Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you holding onto old patterns that no longer serve you—and wondering if it’s too late to change? In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that transformation is always possible, no matter your age or history. In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and inspirational teacher Caren Paskel to talk about what it really means to believe in yourself in midlife—and how that belief can radically shift your health, your energy, and your entire life direction. Caren’s story is a deeply moving example of growth through adversity. From identifying as a shy, introverted child to becoming a dynamic speaker and retreat leader, she shares how self-belief became her foundation—especially after the profound loss of her soulmate and husband.

Caren Paskel is a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Caren Paskel Self-Evolution, Youthful Longevity Yoga Training and Retreat™, and the Self-Evolution Education (S.E.E.) Foundation. A master in Vedanta philosophy and a lifelong yoga practitioner—starting her growth journey at just 16—Caren has dedicated her career to guiding individuals toward holistic transformation, empowerment, and self-mastery. With decades of experience in yoga and spiritual education, she provides a practical roadmap for integrating ancient wisdom into modern life.

A firm believer in the power of mentorship and collective energy, Caren has inspired thousands through her Self-Evolution courses, retreats, and books, including The Power of Self-Belief. Her teachings focus on the eternal values of life, the path of yoga to self-realization, and the importance of breaking free from small thinking to step into one’s highest potential.

In this episode:

• What it really means to believe in your higher self—not just your personality
• The connection between self-belief and healthy aging
• Why changing your “paradigm” is essential for long-term well-being
• How proximity to inspiring people can spark your own inner transformation
• The difference between self-esteem and true self-belief
• How Caren’s caregiving journey became a catalyst for spiritual growth
• Lessons from yoga philosophy that helped her move through grief and rebuild

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Caren’s retreats and education foundation: https://carenpaskel.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carenpaskelselfevolution/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caren-paskel/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carenpaskelyoga6711
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carenpaskel/

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by sudden bursts of rage—and wondering if it’s just you? You’re not alone. Many midlife women experience emotional intensity that seems to come out of nowhere. That fiery anger, the kind that feels like it’s bubbling just beneath the surface, isn’t just in your head—and it might be telling you something important.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and business coach, Bailey Feldman, as we unpack the rising rage so many women experience in their 30s and 40s. We get honest about what it feels like, where it comes from (hint: it’s not just hormones), and what you can actually do to feel more balanced and in control. Whether you're in full-blown perimenopause or just starting to notice shifts, this conversation is your invitation to get curious—not critical—about what your body and emotions are trying to say.

In this episode:

• Why rage is more common than you think in your 30s and 40s
• What Chinese medicine says about emotional buildup (hello, liver Qi stagnation)
• How hormonal shifts start before perimenopause officially begins
• Lifestyle habits and mindset shifts that can smooth emotional edges
• The role of acupuncture, herbal support, and gentle liver detox
• Why we need community—and how multi-generational spaces can support healing
• The importance of pushing back on the “just survive it” mindset

 Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about acupuncture and holistic hormone support: risingwomanproject.com
• Bailey’s community space for women: Fount + Flourish
• Fount + Flourish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefount_co 
• Bailey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyfeldman_ 

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of supplements filling your cabinet—and unsure if any of them are actually helping? In this solo episode, I'm tackling the issue of "supplement overload," a common challenge many midlife women face in their quest for better health.

Join me as I share why more supplements aren't always better, how to determine what your body truly needs, and the critical importance of personalization when selecting supplements. We'll discuss the common mistakes women make, how to navigate the confusing world of supplements and influencers, and why a holistic strategy—including diet, lifestyle changes, and mindful self-care—is essential for lasting health.

If you're ready to simplify your supplement routine, save money, and enhance your well-being with targeted, effective solutions, this episode is for you!

In this episode:

• Why supplement overload is common—and how to avoid it
• How to identify the right supplements specifically tailored for your unique needs
• The truth about magnesium: why it's essential, and how to choose the right type
• Understanding supplement safety to prevent accidental overdose (especially vitamins A & D)
• The real risks of self-diagnosis through online research
• Why supplements should complement, not replace, healthy lifestyle practices
• How a functional medicine approach uncovers the root cause of fatigue, gut health issues, and energy challenges

Resources Mentioned:

• Grab your free resource with tips to support yourself in midlife: https://risingwomanproject.com 

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming wellness retreat in Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

What if you could make peace with food and your body once and for all?

