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TitlePub. DateDuration
192: Are you a millennial thinking about menopause?08 janv. 202600:24:54

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Journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen welcomes Lauren Tetenbaum, aka The CounselaurĀ  – a licensed social worker, former lawyer, and author of Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life’s Next Period. At 40, Lauren brings a fresh, younger perspective to a conversation that's long left her generation out.

Ann Marie and Lauren dive into what it means to enter perimenopause as a millennialĀ  – through the lens of mental health, trauma, hormone therapy, supplements, shame, IVF, and what the next generation (Gen Z) might face. Lauren’s unique background in law, therapy, and women’s rights advocacy makes her a powerful voice in this space. Through her private practice and corporate workshops, she supports women navigating life transitionsĀ  –  including the often-misunderstood onset of perimenopause.

Fact Check:

During this discussion we explore breast cancer risk and hormone therapy, including the distinction between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins. It's essential to understand the difference:

Across the strongest randomized evidence from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), combined estrogen plus synthetic progestin is associated with a 25–30% relative increase in breast cancer incidence – roughly 8 extra cases per 10,000 women per year in the original WHI report. More recent large observational datasets suggest a higher risk with combined therapy, especially with longer-term use. Combined estrogen with bioidentical progesterone (oral micronized progesterone) has not been shown to carry the same level of risk, though more research is needed.

Highlights:

  • –Lauren explains why she wrote Millennial Menopause atĀ  40
  • Ā How her law and social work background blend in advocacy and therapy
  • Ā Why most millennials are still clueless about perimenopause
  • Ā ā€œDenial is the first symptomā€
  • Why personalized care is keyĀ 
  • How millennials are still scared of hormone therapy
  • Estrogen-only vs. combined therapy
  • Why trauma, mindset, and support shape your perimenopause experience
  • What shocked Lauren most while researching menopause
  • Ā Is menopause estrogen deficiency or hormone fluctuation?
  • Ā Are supplements worth it?Ā 
  • Ā Why shame and dismissal still dominate menopause care
  • Ā Her hope for Gen Z and how they’re different from millennials
  • Ā How Lauren personally managed early peri symptoms with the pill
  • Ā IVF, fertility, and their possible ties to earlier menopause
  • Ā The gaps in medical training and misconceptions among doctors
  • Ā How risk is part of all health decisions – and how to weigh it
  • Ā Are millennials drinking less? The booze-risk conversation
  • Ā Why support matters even when there’s no ā€œofficialā€ diagnosis

Where to connect with Laruen:


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191: You have a beautiful soul with Miriam Putnam25 dƩc. 202500:40:26

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Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Miriam Putnam is a certified wellness coach, spiritual mentor and freedom-from-stress counselor with more than 25 years of experience in holistic mental health advocacy. Miriam's life’s work was shaped by the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who struggled with mental illness, misdiagnosis and pharmaceutical harm during her own midlife transition.

Their raw and deeply honest conversation explores the intersections of mental health, spiritual health, body health and perimenopause – and what can happen when we begin to question the systems we've trusted. Miriam shares her unique perspective on underlying causes of mental anguish, the danger of holding tight to a diagnosis and how midlife can become a powerful catalyst for transformation and truth-seeking.

If you’ve ever felt like you were losing yourself in perimenopause, or you're supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you feel less alone –and remind you of your strength.

Highlights

  • Miriam describes her mom’s shift during midlife
  • Underlying physical conditions that can mimic or trigger ā€œmental illnessā€
  • Miriam’s mother’s resistance to pharmaceutical treatment and her spiritual drive
  • The brutal toll of grief and loss, especially when unsupported
  • How Miriam works with clients to break free from spiritual stagnation and misdiagnosis
  • Exercises to strengthen the ā€œmind muscleā€ and shift out of negative thinking
  • Why visualizing your future requires emotional presence and clarity
  • The power of remembering we are more than our hormones and diagnoses
  • Miriam’s practical approach to staying conscious and spiritually well

Fact check
Cannabis use is consistently linked to psychotic symptoms and disorders. Multiple studies and reviews show a strong and consistent association between cannabis use and psychosis, including schizophrenia-like symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions (Gage & Hickman, 2016); (Pearson & Berry, 2019). Genetic and environmental factors moderate vulnerability. Genetic variations (such as in COMT and AKT1 genes), family history of psychosis, and childhood trauma amplify the risk of psychosis following cannabis use (Radhakrishnan & Wilkinson, 2014); (Quattrone, 2022); (Trotta & Spinazzola, 2025).
Ā 
A big thank you to Kion Aminos, gold sponsor of the first-ever Hotflash Inc Summit. Kion’s essential amino acids provide a clean, clinically-backed formula to support muscle repair and recovery.
Get 20% off at getkion.com/hotflash.

Guest Info

Miriam Putnam
Website: miriamputnam.org
Instagram:


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190: Why tracking perimenopause symptoms can change everything19 dƩc. 202500:31:35

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Hosted by journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen, this week’s episode features Sonja Rincon, founder and CEO of Menotracker, an AI-powered menopause app based in Austria. Sonja is also a lawyer and single mother who built the tool she wished she had when navigating her own confusing and often dismissed perimenopause symptoms.

