Midlife fitness for women 45+ is not about trying harder—it’s about training smarter for perimenopause and menopause physiology. In this powerhouse episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Dr. Stacy Sims—exercise physiologist, TEDx speaker behind “Women Are Not Small Men,” and author of ROAR and Next Level—to break down exactly why your old workouts and “eat less, do more cardio” strategies stop working in midlife… and what to do instead.

We get practical (and refreshingly no-BS) about the real midlife playbook:

• Why estrogen shifts change metabolism, muscle power, recovery, and body composition
• Why heavy lifting matters (and why it won’t make you “bulky”)
• The difference between HIIT vs. Sprint Interval Training (SIT)—and why many “HIIT classes” aren’t actually HIIT
• Where Zone 2 fits (and why it’s great for mental health, but not your best lever for optimization)
• The truth about fasted workouts and intermittent fasting for women—and how it can backfire on appetite, cravings, energy, and sleep
• How to think about protein needs in midlife (including the “1 gram per pound” conversation and how to distribute it)
• Why creatine is having a moment (brain, muscle, mood, performance, and aging)—and what dosing typically looks like
• Recovery upgrades in perimenopause/menopause: sleep, mobility, heat/sauna (and why cold plunge isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool for women)
• Why testing and metrics like DEXA (bone density + body comp) and VO2 max can be useful for longevity-focused women

If you’ve been standing in your kitchen wondering where your “30-year-old metabolism” went—and why you can’t out-discipline midlife hormones—this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and a realistic path forward.

You can find her newsletter and blog at:

 https://www.drstacysims.com/ 

You can receive 15% off her online courses at https://www.drstacysims.com/product_guide using the code DRSTACYSIMS15OFF

https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPD55VPa1ZWx1a_nzWC2VJA

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you care about protein quality, metabolic health, inflammation, and long-term strength, this episode will change the way you shop for meat.

On this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan pulls back the curtain on the modern meat industry with Cloe Parker, CEO of Parker Pastures, to expose the truth behind misleading meat labels—and why most consumers are unknowingly getting it wrong.

Cloe explains what labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, and Product of the USA really mean—and why up to 85% of grass-fed beef is imported, yet still legally labeled as American. You’ll learn how conventional feedlot practices affect omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, inflammation, nutrient density, and overall protein quality—especially important for women focused on muscle preservation, bone health, and longevity.

In this episode, we cover:

• Grass-fed vs grass-finished: what actually matters
• How grain-fed meat impacts inflammation and metabolic health
• Glyphosate, pesticides, and contaminants in conventional meat
• Why protein quality matters more than quantity
• The truth about chicken, pork, and beef sourcing
• How to shop smarter without chasing perfection
• Why food choices today impact strength, mobility, and independence later in life

Cloe also shares her powerful personal story—stepping into leadership of her family ranch after losing her mother—and how that loss shaped her mission to provide food that heals instead of harms.

This conversation isn’t about fear or food rules. It’s about making informed choices that support strength, energy, and health for decades to come.

🎧 Listen now and learn what your meat label isn’t telling you—and how to choose protein that actually supports your body.

https://parkerpastures.com/
Follow Cloe Parker on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parkerpasturesgrassfed/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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”) and replace them with smarter, safer strategies that protect joints, support bone density, and build lasting confidence. Megan shares how to train around arthritis, osteopenia, or joint replacements, use bodyweight and posture work to create balance, and why core control and rotation are key for mobility and pain relief.

From pickleball prep and agility drills to simple movement snacks you can do anywhere, this conversation gives you practical tools to move through life’s decades with strength and ease—so you can keep traveling, playing, and living fully without limits.

Website where you can find Megan's masterclasses, group training, and podcast.
https://www.vigeofit.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/megandahlman/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

When Kiki Hurwitt's wellness and emotional health were not where she wanted them to be, she chose action over surrender, embarking on an incredible quest toward fitness that transformed her life. Have you ever considered that maybe your greatest victories lie ahead, no matter your age? 

Kiki's candid discussion on her battle with pre-diabetes and high cholesterol opens a window into the power of determination and how visual affirmations, like progress photos, can radically shift self-perception. She embodies the spirit of the fearless warrior in all of us, proving that midlife can indeed be redefined.

True health goes beyond shedding pounds; it's about nurturing strength within. Join me as we unravel Kiki's steps to success, which involved meticulous attention to diet, understanding the essentials of muscle maintenance, and the surprising mental marathon of reverse dieting. We also discuss the common dietary misconceptions that trap so many women.

Kiki, alongside her coach Michelle MacDonald and inspired by the journey of Joan MacDonald, brings to light the life-changing benefits of personalized fitness guidance.
But what's a hero without her tribe? Kiki's story takes on a new dimension with the unwavering support of her family and an online community that became her fitness fellowship. 

From the shared triumphs with her bonus daughter to her husband's own remarkable weight loss, Kiki paints a vivid picture of how communal strength can be the wind beneath our transformational wings. And as she shares under the banner of @thelykkeviking on Instagram, we see a life teeming with self-love, positivity, and the thrill of chasing new horizons, no matter the season of life.

Find Kiki Hurwitt at:
https://www.instagram.com/thelykkeviking/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In midlife, when we think about our overall wellness, the topics of menopause, weight gain, bone and joint health, and our skin are usually top-of-mind, but what about our livers? This organ often gets forgotten until there is an actual issue.

On this episode we are unlocking the secrets of liver health with liver specialist Dr. Supriya Joshi, as we navigate the underrated importance of this vital organ in your midlife journey. Through our in-depth conversation, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about how metabolic health intertwines with liver function and the steps you can take to prevent conditions like fatty liver disease. Dr. Joshi's approach shatters the conventional reliance on medication, championing lifestyle adjustments and preventive measures to achieve lasting well-being.

Embark on a myth-busting expedition about liver disease and its connection to diet, especially the often misunderstood roles of fat, sugar, and alcohol. Our discussion reveals the pivotal role of muscle mass in metabolic health and unwraps the complexities of aging's impact on our bodies' alcohol metabolism. Dr. Joshi equips you with the truth behind liver detox fads and the actionable insights needed to make informed decisions about supporting your liver health through consistent, healthy living.

The episode culminates with a powerful blend of dietary and exercise strategies designed to revitalize your health. Learn why eating vegetables first could revolutionize your eating habits, the importance of protein and healthy fats in your diet, and how intentional exercise, like zone two training, enhances mitochondrial health. With Dr. Joshi's expert advice at your fingertips, you're empowered to embark on a proactive path toward a healthier liver and a more vibrant life.

CORRECTION:
In the podcast Dr. Joshi accidentally misstated that a can of Coke contains 10 grams of sugar. She meant to say 10 teaspoons of sugar.
Also, she wishes to clarify that two-thirds of North Americans with type two diabetes have fatty liver disease, but one-third of all North Americans have it.

You can find Supriya Joshi, MD at:
https://www.liverhealthclinic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/liverhealthmd/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

According to AARP over 44% of Americans ages 40-59 are considered obese, and for adults over 60 that number is around 42%. Hormone changes can cause fat accumulation, especially in our midsections, and that collides with age-related muscle loss, which means our bodies don't burn calories or process sugar as efficiently.

Then, of course, comes the expected cascade of possible health complications associated with the extra weight. I don't want this to sound bleak, and the purpose in me sharing these statistics is to say that we CAN change the narrative. It is possible, and it is never too late.

When Joan MacDonald received some unwelcome health news from her doctor, she knew that she had to make some changes. With guidance from her fitness guru daughter, Michelle MacDonald, Joan began her own health and fitness journey, in her seventies, to go on to inspire many others to do the same through her Train With Joan platform. Not only are grateful women re-discovering themselves and getting their lives back, but they are becoming a part of a greater community of support and friendship.

Joan has become a major fitness influencer with almost 2 million followers on social media, and she has authored her memoir and self-help book, Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment. Oh, and did I mention Joan Macdonald was on the cover of Women's Health magazine in 2023? Amazing!

I can't wait for you to meet this 77 year-old dynamo with her amazing can-do spirit!

You can find Joan's book Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment on Amazon.

You can follow Joan on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/
https://www.facebook.com/trainwithjoan
The Train With Joan app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple.

