with Karen Karlsen, Faster Way coach and pro-aging advocate, who…

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Ep.150 Empty Nest, Full Life: Rediscovering Yourself After the Kids Leave 39:03

8M ago39:03

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When the Nest Empties, What’s Next? The silence can be overwhelming when a once-busy home suddenly feels too quiet. If you’ve ever wondered, Who am I now? Where do I fit in my child’s life—and in my own? Allie Hill, author of The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting, knows this transition firsthand. When her daughter left for college, she felt like …

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Ep.149 Snooze or Lose: Sleep - The Foundation You Can't Ignore 1:12:56

8M ago1:12:56

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Tired of staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, running on empty, and feeling like a zombie by mid-afternoon? You’re not alone—midlife sleep struggles are real, but they don’t have to be your norm. In this must-listen episode, I sit down with certified holistic sleep coach Morgan Adams to uncover why sleep gets harder in midlife—and more importantly, what…

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MFD Spring Break 1:19:17

8M ago1:19:17

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It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring -Break-themed mini games!! Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Hal Lublin, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brend…

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Ep.148 The Overlooked Key to Midlife Health: Why Your Liver Deserves More Love 45:12

8M ago45:12

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The Missing Piece in Your Midlife Health: Why Your Liver Matters You’re doing all the right things—eating well, moving, prioritizing sleep—but if your liver isn’t functioning optimally, your metabolism, hormones, and energy levels may still be working against you. Your liver is a powerhouse, detoxifying your body, balancing hormones, and supporting…

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Ep.147 No Rock Bottom Required: One Woman's Journey Through Midlife Sobriety 48:09

9M ago48:09

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That evening glass of wine used to be such a simple pleasure. Now it comes with unwanted side effects—disrupted sleep at 3 am, morning brain fog, and inflammation showing up as puffiness or worse. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone in questioning your relationship with alcohol in midlife. Leigh's journey with alcohol follows a path many wome…

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Ep.146 Nourish Your Journey: A Fresh Start After 50 with Michele Folan 21:48

9M ago21:48

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Hello there, ladies! It's Michele here, your 60-something guide to health after the big 5-0. In today's episode, we're having a good old chat about taking care of ourselves in these golden years. Listen, I know what you're going through. Those hormones playing musical chairs, feeling like your muscles are on vacation, and all those "experts" tellin…

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Ep.145 Kristine Gardner and Her Wellness Wisdom: Morning Habits, Mindful Choices, and Empowerment 54:13

9M ago54:13

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with Kristine Gardner, a wellness expert who’s made it her mission to help women create fulfilling, balanced lives. Kristine takes us on her remarkable journey from discovering wellness in her 20s to becoming a personal trainer, earning a master’s in counseling, and leading a successful sales team—all while nav…

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Ep.144 Midlife Careers and Knowing Your Value - Love Your Work and Have It Serve Your Life 51:51

9M ago51:51

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What happens when a seasoned career takes an unexpected turn in the middle of a global pandemic? I found myself facing that very question, jobless and searching for purpose. Join me as we unpack midlife career journeys with career expert Julie Bauke, who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. Together, we explore the challenges and opport…

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Ep.143 Mindful Exploration: Psychedelics, Meditation & Retreats for Holistic Healing with Neil Markey 48:12

10M ago48:12

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Is there a way to tackle PTSD and depression beyond the confines of traditional treatment? What if you are seeking a stronger connectedness and spiritual growth in your life? Join us as we sit down with Neil Markey, the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, who shares his personal journey from a small town in Maryland to the battlefields of Iraq …

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Ep.142 Unlocking Midlife Vitality: How Fascia Holds the Key to Chronic Pain Relief and Wellness with Anna Rahe 55:08

10M ago55:08

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Are Midlife Aches and Pains More Than Just Aging? Discover the Role of Fascia in Your Health Ladies, are you tired of feeling like your body is constantly fighting against you as you navigate midlife? It might not just be aging—your fascia could be the key. Join me as I sit down with Anna Rahe, a fascia-based movement coach whose inspiring journey …

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Ep.141 Decoding Methylation and Histamine Intolerance: Naturopathic & Self-Care Insights with Joanne Kennedy 48:48

10M ago48:48

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Are you navigating the ups and downs of midlife, dealing with unexplained symptoms, hormonal changes, or feeling dismissed by traditional medicine? This podcast episode is your essential guide to understanding and overcoming midlife health struggles. Join naturopath Joanne Kennedy as she shares empowering insights into menopause, gut health, and pe…

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Ep.140 The Surprising Truth About Forgiveness That Changed My Life | Dara McKinley 37:12

10M ago37:12

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Are you carrying emotional baggage that's weighing you down? This game-changing episode reveals why forgiveness might be the self-care revolution you never knew you needed. Meet Dara McKinley, a spiritual teacher and psychology expert who discovered the transformative power of forgiveness through her own unexpected crisis. Despite years of professi…

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Ep.139 Kristen Coffield on Wellness Strategies for Midlife, Mindful Habits, and Active Aging 51:08

11M ago51:08

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Ready to thrive in your 50s and beyond? Tune into this episode for a fun and inspiring conversation with culinary wellness coach Kristen Coffield. Kristen is here to share her powerful journey and expert tips on building lasting health habits as you embrace midlife. From a family-owned gift shop to becoming a sought-after wellness advocate, Kristen…

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Ep.138 Unlocking DNA Secrets: Elwin Robinson on Genetic Testing, Personalized Health, and Wellness Strategies 1:08:38

11M ago1:08:38

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What if unlocking the secrets of your own DNA could revolutionize your approach to health and wellness? Join us as we venture into the world of genetic-based health insights with Elwin Robinson, founder of Genetic Insights. Elwin shares his compelling journey into genetic testing, propelled by personal health struggles that traditional and alternat…

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Ep.137 Michele Folan on Unlocking Midlife Metabolism, GLP-1 Insights, and Sustainable Fat Loss 29:43

11M ago29:43

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It's me speaking with you this week offering my perspective on midlife health, focusing on building long-term vitality through strength training, mindful eating, and sustainable lifestyle changes. It's time to ditch the quick-fix mentality and embrace lasting results. Together, we'll explore the importance of being mindful about sugar consumption, …

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Ep.136 The Art of Homeopathy, Holistic Health, and Patient-Centered Care with Pam Klein 40:42

11M ago40:42

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Are you looking for a natural, personalized approach to health and wellness that truly resonates with your unique needs? In this episode, we dive into the world of homeopathy with Pam Klein, an experienced homeopathic practitioner whose journey from special education and art to holistic healing is as inspiring as it is enlightening. Pam’s compassio…

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Ep.135 April Ibarra on Navigating Elder Care, Family Dynamics, and Empowering Caregivers 38:42

11M ago38:42

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If you're a woman over 50, you likely find yourself facing the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for aging family members. Our guest, April Ibarra, a social gerontologist and my Faster Way client, is here to share her wisdom and guide you through this crucial journey. From teaching exercise classes in nursing homes to helping companies …

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Ep.134 Alison Bruhn on Midlife Fashion Reinvention, Personal Styling, and the Trends 49:52

12M ago49:52

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Transform Your Style with Alison Bruhn: A Fashion Journey for Women 50+ Join Alison Bruhn, a former teacher turned fashion expert, as she shares her inspiring journey into the world of personal styling. Alongside her daughter Delia Folk, Alison co-founded The Style That Binds Us, a platform dedicated to celebrating fashion for women of all ages and…