Afterpause with Jill Foos is the menopause podcast for women who are done waiting for answers and ready to take action. Jill Foos is a Chicago-based National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach specializing in postmenopause and midlife women's health. Each episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance on hormone health, sleep, sexual health, strength, metabolism, and skincare — featuring expert interviews with leading physicians and women's health specialists who tell you exactly what to do, not just what's happening. After menopause, women are left without a roadmap. Afterpause changes that. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, newly postmenopausal, or years into this stage and still looking for real answers — Jill gives you clarity, confidence, and control for the next 20 to 30 years of your life. New episodes every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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You are being marketed to. Aggressively. And the people doing it know exactly when to come for you: when your skin starts changing, when the products that worked for years suddenly stop working, when you catch yourself in a mirror and think, what is happening to my face. That moment of vulnerability is worth billions of dollars to the aesthetics industry. And most of what they're selling you is not backed by clinical evidence. Here's what's actually happening. When estrogen drops during menopause, your skin loses collagen at a rate of about 2.1% per year, and in the first five years after menopause alone, you can lose up to 30% of your skin's collagen. No serum fixes that. No $300 peptide cream fixes that. In this episode, I'm getting you straight answers.
I brought in the person I would send my own clients to, and he's going to walk you through every major in-office skin treatment being marketed to midlife women right now. Lasers, peels, injectables, microneedling, red light, and exosomes, all of it. What actually works, what's overhyped, what's a waste of money, and what to ask before you hand over your credit card to anyone.
My guest is Dr. Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist. His fellowship in cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery was completed with clinical faculty from Harvard, Yale, and Brown. He did his residency at Cleveland Clinic, where he served as Chief Resident. He's a published researcher, adjunct faculty at Cleveland Clinic, and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He specializes in every major laser procedure and the full range of injectables, and he has no financial stake in selling you any particular device or product. There is no room for bias here. You deserve an action plan that actually works.
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org
The Postmenopause Wardrobe Reset - #145
Season 5 · Episode 145
Sunday, July 19, 2026 • Duration 01:00:41
Something shifts in midlife that nobody talks about in the fashion conversation. It's not just that your body changes, though it does. It's that your entire life changes. Menopause. Divorce. Career transitions. Kids leaving. And suddenly the clothes that defined you for twenty-plus years don't fit, not just physically, but emotionally. Most women respond by either ignoring their wardrobe entirely or going on a shopping spree that doesn't actually solve anything.
Today's guest believes there is a better way. Gayle Perry is one of New York City's most sought-after personal stylists and the force behind @gaylestyle, where nearly half a million followers come for exactly what she delivers: style that heals, empowers, and makes you feel like the most confident version of yourself, regardless of your body, your budget, or your age. Her philosophy is called The Wellness of Style, and once you hear it, you will never think about getting dressed the same way again. This episode is for every woman who has looked in her closet and felt like none of it belongs to her anymore.
In this episode:
— How to dress the body and the life you have right now, not the one you had at 40
— Why postmenopause is the most liberating style moment of your life if you approach it right
— How to shop with intention instead of impulse
— Dressing for different body shapes, comfort, and reclaiming your style
— Building a wardrobe that reflects who you are becoming, not who you used to be
Peptide Therapy: What Women Navigating Menopause Need to Know - #135
Season 5 · Episode 135
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 58:21
If you've spent any time on Instagram or TikTok lately, you've seen it. Peptide therapy. Everywhere. Promising weight loss, energy, anti-aging, and yes — menopause symptom relief. The before-and-after photos are compelling. The promises are bold. The packaging is pretty. And the price tags are steep.
But here's what's missing from most of those posts: the science, the safety, and the truth about what's actually regulated, what's actually studied, and what's actually being sold to you in a vial from a compounding pharmacy you've never heard of. And in some cases, from your own licensed practitioner.
Menopausal women are navigating in the dark. Being dismissed by their doctors. Feeling unheard. And turning to anything that promises relief.