You can find Michelle MacDonald at:
https://www.instagram.com/yourhealthyhedonista/
https://www.facebook.com/YourHealthyHedonista
https://thewonderwomen.com/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Embarking on a fresh journey of self-discovery and growth, I take to the mic with a heart full of gratitude for the past year's learnings and eyes set on the horizon of health transformation for midlife women. 

As we wave goodbye to 2023, we revisit the wisdom imparted by Dr. Nicole Lovat on hormone replacement therapy, dive into the intricacies of bone health with Rebecca Rotstein, sit in the comforting circle of mental well-being with Dr. Laurie Little, and navigate the healthcare maze with guidance from Susan Salenger. These conversations were more than interviews; they are the building blocks for the exciting year we're stepping into.

I'm taking you with me on a very personal journey through macro nutrition coaching, sharing the profound impact of intentional fitness modifications, and underscoring the pillars of protein, hydration, and sleep in our daily lives. The journey is honest: I open up about reducing my alcohol intake, the liberating effects it's had on my life, and how hormone replacement therapy has been a game-changer. Your stories, your health ventures are the fuel for this year's episodes, so let's amplify the chorus of midlife triumphs— please share the podcast, leave your thoughts, and join in as we chart a course through the health and wellness landscapes that matter most to us all.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Does the thought of permanent weight loss without diets or deprivation sound too good to be true? We’ve got Courtney Gray, a seasoned life and body coach, debunking that myth right here on "Asking for a Friend." Courtney takes us through her personal journey and shares her no-drama approach to achieving and maintaining your ideal weight, focusing on health, wellness, and the intricate role of mindset.

We also delve into the complex relationship between our eating habits and body image. Courtney encourages us to face the truth about our dietary choices and to understand how societal pressures and childhood experiences shape our eating behaviors. Offering a fresh perspective, she emphasizes the power of self-love, acceptance, and the identification of emotional eating triggers. We discuss alternative coping mechanisms for negative emotions - ones that don’t involve food.

Lastly, we tackle the often-ignored concept of embracing discomfort to spur personal growth. Whether it’s weight loss, body acceptance, or embarking on a new career, stepping out of your comfort zone is key. We highlight the pressures women face during significant life transitions and the importance of finding a balance between physical health and mental well-being. Join us on this enlightening journey towards a healthier, more self-loving you. Let's learn, grow, and transform together.

You can find Courtney at:
https://www.instagram.com/modernbodymodernlife/
https://courtneygraycoaching.com/
https://www.facebook.com/courtneygraycoaching

Podcast 
Modern Body Modern Life
https://courtneygraycoaching.com/podcast

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Are you curious as to what the future holds and at a crossroads in your life journey ? Are you concerned about a certain nagging pain? If you are at the point of "Now what?" in a career or a relationship, you will love this week's guest.

Carol Walkner left behind corporate America to pursue her dream of helping people rediscover themselves and the direction in which their life is going. She is a certified Reiki Master, clairvoyant medium, and transformational coach with clients all over the world.

She shares her fascinating journey, from her early experiences with clairvoyance to how she uses her unique powers in her work. Carol believes that your to-be list should always be longer than your to-do list and that maintaining a youthful spirit is key to long-term happiness. 

You find Carol Walkner at:
https://www.carolwalkner.com
https://www.instagram.com/carolwalkner/
https://www.facebook.com/carol.walkner

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Think about how many times you've asked the pharmacist for advice. What's the best for poison ivy? What should I use for my child's congestion? Help! Where are the COVID tests? You get my drift. Your friendly neighborhood pharmacist, a wealth of knowledge, trusted and always ready with answers to your questions. 

Lisa King, RPH, also known as the Fulfilled Pharmacist, has your best interest at heart, as she wants midlife women to look and feel their best at any age, while becoming more aware of their health and creating long-lasting good habits. Lisa is also the best-selling co-author of the book, Tiny Life Changes. 

This midlife mom, health influencer, and blogger passionately shares her insights on many of the topics that impact us all. In this episode, we cover:

Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Health and Pelvic Floor
Understanding Our Sugar Consumption 
Fasting, Gut Health, Mediterranean Diet
The Importance of Community in Midlife

You can find Lisa at:
https://www.thefulfilledpharmacist.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thefulfilledpharmacist/
https://www.facebook.com/thefulfilledpharmacist

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

By 2030 the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year, but according to a recent Forbes survey, a staggering 73% of women don't treat their menopause symptoms.  

What about vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and skin changes?  Are we really putting up with this stuff?  There are some amazing women-led companies out there who are forging a path to normalizing the conversation and education around menopause symptoms. 

It's one thing to be a female entrepreneur, but when you take that boldness and bravery and combine it with a passion for women's sexual wellness, menopause, and beauty, you get this week's guest.

Michelle Jacobs is the co-founder and COO of the company Womaness, which has developed effective, science-based, and elegant products to support women from their heads to their toes.  She believes that we deserve to feel and look great at any age.

In this episode Michelle and I discuss:
- The genesis of Womaness and the process to secure capital
- The science-backed research and market analysis needed to curate the product line
- Womaness' best sellers and why customers love them
- The personal impact of being a female founder 

You can follow Michelle Jacobs and Womaness at:
https://www.instagram.com/michelle_jacobs_womaness/
https://womaness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mywomaness/
https://www.facebook.com/mywomaness

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

My friend, Claudia, thought this would be a timely topic for many us, and it did not take me long to find an expert in the field of eldercare.  

There can be many rewards for caring for ill or aging parents, a spouse, relative, or a special neighbor.  It is truly a labor of love, but with that there can be some very challenging and trying moments that come with the territory of having this honor.  The role requires patience, tenderness, selflessness, and hard work.  

The emotional toll and physical stress of caregiving can lead to burnout and exhaustion, causing caregivers to put themselves and their own well-being in the background.  How do we put aside the guilt, sadness, and isolation to be kind to ourselves and prioritize self-care?

Linda Abbit was a caregiver for more than 25 years.  She, too, faced many of the same demands other caregivers experience.  Many of us have aging family members, and Linda's work in the eldercare field and volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association, has provided her the wisdom and knowledge to help us all reduce stress, avoid burnout, and be a more relaxed caregiver.  

Linda is the founder of Tender Loving Eldercare,  and the author of the book The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself.  She addresses the topics that are vital for anyone who is in the midst of this sometimes dramatic life change.

In this episode Lina Abbit and I discuss:
 - Techniques for mindful communication with the person in our care
- What to do if siblings are not willing to help out and tips for doctor appointments
- How to keep daily self-care top of mind
- When to consider in-home care or assisted living
- What to do when the whole family is not on-board
- The dreaded end-of-life conversation
- The grieving process for the caregiver
- There are resources, so you don't have to go it alone

Resources:
Office on Aging
Alzheimer's Association
Google - Geriatric Care Managers in your area

You can find Linda Abbit at:
https://tenderlovingeldercare.com/
or on Facebook

She is available for speaking engagements locally or on Zoom.

Linda's book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you are bloated or feel like your gut symptoms are holding you back from living life, this show is for you.  Our guest expert, Heather Finley, is an adventure-loving, book reading, constipation-overcoming dietician, who wants you to poop better.

Heather is your guide to make easy, sustainable changes so that you can find relief and feel healthy again.  She is the mastermind behind the gutTogether Program, host of the Love Your Gut podcast, a consultant, and speaker.

In this episode we discuss:

The gut/brain connection is really a thing!
SIBO - what it is and how it is diagnosed
Our poop has all the answers - using stool as a diagnostic tool
Mold and the impact on your gut
Are laxatives addicting
How restrictive diets can make gut issues worse
The 4-1-1 on fiber and fermented foods 

Take Heather Finley's gut quiz
https://www.drheatherfinley.co/about/

Find the Love Your Gut podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

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

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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 incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP regulate appetite, satiety, and insulin sensitivity — and why they’ve become game-changers for both metabolic and weight health. You’ll hear:

• The wild origin story of GLP-1 (hint: it starts with the Gila monster)
• Why early GLP-1 drugs revolutionized diabetes care
• How microdosing protocols now support fat loss while protecting lean muscle
• The real goals: improved A1C, fasting insulin, lipids, inflammation, and energy

This isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about layering science-backed tools onto strong habits:
✅ Lifting heavy
✅ Eating enough protein
✅ Prioritizing recovery
✅ Partnering with trusted, physician-led telehealth and vetted compounding pharmacies

Michele also dives into other longevity peptides that support sleep, recovery, cognition, skin, and hair health — plus the role of NAD+ in cellular repair and energy.