Special guest Elizabeth Harris is here to talk all things intuitive eating in this episode of the Midlife Rise + Thrive podcast. She’s teaching us what intuitive eating is, the value of gentle nutrition, and why she’s working to shift the focus of health away from weight. 

If you’ve heard of intuitive eating and wondered what it’s all about or thought it sounded great but couldn’t imagine how it could actually work, Elizabeth is busting misconceptions about intuitive eating and teaching us how it really works. 

Elizabeth Harris is a dietitian, intuitive eating counselor, entrepreneur, and co-host of the podcast Wellness: Rebranded. She's passionate about empowering women to opt out of diet culture and reimagine their relationships with food, movement, and their bodies. 


Topics covered in this episode include:

• What intuitive eating is 
• Why we are vulnerable to weight stigma in midlife 
• How to shift your beliefs away from diet culture 
• Why weight isn’t the best indicator of health

If you’re curious about intuitive eating and how to move on from diet culture forever, this episode is for you.

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Elizabeth’s Website: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/

Listen to the Wellness: Rebranded Podcast: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/podcast

Join the Health & Healing With Intuitive Eating Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthandhealingwithintuitiveeating

Get My Free Self Assessment Tool: risingwomanproject.com

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you tired of annoying and uncomfortable symptoms that your doctor can't get to the bottom of? Looking for a solution besides being on hormones and antidepressants for the rest of your life?

Listen up, because I think you’ll be interested in this episode about how acupuncture, East Asian medicine, and functional medicine can help you through menopause. 

I brought in a pro, Heather Bergstrom, to teach us everything we need to know. She’s sharing her experience with frustrating symptoms and limited solutions, the five elements in Chinese medicine and how to use them to get to know your body, and how to start turning inwards and nourishing yourself. 

Heather Bergstrom has been a practitioner of East Asian medicine for over a decade and a practitioner of functional medicine for the last three years. Heather uses traditional wisdom and philosophy as well as current therapeutic understanding to navigate the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges associated with the transition to menopause. 

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Listening to what your body is telling you 
• The five elements in Chinese medicine and how to use them
• Focusing on how to nourish yourself 

If you’re just finding out about East Asian and functional medicine and you’re wondering if they could be for you, this episode is a great place to start.

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


Resources Mentioned:

Visit Heather’s Website: www.vitalmatriarch.com

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

If you feel stressed about the changes happening to your body, you’re not alone. 


So many women have concerns about their bodies getting weaker in midlife, but the truth is there is so much you can do to strengthen your body no matter how active you’ve been before now. I promise it’s not too late! 


We’re lucky enough to be joined by Dr. Gina Hahn in this episode to teach us some simple and practical ways to get moving and get stronger. I wanted Gina to be one of my first guests on the podcast because of her unique approach to physical therapy and the connection between mind and body. Just wait until you hear the episode; you’re going to love her. 


She’s talking about how you hold stressors in your body, getting to know your body and look at the whole picture, how to strengthen different parts of your body, and so much more.


Dr. Gina Hahn is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She specializes in pelvic health and chronic pain. Her approach to physical rehab includes mindfulness training, behavior modification, strength and conditioning, and hands-on therapy.


Topics covered in this episode include:

• How stress manifests in our bodies 
• The benefits of deep breathing
• Keeping your body strong and healthy so that you can live the life you want

If getting active seems overwhelming to you right now, just start by listening to this episode. You’re already taking one small step in the right direction.


All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!



Resources Mentioned:

Visit Dr. Gina Hahn’s Website: www.performxtherapy.com 

Follow @performxtherapy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performxtherapy/ 

Follow Dr. Gina Hahn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/performxtherapy 

Schedule a Complimentary Screening With Dr. Gina Hahn: https://calendly.com/performxtherapy/mom-baby 

Read The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

What do you know about breathwork? Did you know that you can use it to regulate your body, nervous system, mood, digestion, and more?