On this episode with Dr. Catherine Johnson, we cut through the noise and give you the straight answers you deserve.
Dr. Johnson is Board-Certified in both Obesity Medicine and Emergency Medicine, and the Founder and Medical Director of Precision Medical Care, a private concierge practice she launched in 2018. She trained at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, completed her residency at the University of Chicago, and spent nearly two decades there as an Associate Professor. She holds advanced certifications from the Menopause Society and the Institute for Functional Medicine, with fellowship training in Precision Medicine.
This episode is for real women. In midlife and beyond. Those who are done being misled and ready for real answers.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my podcast guests.
What the 2026 Cholesterol Guidelines Mean for Midlife Women - #134
Season 5 · Episode 134
Sunday, April 12, 2026 • Duration 01:10:09
Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Not breast cancer. Heart disease. And the treatment guidelines just changed. The 2026 Dyslipidemia Guidelines are rewriting, assessing, and treating cardiovascular risk, with updates that are especially relevant for women in midlife and beyond.
I have one of the most respected lipidologists in the country, Dr. Tom Dayspring, here to break it all down in plain English. With so much misinformation on social media from undereducated clinicians to influencers and statin haters, it's up to you to educate yourself through trusted sources.
Dr. Dayspring is one of the most sought-after lipidologists and cardiovascular educators in the country and is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association, board-certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology, and has delivered over 4,000 lectures across all 50 states on lipids, cardiovascular disease, vascular biology, and women's heart health. He has served as Chief Academic Advisor for major cardiovascular laboratories, authored lipid textbook chapters, and received the National Lipid Association's President's Award and their Clinician Educator Award — two of the highest honors in his field. He is a Gold Heart Member of the American Heart Association and a Social Media Ambassador for both the European Atherosclerosis Society and the National Lipid Association. Over 34,000 people follow his educational content on X at @DrLipid, and after this episode, you will understand exactly why.
Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
Being Authentically You in Menopause & Beyond - #133
Season 5 · Episode 133
Friday, February 20, 2026 • Duration 01:05:05
At some point in midlife, many women quietly ask, "Who am I now?" I remember facing that question myself at 48, newly separated and adjusting to a home that was suddenly much quieter. It can feel disorienting when your body is changing, your roles are shifting, and the old rules no longer seem to apply, yet the world still expects you to carry on as usual.
In this episode, we explore authenticity in midlife and what it really means to become more yourself, not less, through perimenopause and beyond.
I'm joined by Dr. Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, to unpack the cultural narratives women have absorbed about aging, beauty, relevance, and identity. We discuss why this stage can feel unsettling and how to move through it with clarity, self-respect, and even joy.
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional well-being, and mental health contributor in the media, where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books, including "The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius," and serves as a Medical Expert for the Physicians for Human Rights. Dr. Saltz is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, has a private practice in Manhattan, and hosts the "How Can I Help?" podcast.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
Muscle Myths and Midlife: What Women Really Need to Know - #132
Season 5 · Episode 132
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 59:06
Starting around age 40, women can lose 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each decade if they're not actively doing something to protect it. At the same time, body fat tends to increase, especially around the midsection, leaving many women frustrated that their old routines no longer work. Add in the hormonal shifts of menopause, and suddenly the risk of insulin resistance, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and even frailty down the road feels very real. But here's the good news: muscle is not just about looking toned. It's your currency for strength, independence, and longevity. It supports your bones, protects against falls and fractures, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps your metabolism humming. Midlife is an opportunity to build muscle and change the trajectory of your life.
My guest today is Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, FACSM, FCAHS, one of the world's top researchers on muscle health, protein metabolism, and aging. Dr. Phillips is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a member of the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health. His work centers on the interaction of exercise/physical activity, aging, and nutrition in skeletal muscle and body composition. He is a fellow of several Academies, Societies, and Colleges, including the ACSM, but was most recently appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC).
Today, we are going to break down midlife myths and barriers and share how to thrive in your second act with practical and accessible strategies.
Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
Perimenopause Confusion: Birth Control vs. Hormone Therapy Explained - #131
Season 5 · Episode 131
Sunday, January 4, 2026 • Duration 01:04:48
So many women in perimenopause find themselves asking the same confusing question: Should I stay on birth control, switch to menopause hormone therapy, try both, or do nothing at all? And why does it feel like everyone has a different answer?
In this episode, we unpack why perimenopause can feel like a medical gray zone. Symptoms can be intense and unpredictable, hormone testing isn't always clear, and many women are told they're "too young" or "just stressed." Add in social media opinions, antidepressants being prescribed first, and inconsistent medical guidance, and no wonder women feel lost.
We break down the real science behind:
• Birth control vs. Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
• How doctors decide what to recommend
• Whether you can transition directly from the pill to MHT
• What realistic symptom relief looks like
• How long adjustments actually take
• What to do if spotting or symptoms continue
We also address the biggest myths, like:
• "You can't be in perimenopause if you're on the pill."
• "You have to wait until your period stops to use hormones."
Plus, we shine a light on women who are often left out of the conversation:
• Those with severe PMS or PMDD
• Women in early menopause
• Women after hysterectomy
• Women wondering about testosterone, libido, brain fog & mood
This episode is about clarity, options, and informed choice. Perimenopause is not a failure of your body, and confusion around hormones is NOT your fault. You deserve education, thoughtful support, and individualized care, not guesswork or fear-based advice.
Navigating the Holidays with Health and Grace in Menopause - #129
Season 4 · Episode 129
Saturday, November 29, 2025 • Duration 10:18
In this episode, I share a practical holiday health game plan for midlife women who want to enjoy the season without losing their energy, sleep, or momentum. You've been working hard to stay consistent, grounded, and motivated this year, and now the holiday temptations are everywhere.
I explain how the holidays can trigger cravings, stress, and "all-or-nothing" thinking, then walk through 10 science-backed strategies to stay grounded, such as:
Steadying your mindset with simple reminders and a long-term wellness vision. I offer you realistic tips.
Plan like your future self by protecting a few key habits you've built this year. You don't have to pull all your healthy habits in.
Give yourself grace, remembering that a few indulgent evenings don't erase months of consistency.
My core message: the holidays are not about perfection, but about finding the balance between health and joy so you can feel strong, vibrant, and present.
I kept this episode short and sweet, direct, and realistic. Take what you want, and leave the rest.
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When Midlife Sex Changes: Tools for Navigating Pain and Pleasure - #128
Season 4 · Episode 128
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • Duration 01:06:40
Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It's linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn't. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn't end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Money & Menopause: Understanding Your Financial Health in Midlife - #127
Season 4 · Episode 127
Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 45:06
In this episode of the Health Trip Podcast, we take a fresh look at financial health as a critical part of women's well-being during and after menopause. For Gen X women, these years are supposed to be about preparing for an empty nest and building long-term security. Instead, menopause often brings hidden financial costs. Women in midlife spend billions each year managing symptoms, face higher medical expenses than their peers, and lose an estimated 1.8 billion dollars in work time annually. These realities shape earning potential and retirement planning more than most people realize.
To dig into this, I'm joined by Dr. Barbara Provost, founder of Purse Strings. After decades in the financial industry, Barb saw how often women were underserved, dismissed, or left out of crucial conversations about money. Purse Strings was built to change that. Her work gives women the tools, education, and trusted connections they need to make confident financial decisions, especially during life transitions like menopause, career changes, caregiving, and planning for the next chapter.
If you're navigating midlife and want to better understand how menopause intersects with money, career, and long-term planning, this conversation will give you clarity and practical direction.
Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org
Subscribe to Afterpause with Jill Foos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts:
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts:
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. This conversation will help you understand what's really happening in your body and how to approach hormone decisions with confidence.
If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts. Our inaugural event is February 3rd, 2026, in Winnetka. Tickets are on sale now.
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