If you’ve been “doing everything right” and still feel stuck, this episode connects the dots between modern peptide therapy and midlife metabolism — with zero hype and total transparency.

🎙️ Listen now to understand who’s a good candidate, what results really look like, and how to protect your muscle while improving metabolic flexibility.
👉 Subscribe, share with a friend who’s curious about GLP-1s, and leave a review to help other midlife women find the show.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Here is a statistic for you.  The average 45 year-old woman has been on 61 diets since the age of sixteen.  This brought me back to the 1980s and 90s, the era of dexatrim, Ayds Candies, and Slim Fast.  As a side note, the active ingredient in Ayds Candies and Dexatrim was the decongestant, phenylpropanolamine, which can be found in many cold medicines today.  I almost forgot about fen-phen.  Remember all the heart and legal issues with that drug?  Then there were the popular, fad diets, such as the Cabbage Soup Diet, Beverly Hills, Scarsdale, and Grapefruit Diet, to name a few.  

It was actually simpler back then.  Doing lots of cardio (OMG, the aerobics and step class craze) and starving yourself was the secret sauce, which we know is not a long-term strategy for anyone, especially us midlife gals.  Diet culture is still alive and well, but today, we have to sift through all the stuff on social media, when all we want is the truth and straight answers in how we manage a body that we may no longer recognize.  This is why I asked Jenn Huber to be a guest on the podcast.

Jenn is a Registered Dietician, Naturopathic Doctor, podcaster, and intuitive eating advocate, who provides health and hormone education to women in midlife without a side of diet culture.

She knows exactly what we are going through, and she wants to help you make peace with food, your body, and menopause so you can find the confidence you deserve in this great stage of life.

Catch Jenn Huber's podcast, the Midlife Feast, wherever you get podcasts.

Jenn's website: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/menopause.nutritionist/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you have experienced stress, anxiety, or trauma, what have you done to help you manage or overcome the thoughts and emotions that may derail your day, sleep, and overall wellbeing?

Podcast guests have opened my eyes to alternative modalities that go beyond therapy and prescriptions.  Hypnosis, EFT, and Reiki can all be considered to help us find peace.  On this episode we discuss shadow work and acupuncture, among other things.

Winnie Chan Wang is a mindfulness and traditional medicine expert, international speaker, bestselling author, and a professor in acupuncture at the Alhambra Medical University.  In her private practice, Winnie applies integrative medical approaches (acupuncture, mindfulness training, and reiki) to help her clients reduce fatigue, pain, anxiety, fear, and worry.

Winnie embodies compassionate transformation by standing powerfully in her authenticity.  Her clients often have anxiety and depression, and feel stuck in their physical or emotional pain.  When Winnie guides her clients through shadow work, when they integrate their darkness with their light, they turn their wounds into power. This journey allows them to shift from being a victim to being the author of their life.

In her book “Honoring Darkness”, co-authored with Ji W. Choi, doctoral candidate in psychology, Winnie and Ji dive deep into their own traumas and share how they made lemonade out of life’s lemons.  The book inspires readers to transform their darkness, such as grief, anger, and fear, into trust and purpose.

Winnie holds a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Alhambra Medical University.  She is the recipient of the President's Award for academic excellence and the Internship Award for her dedication in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clinic.  Before starting her traditional medicine business, Winnie earned dual bachelor of science degrees in Computer Science and Finance from MIT, a master of science degree in Integrated Marketing from NYU, and has worked on Wall Street.  She is a doctoral candidate in Integrative Medicine and is currently based in Los Angeles, California. 

Find Winnie's book Honoring Darkness: Embrace Shadow Work to Nourish and Grow Your Power on Amazon

To schedule an appointment with Winnie or to get more info about events:
https://mindfulhealingheart.com/

Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/winnie.c.wang
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mi

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

One of my pillars of selfcare in midlife is community and connection.  Women are generally better at reaching out and networking than our male counterparts, and I am fortunate to have been on the receiving end of other women, not only wishing to collaborate, but also connecting me with others who are in their circles.  

When I met today's podcast guest, I knew right away that I was in the presence of one of these great connectors of people.  She is like a magnet for the midlife community.  Donna Cravotta is the CEO and founder of the Cravotta Media Group, the Be Visible Club, a group learning community, and the Real 50 Over 50, a visibility project featuring 50+ women who are quietly making a difference.  

Donna designed her business to help authors, speakers, and small business owners pull together all the parts of their stories and mixed tried and true strategies with new technology to be visible to their perfect audience.  She is a real live sherpa for her clients and all whom she touches.

https://cravottamediagroup.com/
LinkedIn: Donna Cravotta
Instagram: https://cravottamediagroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.cravotta

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Tired of the all or nothing mentality when it comes to your health and fitness?   Lindsey House, R.D., wants you to get off the sidelines of life and feel energetic so that you can enjoy all the great stuff ahead in midlife and beyond.  

This dietician and personal trainer, turned accountability coach and podcaster, is all about direction and not perfection.  Lindsey is rewriting the rules to be realistic for attainable goals, not a one-size-fits-all program that only measures what we see on the scale.  At the end of the day, the best lifestyle is the one that we can embrace.

What are some of Lindsey's simple pillars to live by?  
- Movement - strength and resistance
- Nourishment and getting plenty of color into our meals
- Sleep
- Rest with intentional space

Lindsey has a podcast called Direction Not Perfection  https://www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com/podcast-1

To inquire about Lindsey's coaching services: https://www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com/

Instagram @houselifestyles
Facebook @House Lifestyles

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

When it comes to our intimate partnerships in midlife, this can be a moment for us to get back to a more fulfilling and meaningful sex life, but in this season of change, do we want and need the same things that lit us up twenty years ago?

Emma Schmidt & Associates is a sex and relationship therapy group practice with a mission is to help make therapy more accessible, locally, nationally and globally. As a sex therapist, Emma believes you deserve to have a great sex life and relationship that fires on all cylinders. 

Emma started the practice in 2011, because she found that the sex therapy field was significantly under-served in her area. Sex and intimacy play a big part in our lives, and when it isn’t going well, it can have a huge impact on relationships and ourselves, and we know that 30-40% of men and women struggle with some sort of sexual challenge. 

What Emma sees, is that through guided conversation and exercises, clients are able to not only have a greater bond and connection but tell her that after therapy, they are happier than they have ever been in their relationship. That’s pretty impactful, and that’s why she does what she does.

Website:  https://heyemma.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heyemmatherapy/
https://www.facebook.com/emmaschmidtsextherapy

Maude massage candles
https://www.getmaude.com
Get 10% off with code Emma 10

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Delightful!  That is how I sum up this podcast interview.  I believe that it is important that men have a voice on this podcast, and it is always refreshing to get a different perspective on the intricacies of male/female relationships. 

As the head of a major hospital, Ricky Arenson, MD worked with many patients who had reached 100+ years of age.  He asked them what the secret to their longevity was, and surprisingly, it wasn't eating acai berries and doing yoga, it was having long-term positive relationships.
 
Ricky Arenson's funny yet serious book, Women are Superior to Men,  explores why so many couples have the same arguments about how often to have sex, how men don't notice or pick up the mess they leave lying around, and how men communicate in grunts and jokes when women are looking  for a serious conversation. 

This husband and podcaster explains with science, psychology, and humor why women are superior to men and why it’s worthwhile for husbands to admit this.  It's an easy guide to creating and maintaining a magical relationship filled with love, joy, and better intimacy.

One thing that cannot be overlooked is simple biology, and once we wrap our arms around the fact that men and women are wired differently, through years and years of evolution, can we have a meeting of the minds and find common ground.

You can find Ricky Arenson's book, Women are Superior to Men, on Amazon.

Dr. Arenson's podcast Happy Healthy Ever After
https://drrickyarenson.com/podcast/

Instagram @drrickyarenson_
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drrickyarenson/
Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.rickyarenson?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

After twelve years in medicine, helping families heal their bodies, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell started studying the science and art of emotional and sensual connection to help her patients heal their relationships.

So why did this already super busy, mom, wife, intimate marriage expert, and podcaster decide to co-author a book about menopause?  As Alexandra and her dear friend, Tricia Brouk, began to dig in, they found that despite the fact that there is more awareness around this life stage, we still aren't really talking about it.  