If that sounds good to you, listen up! 


I’m so excited to be joined in this episode of Midlife Rise + Thrive by Trish Brewer. Trish is here to teach us the basics of breathwork. Think of this episode as Breathwork 101. It’s the class we all needed in school, and yet none of us got it. The good news is, it’s never too late to get started. 


Trish is sharing how breathwork can help you balance your nervous system and how that will benefit your mind and body in midlife. I’ve done this work myself and trust me, it’s good. 


As a trauma-informed Breathwork Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, and Intuitive Guide, Trish’s work is to create and hold space for you and to serve as your guide back to your whole self. Trish believes that when we allow ourselves to be supported, we expedite our own healing and self-discovery. She knows this to be true from her own experience. And when you work with Trish, she’ll meet you not just as a teacher, but also as a student.


Topics covered in this episode include:

• What breathwork can do for you as a woman in midlife 
• The different types of breathwork 
• The simple science behind breathwork 
• How to get started with breathwork 

If you’re interested in learning new ways to heal, this is for you.


All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


Resources Mentioned:

Visit Trish’s Website: https://www.trishbrewer.com/

Follow @trishbrewerbreathwork on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishbrewerbreathwork/

Follow Trish on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishdbrewerbreathwork/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

How much time are you spending relaxed vs. stressed?

Did you know that there’s a strong relationship between stress, hormones, and blood sugar levels? In our day and age, most of us are spending a lot more time in a stressed state than our bodies were prepared for, and it turns out that’s having some serious effects on our health. 

To help us understand what’s going on in our bodies, Dr. Erin Kinney is joining us in this episode. She’s teaching us what happens to our hormone and blood sugar levels when we’re stressed and sharing some practical tips to start integrating rest and relaxation into your life. 

Dr. Kinney is a naturopathic doctor and speaker specializing in helping men and women to improve their mood, balance their hormones, and increase their energy naturally.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• What causes dysregulation in your body 
• How stress can cause hormonal imbalances 
• The importance of rest and relaxation
• The role of cortisol in your body 

It’s time to start prioritizing relaxation so that your body can have a chance to regulate and keep you healthy. Tune in to get started. 

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Follow @drkinney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkinney/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Welcome to the first episode of the Midlife Rise + Thrive podcast. Are you ready to change the way you think about midlife?

If you’ve found this podcast, I’m guessing you’re looking for ways to improve your life. In this episode, we’re taking the first step. 

So often we feel out of balance but we don’t know how to fix it or where to start. That’s where the Wheel of Life comes in. In this episode, I’m teaching you what the Wheel of Life is and how you can use it to assess your happiness in different areas of your life. Once you’ve done that, it’s a lot easier to pinpoint what needs to change. 

Topics covered in this episode include:

• How to assess and reevaluate the way you’re living your life 
• What the Wheel of Life is 
• How to bridge the gap between the life you are living and the life you want to live
• What to expect from future episodes of Midlife Rise + Thrive 

Regardless of where you are on your journey, I’ve got you. Tune in to get started! 

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Get the Freebie: risingwomanproject.com

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

If you’ve ever woken up exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get, or if you’re finding that midlife has left you feeling depleted, you are not alone. Fatigue can creep up on us in so many ways—through stress, hormones, poor sleep, or simply doing too much. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with lifelong fatigue, how I’ve learned to manage it, and the strategies that have made the biggest difference in my energy levels.

This episode is a continuation of last week's conversation, but today, I’m focusing on sleep—what's working, what's not, and how I protect my energy every single day. If fatigue has been a struggle for you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode:

• My personal experience with lifelong fatigue and how I’ve managed it over the years
• The connection between midlife, stress, and exhaustion—and why women often feel the brunt of it
• Sleep hygiene tips that actually work (including my top strategies for better rest!)
• How caffeine, nutrition, and supplements play a role in energy regulation
• How medicinal mushrooms, magnesium, and other supplements can support better energy and brain function
• The power of naps, yoga nidra, and other rest strategies to combat daily fatigue

Resources:

My go-to sleep meditation app: Insight Timer

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!