The Invitation - Vital Conversations About Menopause is not a book about science, research, or treatment of menopause.  It's a book to inspire connection and community in a time of life that every woman who lives long enough is sure to go through. 

As we evolve, women are spending a third or more of our lives in menopause.  Let's redefine this inevitable transition and look at it as a beginning - a time of midlife pivots and enhanced relationships, and bring vital conversations out of the dark corner and into the light.

You can find Alexandra Stockwell's books, The Invitation - Vital Conversations About Menopause and Uncompromising Intimacy, on Amazon.
The Intimacy Doctor website: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/
Alexandra's podcast: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimacydoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093537316555

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you asked your friends or family what you are "known for" or what makes you unique, what kind of answers do you think you might get?   We all have our "thing" whether it is a talent, trait, or a quirk that makes us who we are to those who know us best.

Are you that person who has the inside track of what's going on around town, the friend who is on top of all the latest and greatest in entertainment, food, and thrills?   Well, that is how Michelle Dorward Jones' friends and followers would describe this popular current events blogger.  She is your go-to gal for making plans for GNO, a romantic date, or out-of-town guests.  

Michelle took her passion for her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and love of great dining, events, and fun, and turned it into her full-time gig.  Her Hey, Michelle! platform has amassed a very loyal following and is just one more example of a midlife woman stepping out and doing great things to support local businesses and her community.

You can find Michelle Dorward Jones and Hey, Michelle! at:

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/heymichelle1/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=hey%20michelle
Website
https://heymichelle-help.com/about/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Earlier in 2023 I had a day where out of nowhere came a racing heart and super high anxiety.  It was concerning to feel this out of control, and I never really pinpointed a cause other than maybe one of those annoying symptoms of menopause.  I can't imagine feeling like that all the time, and it was enough of a wake-up call to prompt me to make some needed changes, and that included more intentional downtime and selfcare.  As women, we do a lot and need to cut ourselves some slack.

In 2019 Melissa Crook had a health crisis that led her to seek help for unaddressed anxiety and suppressed emotions from her early life.  This high energy lady had to learn to sit with herself to meditate, journal, get uncomfortable with her past, and deal with "her stuff" head-on.  

Melissa knew she had so much to share around her own mental health journey that she started a podcast and a blog, where she brings guests to the table who are living out their best lives with true intent and health in their own unique way.  She wants other women to know that they are not alone and that they have undeniable worth and value just as they were made.  It's all about embracing our many beautiful and complicated layers and living unapologetically.

The F.E.E.L. Podcast and blog: https://www.embracinglayers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracinglayers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084428100763

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

After episode 64 of the podcast, I had many listeners reach out to me to express their frustration over the lack of healthcare providers in their area who were in the know in the latest in hormone therapy treatments and protocols.  When the company Winona contacted me to speak to one of their medical providers, I jumped at the chance to bring our listeners a possible option to fill a void in their quest to feel better and be their best.

As telemedicine becomes more and more commonplace, many doctors are seeing it as vehicle to reach more patients and to broaden the conversation and community, especially when it comes to women's health issues.

When Cat Brown, D.O., was doing her medical training, she was encouraged to pursue the family practice route as part of her Army commitment, but she found her true love was obstetrics and gynecology.  This do-it-all mom and current OBGYN hospitalist decided to join the medical team at Winona in 2021.  

Winona is a company revolutionizing the treatment of menopause to help women get the solutions they need.  They aim to empower, educate, and treat women throughout the entirety of their menopause journey.  

Winona offers doctor-prescribed, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that is backed by science and shipped directly to your door.

Check out Winona here: https://winona.pxf.io/oq5OPE

In this episode Dr. Cat Brown and I discuss:
- Cat's path to becoming an OBGYN
- The obvious and not so obvious symptoms of menopause
- The data on hormone therapy and alzheimer's
- The role of cortisol and how to minimize its effect
- Is estrogen dominance really a thing?
- Oral vs. topical hormone therapy - deciding who gets what form
- How DHEA fits into the treatment regimen
- Blood and saliva hormone tests and why they may not be reliable
- The future of telemedicine
- Cat's words of advice for midlife women

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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 coping habits that promised relief but delivered fog.

Jen opens up about her seven-year alcohol-free journey, her decisive breakup with diet culture, and the “soft rock bottom” that sparked it all. We unpack:

• How sobriety led to radical self-compassion
• The dopamine “easy buttons” women often turn to—and how to replace them
• What curating your social media inputs can do for your inner weather
• How strength training, protein, and bone health became part of her midlife healing
• The simple life-circle exercise to spot what’s not working

Therapy threads through Jen’s story as a practical, stigma-free tool for connecting the dots between motherhood, partnership, and identity. She shares how writing the hardest scenes—hangovers, shame, and all—became deeply healing.

If you’re curious about gray-area drinking, breaking up with diet culture, or building a midlife you actually want to live, this conversation will meet you where you are and gently nudge you forward.

👉 Preorder Mom Rediscovered, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find this space.

https://jenbutlerwrites.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jenbutlerwrites/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Do you ever wonder why a particular relationship that you have is so darned difficult?  If you sometimes ask yourself if the relationship is unhealthy for you, then maybe it's time to assess the situation.  Being walked on, devalued, or feeling stuck can be demoralizing, and worse yet, if we let things go too long, we can develop emotional abuse fatigue.

These relationships can be confusing, because they may not be bad all the time.  So at what point do we decide, for our own emotional health and wellbeing, that we need set boundaries or walk away altogether?

Toxic relationship specialist, Dr. Heidi Brocke, walked the path, struggled, learned, healed, and recovered from an emotionally abusive relationship.  Now she is here to help you do the same.  Heidi is a coach, and she also has a top-ranked podcast called It's Not Normal, It's Toxic: Rid Your Life of Toxic People.

In this episode Heidi and I discuss:
- Her journey to finally walking away from her emotional abuser
- How to define a toxic relationship and what the red flags are
- Family and workplace toxicity
- What the recovery process looks like
- Getting help in order to be able to make a clean break

You can find Dr. Heidi Brocke at:
https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/itsnotnormalitstoxicpodcast/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

More than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease.  We mostly think of varicose veins, which for some, can makes us self-conscious about the appearance of our legs, but they can be downright painful.  Pregnancy, heredity, and what do you know, menopause, can all play a role.

Cindy Asbjornsen, DO, found a passion and calling for helping people with vein disease.  She is committed to educating her patients about vein health so that they can make informed decisions about the best treatment options.  As a board-certified phlebologist, Cindy is utilizing the latest in technology to ensure optimal outcomes to not only improve her patients' self-esteem, but also their overall health and wellbeing.  

In this episode Dr. Asbjornsen and I discuss:

- How Cindy became interested in vein disease
- Defining vein disease and the symptoms
- Risk factors for men and women
- Pregnancy and varicose veins
- When it's a good idea to wear compression stockings
- The heredity link and vein disease
- Current treatments and how far we have come 
- The importance of getting help and asking questions of your provider if you have concerns about your veins

You can find Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen at:
https://veinhealthcarecenter.com/meet-dr-asbjornsen.php
Check out her website - there is some great education and patient testimonials

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

There is so much that we do in midlife in the name of prevention, such as eat well, exercise, and focus on self-care.  When you think about the physical therapy, we typically put it in the category of reacting to an injury or recovery post-surgery, rather than prevention.  My own recent experience opened my eyes to the many facets of PT, and it is astounding to me the amount of training and specialization physical therapists complete.  Think of it as your whole body being connected and your physical therapist is the sleuth that solves the puzzle and comes up with a holistic treatment plan.

Sarah Crawford, PT, DPT, is not only a first-class physical therapist, but she is a visionary, who fulfilled her dream as the founder of Anchor Wellness and Wave Physical Therapy in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Sarah and her team bring highly specialized, collaborative, and patient-centric care to their clients.  Whether you have a creaky back, pesky bladder leakage, or an osteoporosis diagnosis (to name just a few), you can consider PT as a very viable option.  It's not just for rehab!  

Some of the topics Sarah and I discuss:
- What it takes to become a physical therapist and why they are required to know the mechanics of the whole body
- Assessing chronic pain
- The role of fascia in the body
- Using pilates and yoga for prevention and healing
- The difference between dry needling and acupuncture
- Osteoporosis - building muscle and lifting heavier weights and the importance of balance
- Gait analysis and how it can help prevent injury for walkers and runners
- Massage therapy benefits
- TMJ and physical therapy
- Considering pelvic floor therapy 
- Why everything seems to tie back to hormones for women

You can find Sarah Crawford, PT at: 
I highly recommend you check out their social media posts for great tips and reminders!
https://anchorcincy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anchorwellnesscincy/
https://www.instagram.com/makeawavecincy/
https://www.facebook.com/anchorwellnessinc
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091617177601

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Allow me to introduce you to Jen Butler.  She is a self-proclaimed imperfectionist, who wanted to reach some of her own personal goals, but she knew deep down that her wine habit was going to hold her back from being successful.  

Removing alcohol is a courageous act of self-care, and she made the decision at the end of 2017 to hand sauvignon blanc a pink slip and started her sober journey.  Jen wants to help other women find their joy in a sober curious or sober serious life through 1:1 and group coaching.

This wife, mom, and kick boxing enthusiast has a fun and refreshingly self-deprecating approach that makes her a relatable and true supportive partner for women wanting to go alcohol-free.   Her BYOB (Build Your Own Break) 31 Day self-paced, online course is a great place to start!

Gray area drinking is a term often-used these days, but how exactly is it defined?  

1. You silently worry and fret about your drinking.
2. You aren't drinking one glass of champagne at a party a few times a year, nor have you hit rock bottom.
3. You can stop drinking and have done so - maybe even for weeks at a time, but you easily fall back into your old habits.
4. People around you don't see that you have a problem with drinking, but it still creates anxiety for you. 
5. You've lost count how many times you've woken and said to yourself, "Never again. I can't keep drinking like this."

In this episode Jen Butler and I discuss:
- The catalyst for making the decision to go alcohol-free
- How chronicling her journey on social media kept her accountable
- Resources she used to stay on track
- The first things she noticed both physical and emotional when she quit drinking
- Her thoughts on moderation
- Why she became a sobriety coach

Check out Jen's engaging and motivating social media at https://www.instagram.com/jenbutlercoach/ 

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

One of the goals of the Asking for a Friend Podcast is to bring thought leaders to the table in all matters that impact midlife women.  As things are rapidly changing, it is difficult staying current on hormone replacement therapy and the treatment of menopause.  It is vitally important that we are armed with information so that we can do our own research and feel empowered to have discussions with our healthcare providers.  

Nicole Lovat, MD, was two weeks away from opening her family medicine practice, when she attended a hormone education seminar held by World Link Medical.  She was blown away by what she learned, and as a pharmacologist, she was able to connect the dots in regard to what the underlying issues were for her perimenopause and menopause patients.  

Nicole did a 180 pivot and is now successfully treating women who were once struggling with low libido, tired, and gaining weight.  Her multi-pronged approach looks at inflammation markers, vitamin levels, symptoms from hormone pathways, and metabolic levels to devise an individual treatment plan that is science-based.

In this episode Nicole Lovat, MD, and I discuss:

- Why she did a 180 pivot two weeks before opening her medical practice
- Why women need estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and thyroid and the impact on weight
- Pellets, creams, and oral hormones - what she prefers and why
- HRT, cancer, and the current risk
- The importance of identifying insulin resistance in patients even if they are not diabetic
- Vitamin supplementation to complete a treatment protocol 
- Rounding out her practice with esthetic offerings

https://www.instagram.com/fireflymedical/
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=firefly%20medical%20group%20pllc
https://fireflymedical.net/
https://worldlinkmedical.com/
 

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you follow the podcast on social media, you may already know that I had a recent osteoporosis diagnosis.  I felt dismissed as the doctor prescribed a pharmaceutical, told me to increase my calcium and vitamin D, and they would see me back in two years.  Really?  That just wasn't good enough, so I went on my own search for answers.

I am happy to report that there are professionals out there, like this episode's guest, who are reliable resources to guide you with an effective holistic approach to bone health, strength, and mobility.   As I have said before, I am not anti-pharmaceutical, but we owe it to ourselves to do the research to ensure that we are making the most educated decisions possible.

Rebekah Rotstein was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her twenties.  A former ballet dancer, she has used her love of movement and her pilates instructor experience to develop the Buff Bones program, where she certifies other exercise professionals and works with individuals to help them along in their healthier bones journey.

In this episode Rebekah Rotstein and I discuss:

- Rebekah's own diagnosis and her decision to not go on a pharmaceutical in her twenties and why some young people and men may have poor bone health
- How her education, dance, and pilates background catapulted her into training other fitness professionals and working with clients on their whole bone health journey
- The process with which she works with clients and how breathwork is an important foundation
- The most common fracture for midlife women (and it's not the hip)
- Incorporating mobility and progressive load strength training (for those who are able)
- Tendon injury being more prevalent in midlife with the decrease in estrogen
- The importance of having good balance and core strength in midlife and beyond
- Why walking is not enough to build your bones and some options that you can add to your walking routine

You can find Rebekah Rotstein and Buff Bones at:
https://buff-bones.com/
Instagram @gotbuffbones
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BuffHealthyBones

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

The size of the sexual wellness market for 2023 is estimated to be over $37 billion.  This growing industry, ripe with potential and opportunity, is more than just gadgets and apps.  The business of femtech and sextech is largely driven by female entrepreneurs who, through their own experiences, have found holes in the market where there is unmet need.

Rachel Braun Scherl is a champion for women's health and is passionately focused on driving innovation in the business of women's sexual and reproductive health.  She was dubbed the first Vagipreneur after she successfully started her own female health and wellness company, creating a new category in the process.

With more than 50% of the world's population being female, it's natural to see a rising interest in woman-focused technology.  Bringing the conversation to the forefront is necessary to destigmatize the shame and taboo that all too often comes with the discussion of female health and pleasure.

In this episode Rachel and I discuss:
- Her long career in the health segment and getting dubbed the first Vagipreneur
- How writing a book became her calling card 
- The dynamic sexual health and wellness market, recent innovation, and how far we still need to go
- Corporate America's need to get on board with retaining their most experienced workers by embracing perimenopause/menopause in the workplace
- Getting creative and scrappy to find funding for new innovation
- How she went about starting the concept of a podcast during the pandemic
- What's next for Rachel 

Where to find Rachel Braun Scherl:
https://www.sparksolutionsforgrowth.com/about-rachel-braun-scherl/
Podcast https://businessofthev.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rbscherl/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rbscherl

Her book Orgasmic Leadership is available on Amazon and other booksellers

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Not many of us will have the opportunity to spill coffee on a future president during an interview, but think about the times in your life when you had to be bold, stepping out of your comfort zone to accomplish something that you needed to do or wanted to do.  We have all been called to address a relationship, situation, or life calling where we have had to summon courage to overcome what it was that may have held us back.

One of the many great things about being in midlife is that with our hard-earned life experience and maturity, we can push aside the fear of failure and more readily tap into our boldness.  

Some people make a life or career out of being bold.  Julie O'Neill is a speaker, author, and former news anchor, whose dynamic personality has entertained and inspired on TV and stage since the age of six.  Her work over 30+ years in TV news has been seen on ABC, CBS, CNN, and stations across the country.  Her recently released book, BOLD, chronicles the secret to her big wins to help you crash through your own comfort zone.  She wants you to unleash your inner boldness, because now is the time to reach your greatest potential in life!

In this episode Julie O'Neill and I discuss:
- Building a foundation of boldness in her early years
- The positive impact of competing in pageants and the value in losing in life
- How Julie came to spill coffee on Bill Clinton and other stories from the news desk
- Mentorship, relationships, humility, and humanity - defining what is really important in your work and life
- Getting pushed out of her 30+ year career due to ageism and Julie's desire to speak up for other midlife women (and men, too)
- Why Julie filed a lawsuit against her former employer
- The mission behind writing her book BOLD
- The importance of having your own "board of directors" and finding your path forward when the chips are down

You can find Julie O'Neill at:
https://www.instagram.com/julie_oneill_justme/
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=julie%20o%27neill

You can purchase Julie's book BOLD on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Secret-Crash-Through-Comfort/dp/B0C6VZ3VP1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=156BM9B3YG1B6&keywords=bold&qid=1688823328&s=books&sprefix=bold%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-1

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can come with sometimes uncomfortable or embarrassing consequences.  So often pharmaceutical or surgical intervention is suggested before addressing the core issue.  The great news is that there are highly trained and passionate professionals out there to help women get back to living life to the fullest.

Kim Vopni is an author, speaker, and pelvic health coach who helps women prevent and heal incontinence and prolapse as a leading authority in health and fitness coaching with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Also known as the Vagina Coach, Kim has a podcast called Between Two Lips, where she connects with other experts to share the latest in technology and information.  Her Buff Muff app, a training platform for women, offers a 28 day challenge to get clients' muffs buff and improve their quality of life. 

In this episode Kim Vopni and I discuss:
- How this fitness coach and entrepreneur entered the world of pelvic coaching
- The most common symptoms of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
- Why some of these issues later in life are from our earlier years of birthing babies
- The benefits of belly wrapping postpartum (and why our daughters may want to consider it)
- Kegels - you have to do them correctly to be effective.  What do you need to do  beyond kegels.
- Vaginal rejuvenation options - Votiva, Femlift, ThermiVa, Femtouch
- PRP injections like the O Shot
- Exciting, new innovations 
- The Buff Muff program

You can find Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach at:
https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/
https://www.facebook.com/kim.vopni

Between Two Lips Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-lips/id1666065141

The Buff Muff app is available on for both Android and Apple

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

There are so many layers to our lives and often, when presented with a guest opportunity, I am not only impressed with their accomplishments but the stories intertwined into how they got to where they are today.  As a midlife woman, there is a great deal of inspiration to be garnered when we take the time to listen to each other's whole narrative.

Marnie Rae Clark is a successful business woman, writer, mom, and wife, who made the decision twenty years ago to quit drinking after an incident at an elementary school auction.  That later propelled her to start tinkering with fun, creative non-alcoholic drink options, and eventually, she co-founded National Mocktail Week.  Marnie was truly ahead of her time, because people weren't really talking about the sober curious movement then.  

And as many of us do, we ignore the sometimes nagging, obvious symptoms that there may be something physically awry, and Marnie finally got her odd neurological issues checked out.  A stage IV cancer diagnosis followed, and while some her plans and dreams were put on hold, this cancer warrior wants to inspire others through her writing by sharing about her journey.  There really isn't a lot of good stuff that comes having cancer, but Marnie believes that there are some really great things that would not have happened had she not received that diagnosis, and she hopes to encourage someone else who is going through a rough spot.  

In this episode Marnie Rae Clark and I discuss:

- The catalyst for her sobriety
- Mocktails and starting National Mocktail Week
- Her symptoms, eventual cancer diagnosis, and sober cancer journey
- Selfcare and listening to our bodies
- The importance of her writing in the healing process

You can find Marnie at:
https://www.instagram.com/marnieraec/
Good Things Good People
https://marnierae.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=reader2&utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Fmarnie%2520rae&utm_medium=reader2

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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, and long-term relationships get comfortable.

We explore the science of midlife desire, from how oxytocin calms cortisol and improves sleep to how vibration therapy and pelvic floor health can ease pain and increase pleasure. You’ll learn the difference between “wanting to want” and true arousal, how testosterone fits into the libido puzzle, and why body image and tissue health deserve as much attention as hormones.

Dr. Mueller introduces her concept of “erotic repair”—a framework that moves intimacy beyond penetration and toward curiosity, communication, and play. Together, we tackle mismatched desire, dopamine boredom, and the single most important habit separating happy couples from disconnected ones: talking specifically about what feels good.

Expect evidence-based tools and real-world scripts you can try tonight—like the Yes/No/Maybe exercise that makes awkward conversations easier. Whether you’re navigating menopause, rebuilding intimacy after stress, or simply craving more connection, this episode delivers honest, science-backed guidance with zero fluff.

 Dr. Dian Mueller's book: https://WantToWantIt.com

Free Libido Quiz to get to the root causes of low libido: https://LibidoQuiz.com

Free - Yes, No, Maybe Checklist to bring in novelty: https://MySexDoc.com

Recommended Lubes and products: https://MyLibidoDoc.com/Products 

IG: https://instagram.com/myromancedoc

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

The goal of the podcast is multi-faceted.  I want to share health and wellness information with our listeners but also provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to speak about their journey and the great things that they are doing.  I love it when I get to interview a female founder who is working in the femcare space and providing innovative solutions to help moms and all women make well-informed and timely decisions when it comes to their health and that of their families.  Bonus!

Enter Checkable, Patty Post's ingenious idea to combine at-home testing with online, real medical solutions.  Women make 80% of the healthcare decisions for their families, and with comes the burden of time spent and stress when we are already spread very thin.  Is is strep or just a regular old sore throat?  Are my girly bits itchy because I used a different body wash, or do I have a full-on yeast infection?  Checkable not only gives you reliable results but also provides access to medical professionals and treatment options that are quick and effective.  Way to go, Patty!

In this episode Patty Post and I discuss:
- Patty's personal experiences as the driver to develop the Checkable technology
- The challenges of securing funding for women-focused innovation
- Getting creative, scrappy, and resourceful to make her idea a reality
- The future of at-home testing and online medicine
- What is on the horizon for Checkable and Patty Post

Checkable's at-home testing options:
Breastmilk nutrient and alcohol testing
Strep test
Vaginal pH
Urinary tract infection

You can find Patty Post at:
https://www.instagram.com/checkablehealth/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-post/
https://www.facebook.com/CheckableHealth

Podcasts
https://www.instagram.com/checkablehealthpodcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-persevere-podcast/id1575967352

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

You never imagined you’d be entering the dating pool again at this point in your life, but here you are … lost, confused, and frustrated. Nobody seems to be meeting organically anymore, and it’s nearly impossible to navigate dating apps – or weed out the good ones from a profile alone. You might even be wondering if there are any more single, emotionally healthy men capable of a long-term commitment.

Drawing upon her professional knowledge and personal experience, coach, author and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) expert, Allison Jayne Ewing, has guided hundreds of women in navigating through the landscape of dating after divorce. In her insightful and entertaining book, Find Love Again: Learn to Date Like a Goddess, she shares valuable revelations, proven techniques, and empowering strategies to help you attract an emotionally healthy man, find love and create the fulfilling romantic life you desire.

While we do speak about midlife dating in this episode, much of Allison's methods apply to all women, (married gals, too) who want to find their inner goddess. EFT can also be effectively used in couples therapy, depression, and emotional trauma.

In this episode Allison Jayne Ewing and I discuss:

-EFT Tapping and how it works and how it helps people
- How EFT works in her coaching practice
- Dating apps and the struggle to find good men
- What is holding women back from finding "Mr. Right"
- Doing  work on the front-end to ensure dating success
- Tapping into your feminine AND masculine energies (in marriage, too)
- Why we sometimes need to relinquish a little control in our relationships
- The New Naked and body confidence

Listeners can get a free downloadable copy of Find Love Again: Learn to Date Like a Goddess  and learn more about EFT Tapping on Allison's website at:
https://www.learntodatelikeagoddess.com/
https://www.instagram.com/allison_jayne_goddess.maker/

Her book is also available on Amazon.

 





- 

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In May 2023, during Mental Health Awareness Month, I had the opportunity of having a Q&A discussion in front of a live audience with Laurie Little, Psy.D., who is the Chief Patient Experience Officer and staff psychologist at the Lindner Center of Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The center has an amazing auxiliary of women, who support special programs and projects.  This year's luncheon and auction helped to fund psychiatric services for patients needing financial assistance.  

One in four Americans suffer from some type of mental illness.  With an influential audience of mostly midlife women, Dr. Little and I decided to dig into this topic as it pertains to this specific population.  The conversation was robust, informative, and so well-received, that we decided it warranted a sit-down with a podcast recording.  

In this episode Dr. Laurie Little and I discuss:
- Why midlife women are particularly susceptible to emotional and mental issues
- Invisible Woman Syndrome
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and how it works for her female patients
- What behaviors Dr. Little typically sees in midlife women
- Differentiating bipolar depression and personality disorders
- When certain behaviors become problematic - eating disorders, over-indulging, substance abuse, addictions
- Minimizing the stigma of seeking mental health services

Since 2008, Lindner Center of Hope has served as a lifeline to tens of thousands who've faced the struggles of mental illness or addiction, offering a wide range of mental health services and treatments in an atmosphere that promotes long-term healing.

https://lindnercenterofhope.org/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

I haven't spoken about this topic much, but in 2007 my first husband and I separated and eventually divorced in 2009.  The whole process was relatively amicable, and we managed to do a decent job co-parenting.   Being more concerned about my daughters through the process, I focused very little on myself or on what the outcome would be.  Some women opt to stay in an unhappy situation until their children are out of the house, and I totally respect that.   No matter your situation, it is important to have your legal ducks in a row to be sure that you are protected both financially and emotionally with the best outcome possible.

"I don't think anybody dreams of being a divorce or family law attorney, nobody goes to law school saying, that's what I want to be," says family law attorney Joseph Willmore.   This week's guest expert says that he "kind of fell into" this area of law.  What caught my eye about Joseph was his more people-focused approach.  Joseph doesn't want to be seen as home wrecker, as he wants his clients to focus on the big picture.  His main goal is to ensure an equitable parting of ways that is not vindictive or vengeful.  

In this episode Joseph Willmore, Esq and I discuss:
 - Is the marriage truly broken beyond repair with no chance of reconciliation
-  When divorce is the best option
- Community property - who gets what
- When you need a forensic accountant
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- How debt is handled in divorce
- Why infidelity is not the most common reason for divorce
- Communication is key to keeping marriages together

You can find Joseph Willmore at:
https://www.instagram.com/joseph.willmore/
https://www.willmorelawfirm.com/

 

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

It takes two to tango.  We all know this phrase, and it can apply to many things in life. When it comes to strong relationships and intimacy, having both parties putting in effort is vitally important.  It can be exhausting to be the partner who feels that they are the only one working to keep the flame burning.  What if one partner has relatively lower desire than the other or things have become routine?

Many years of marriage, hormones, and body changes can play a role here.  News flash!  Men and women are different.  There are different needs, wants, and desiers, but does it have to be complicated?  Our guests on this episode say that it doesn't have to hard.  Amy and Nick McKinlay have helped thousands of couples not only improve their sex lives, but have found creative ways to enhance communication and overall connection.

Amy and Nick developed the #1 marriage and intimacy app that is not only clean and non-graphic, but it is really fun.  The Ultimate Intimacy app is the product of the couple's mission to strengthen marriages by making love making interesting and deepening connection and intimacy.  

They also have a podcast that has 158 episodes, where they dive into all the tough topics with raw, unscripted, and personal conversations.  

In this episode Amy, Nick and I discuss:

-Why their own marriage experience prompted them to start the Ultimate Intimacy app
- Making you as a couple a priority
- Results of the polls they do with followers
- When one partner has lower sex drive
- The 411 on foreplay, especially for midlife women
- The use of toys and games to spice things up
- What you can find on the Ultimate Intimacy app

Amy and Nick McKinlay also hold couples retreats. See their website for details.

You can  find The Ultimate Intimacy App at:
Google Play Store and Apple )Google does not allow 
https://ultimateintimacy.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ultimateintimacyapp/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UltimateIntimacyApp

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Through socialization and culture women are taught to take care of others and typically do not prioritize their own health.  Researchers did a study where they gave women a list and asked them to rank it based on need.  Children, pets, elderly parents, partners were all prioritized (in that order) over themselves. 

After doing research on women post-hysterectomy, Susan Salenger was intrigued by the fact that women were intentionally taking a backseat to everyone around them.  More research and ten years later, Susan's book Sidelined: How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health, was published. 

She dives into not only the historical relevance of women and how we view healthcare, but she also includes a full resource guide and tips for better managing our overall health and major issues that can arise. 

This eighty year-old, 4 foot 10 inch dynamo isn't finished making her mark on the world.  Her next project is tackling menopause and the differences in cultural perceptions and symptoms around the world.  I'm telling you, this is interesting stuff!

In this episode Susan Salenger and I discuss:
- How stress interferes with our overall health
- Tips for getting the most out of doctor appointments:
     Be more succinct when explaining symptoms
     Write all your questions/issues down before the appointment (Doctors usually                 appreciate this.)
     Bring someone with you
     Don't be afraid to get a second opinion
     Do extra research
- Women are prescribed more medication than men and are also making 80% of the healthcare decisions for families, but more dollars go toward research for male specific disease.
- 85% of patients leaving a doctor's office don't understand everything that the healthcare provider said.

You can find Susan Salenger's book Sidelined: How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health anywhere books are sold.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susansalenger/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/suesalenger
https://www.susansalenger.com

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

The beauty of doing the podcast is getting to meet people like Rechelle Conde-Nau.  She is a fellow podcaster, mom, blogger, and a coach, who wants to encourage other midlife women to stop waiting for good things to happen and hop in the driver's seat to find their passion and purpose.  

After Rechelle and her husband lost a child, the events to follow would lead her life on an unexpected and welcomed path, but once she hit midlife, Rechelle started to get the itch to share her life learnings and help other women break free from fear to become who they already are.  

Rechelle and I agree on many things.  Some of the topics we discuss:
 - There is room at the table for all women, and all boats rise with the tide.  Rechelle and I both have podcasts for midlife women, but that doesn't stop us from sharing ideas and tips and cheering each other on.  
- You don't need confidence to get started, but you may need a little courage.  The confidence comes later with some success under your belt.
- Don't wait to get started until you are ready.  If you wait, you may never do "the thing".  

Check out Rechelle's podcast Unabashed You and her lovely, heartfelt blog on her website.

You can find Rechelle Conde-Nau at:
https://www.instagram.com/unabashedyou/
https://unabashedyou.com/
https://www.facebook.com/unabashedyou


This is the first episode of year two of the Asking for a Friend Podcast.  Thank you for listening, for the reviews, and the shares.  I couldn't do this without you, and of course, our editor Kelly.  

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Scarcity and abundance.  When the chips are down, could it be an opportune time to focus on what you do have, create win-win situations, and incorporate gratitude into your daily life?  But how do we do this when we feel overwhelmed or even hopeless?  In this episode Michelle Fishburne shows us how using a simple whiteboard helped her on the journey to training her mind to recognize possibilities instead of wallowing in doubt and self-pity.

Michelle Fishburne was a normal person, with a house and a job, before COVID hit, but life would throw her a curve ball when she lost her job in the spring of 2020, so Michelle moved into her 2006 motorhome and did the unthinkable.  She motor-homed 12,000 miles all over the United States and sat down with hundreds of people face-to-face. 

People shared what their lives were like, what made them struggle, and what surprised them.  The personal histories show a diversity of American lives, resilience, and sorrow.  That is how "Who We Are Now: Stories of What Americans Lost and Found During the COVID-19 Pandemic" came to be.

Everyone's story is different.  Some, like Fishburne, lost their jobs. Others lost family, friends, and even their own health and well-being.  And yet among the difficulties, many found something that had eluded them before the pandemic.  These testimonies offer a glimpse into what people across America lost and found during the pandemic's critical first year.  Fishburne lets us hear people's stories as if we were there, in real time, at the beginning of COVID-19, when employment was uncertain, schools were online, and American life more unpredictable than ever before.
 
Michelle Fishburne is a full-time digital nomad, working and living out of her 2006 motor home, Airbnb’s, and housesitting gigs.  

You can find Michelle Fishburne at:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michellefishburne/
https://www.whowearenow.us/about-michelle

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

So you think you are ready to get back into the dating scene, but the thought of using a dating app feels paralyzing and overwhelming or you've already been down that road with lackluster results.  Before you start this process, have you done the work on the front-end to ensure your success?  

Building dating confidence, defining your values, and embracing self-love are not steps to be missed, according to dating and relationship coach, Martha Bodyfelt.  This former Army Specialist's Dating DNA Framework will not only teach you how to date, but her course will get you mentally prepared to find that person who is right for you, with tough love, structure, and a little bit of ass-kicking!

In this episode Martha Bodyfelt and I discuss:

- Pausing dating until you are really ready
- Why online dating is not optimal and there are other options to meet men
- Think of where men like to hang out and relax
- Why building rejection tolerance is key to not feeling badly when a guy says "no"
- Building your self-worth and confidence
- Without self-love you are dating at a deficit

Martha Bodyfelt's Dating Coaching Programs:

1. Ready For Love  -  4 month program includes
- Dating detox
- Building dating confidence and courage
- Dating connection - the "how"
2. Intensive 1:1 coaching
3. Femme Fatale Bootcamp - First session starts May 2023
If you are on the fence or want more information, Martha is happy to set up a virtual coffee/wine meeting.

You can find Martha Bodyfelt and Ready for Love at:
https://www.instagram.com/marthabodyfelt/
Facecbook private group Empowered Dating for Women
https://www.facebook.com/groups/700449001229210/
Great resources and free training

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

There is a whole lot out there in the media concerning weight loss.  Semaglutide, otherwise known as Ozempic, has been in the headlines as of late and not without controversy.  There are plenty of diets from which to choose and also body procedures, but how do you make heads or tails as to what would work best for you?

Reality check.  You've tried and tried with little or no results.  Now what?  Is it time to consult a medical professional who specializes in weight loss?  Someone who can assess your total health picture and provide realistic guidance tailored to your specific challenges?

Brittny Howell, MD is a board certified vascular surgeon, who made the jump to an evidence-based medical weight loss practice.  Her practical philosophy includes separating fact from fiction, where science is the soul behind her mission.  Brittny Howell has a multi-pronged approach that embraces the individual, creating a treatment plan that goes beyond a one-size-fits-all regimen.

In this episode Dr. Howell and I discuss:
Medical gaslighting and women's health care
Dr. Howell's own fitness and health practice 
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Social connection
- Plant forward eating
- Cutting out alcohol

Semaglutide - Ozempic - mechanism of action and how it works in weight loss - there can be some muscle loss, but you typically lose muscle during any weight loss.  Protein is an important component to a weight loss plan.  Dr. Howell's patients work with a dietician.
You should be getting weight loss medications from a regular pharmacy, not a compounding pharmacy.

Her thoughts on detoxes and cleanses - a restrictive, temporary diet that won't yield long term results or any benefit for your liver or kidneys

Body sculpting procedures - Emsculpt Neo is very effective, as it eliminates fat cells and stimulates muscle production.  Emtone may be more effective for cellulite.

You can find Brittny Howell, MD at:
Instagram @doctorbtittnymd
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/modernvascularct/
https://www.doctorbrittny.com/
Website coming soon for Morph Med Spa
Practice address:
63 Copps Hill Road, Suite 200, Ridgefield, CT, United States, Connecticut

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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 relationships. Now, Kate offers a hopeful perspective on recovery through neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to rewire itself and form new neural pathways. “Our brains can reorganize,” she says. “We can completely transform as human beings.” This challenges the outdated notion that addiction is a lifelong disease requiring constant management.

In this candid conversation, we dive into what that evening glass of wine means for midlife women. For many, it’s more than a drink—it’s a rebellious act of self-care, a boundary between meeting others’ needs and claiming a moment for themselves. But Kate reveals the hidden costs: even one drink disrupts REM sleep, circadian rhythm, and hormones, far beyond just calories. Host, Michele Folan, shares a personal experiment, contrasting a sleep score of 62 after bourbon with 91-94 on alcohol-free nights.

Kate doesn’t judge moderation but offers a bold reframe: “Alcohol is ethanol—a poison. Moderation is just microdosing poison.” She argues that midlife is the perfect time to rethink your relationship with alcohol. With greater motivation and a clearer sense of what doesn’t work, midlife women are uniquely positioned to embrace change.

Whether you’re sober-curious, exploring moderation, or questioning alcohol’s role in your life, this episode invites you to uncover what drinking is truly costing you—and what freedom could look like. Through her work with women, Kate shows that true empowerment comes from self-care practices that nourish without requiring recovery.

Listen now to discover how to reclaim your power, improve your sleep, and embrace a life free from alcohol’s grip.

You can find Kate Vitela at https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/

Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewired-sober/id1781739552 or wherever you listen

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

When you choose a therapist or a coach, ones who have had their own struggles and hurdles provide a certain amount of comforting empathy that is relatable and very real.  Our guest on this episode walked through the fire to find what called her to be what she was meant to be.

Building a coaching practice that is specifically focused on nurturing families and families who are in business together, Lisa Bosse made a life-changing pivot.  Her own family health challenges, navigating the waters of LGBTQ+ with a child, and failed marriages helped her find her passion and purpose in guiding others in creating stronger foundations for a better life. 

Lisa Bosse is a family-focused executive coach specializing in conflict resolution to preserve the family bond while platforming her clients’ businesses for long-term success.  By teaching individuals how to identify and communicate their needs without judgment, the family can overcome the divisive behaviors that threaten the business, their workplace culture, their company’s bottom line, and home life.  Lisa is an Energy Leadership™ coach, trained in a seven-level framework that shifts mindsets and strengthens relationships.

Where to  find Lisa Bosse Coaching and Communication:
https://www.lisa-bosse.com/about

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

There are many personality tests out there, and the one of which most are aware is Myers-Briggs.  It was published in 1962 and was considered the gold standard for many years, but it is really just a tool that analyzes behaviors.  The Enneagram, however, takes a deep-dive into one's personality and provides a course of true self-discovery.  The modern Enneagram, which has origins that go back hundreds of years, has enjoyed a resurgence in the last thirty years.

Deni Tato was the ever-optimistic, middle child of eleven siblings.  She managed to escape the chaos of her sometimes tumultuous childhood through idealizations and finding the good in her everyday reality.  Leaving the house right after high school, Deni married young, divorced, and remarried.  After twenty-two years of running a very successful business, having beautiful children, and the handsome husband, she had, what she says, was the perfect made-up life.

Hitting midlife Deni knew she was still looking for something to fill the void she felt.  Inadvertently, she discovered the Enneagram of Personality, and it spoke to her in a way that nothing had before.  She learned that her always-sunny perspective on life was really her way of shielding herself from pain.  Her own path to self-discovery became her side hustle and eventually the foundation for Deni's very successful career as an Enneagram coach and consultant to companies and individuals all over the country.  

Corporate Consciousness helps organizations and individuals achieve higher levels of emotional intelligence and create collaborative, effective work environments by offering models that improve internal communications and reinvigorate company culture.

In this episode Deni and I discuss:
Everyone has a core type (1-9) that develops by the time we are 7 years-old.  Both nature and nurture are influencers in your type.
Types are:
1. The Reformer
2. The Helper
3. The Achiever
4. The Individualist
5. The Investigator
6. The Loyalist
7. The Enthusiast
8. The Challenger
9. The Peacemaker

Your wing is the personality types on either side of your dominant type.  We also have two lines connecting us types that can be called our "super powers" or access points.

Deni's goal is for clients to "take up" more real estate on the Enneagram chart, where you get a truer level of consciousness.  

She recommends the iEQ9 for the most accurate data to find your true Enneagra

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

The pillars of good health for midlife women are proper nutrition with plenty of protein and the correct ratio of carbs and fat, weightbearing and resistance exercise, stress management, social connections, and of course, sleep.  If you think about it, all of these are adversely affected by poor sleep.  Getting optimal sleep is really the building block of great health.  Can I get an amen?

Morgan Adams became a double-certified holistic sleep coach after dealing with her own sleep struggles.  Two bouts of breast cancer, a dependence on sleeping pills, and the pandemic catapulted her on the path to a new career, when she knew she needed to share the many learnings in her own mission for a good night's sleep.  Morgan now helps women reclaim their rest and their health by leading them to a land of better, bountiful sleep, which is the cornerstone of whole-body health.

In this episode Morgan Adams and I discuss:

- Morgan's sleep struggles, the side effects of Ambien, and her decision to stop taking it
- How her own experience was the catalyst to becoming a double-certified sleep coach
- The effects of poor sleep on our health and relationships
- Sleep affects the glymphatic system which influences:
Brain health
Heart health
Mood and mental wellbeing
Hormone regulation
Fighting infection
Injury prevention
- There is a correlation between poor sleep and low concentration, mood, hunger, and long-term correlation to obesity and heart risk
- Insomnia definition  acute - up to three months of disrupted sleep  chronic - more than three months
- Sleep apnea is largely underreported in women and can be the cause for disrupted sleep
- Sleep tips to fall back to sleep: 4:7:8 breathing - Breathe in count of 4, hold breath for count of 7, and breathe out for a count of 8
  Get out of bed and go to another room in dim light to read, knit, or do an adult coloring book.  No cell phones!
- Blue light blockers are effective for evening screentime - be sure to get them from a reputable company
- Sleep trackers are useful to look at your sleep trends - probably about 60% accurate, but the Oura ring has pretty accurate algorithms
- Average sleep ratios -  Deep 15-20%  Light 60%  REM 20-25%
- Daytime napping - try to keep to no more than 30 minutes
- Supplements and sleep-aides
Melatonin - not a lot of data and lots of variability in amount of melatonin - go for products with the USP lab

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.