In this honest and empowering conversation, Sonja explains how she went from being gaslit by doctors to developing a secure, multilingual, research-driven tracking tool that empowers women to identify patterns, advocate for themselves, and share vital data with their healthcare providers.

You'll hear about how Menotracker differs from other apps by protecting user privacy, generating detailed reports, offering translations in over 30 languages and allowing deep integrations with wearables. Sonja also opens up about her own HRT journey and the frustrating road to understanding what was really going on in her body.

If you’ve ever wondered whether tracking symptoms is worth it, or how midlife women can step into their power as their own health advocates, this conversation is for you.

Sponsor Shoutout: Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Also a big thanks to Kion Aminos, gold sponsor of the first-ever Hotflash Inc Summit. Their clean, leucine-rich amino acid blend is up to 6x more effective than food-based protein, and helps support recovery, strength, and energy – especially under stress. Learn more at getkion.com/hotflash for 20% off your order.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • How Sonja’s own perimenopause symptoms led her to HRT and away from SSRIs
  • Why her early symptoms were misdiagnosed as stress
  • How tracking helped her fine-tune her hormone therapy
  • The importance of not giving up too soon when adjusting HRT
  • The tipping point: her friend’s promotion was denied due to visible perimenopause symptoms
  • Why most trackers fail: lack of reports, language barriers, and questionable data use
  • Menotracker’s privacy-first approach
  • Why pattern recognition is key for symptom awareness and medical advocacy
  • 40+ symptoms available to track and growing through user feedback
  • How she taught herself low-code tools and AI to launch the first version
  • The power of knowing enough to not be bamboozled by developers
  • Offering the app in 30+ languagesĀ 
  • Why Europe is lagging behind in the menopause conversation
  • Community-based growth strategy and bringing in experts of diverse backgrounds

Guest info:


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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Episode website: Hotflashinc

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See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

189: The surprising science behind hypnosis and menopause relief with Dr Gary Elkins12 déc. 202501:06:29

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In this episode, Ann Marie speaks with Dr Gary Elkins, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University and director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, in Waco, Texas. Dr. Elkins is the leading researcher in the field of clinical hypnosis for menopause, with more than 25 years of experience and more 100 peer-reviewed publications.

He joins Hotflash inc to explore the groundbreaking science behind hypnosis for hot flashes, its surprising effectiveness (up to 70% reduction!), how it works in the brain, why it matters for breast cancer survivors, and how hypnosis may also support sleep, stress, and other midlife symptoms. They also discuss Evia, the self-hypnosis app built on Dr. Elkins’ research, and the critical importance of hjaving non-pharmaceutical options for symptom relief.

Support shoutout Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Thank you to KION for sponsoring the first-ever Hotflash inc Summit. Their aminos is a clean, science-backed essential amino acid supplement that gives your body what it needs to build and repair muscle. It's sugar-free, vegan, non-GMO, and most importantly, third-party tested. Try it for yourself at getkion.com/hotflashĀ  for 20% off your first order.


Highlights

  • How hypnosis became part of NAMS (now The Menopause Society) guidelines
  • Research showing hypnosis reduces hot flashes by 70%
  • What hypnosis is and what it definitely isn’t
  • Ā What happens in the brain during hypnosis
  • Ā The ā€œtriple fallacyā€ and misunderstanding physical symptoms
  • Ā Comparing hypnosis to hormone therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Ā How hypnosis helps improve sleep and calm anxiety
  • Ā Why hot flashes are a physiological issue, not a psychological one
  • Ā What to expect: when and how hypnosis starts to work
  • Ā The power of daily practice and support from others
  • Ā Addressing misconceptions about hypnotizability and intelligence
  • Ā What the research says about empathy, creativity and hypnosis
  • Ā The mind-body connection and the experiential system
  • Ā How hypnosis taps into the subconscious (without the woo)
  • Ā Dr. Elkins on consulting for the Evia app and why it matters
  • Ā Future research: hypnosis for sleep and psychedelic states without drugs

Guest Info – Dr. Gary Elkins


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Episode website: Hotflashinc

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188: Jennifer Block is following the estrogen money 05 dƩc. 202500:51:02

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Welcome back to the Hotflash inc podcast, hosted by journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen – the only reader-supported, evidence, expert opinion and human experience-based platform dedicated to all aspects of menopause and midlife. Today’s guest is Jennifer Block, an independent investigative journalist based in the United States. who reports on medicine, health, science and power. In this episode, Ann Marie and Jennifer explore the rising tide of estrogen-focused messaging in menopause care – and how it might not be as organic or evidence-based as it seems. Jennifer has just published three major articles — in The Free Press, The British Medical Journal and on her Substack Unpopular Science — that connect long-suspected dots between pharma-backed advocacy, conflicts of interest and the shifting tone around hormone therapy. Together, these pieces paint a picture of an industry-backed campaign influencing policy, public opinion, and clinical guidance. If you’ve been wondering why estrogen is suddenly everywhere, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

Sponsor Shoutout: Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Also, thank you to our friends at Bonafide. Visit hellobonafide.com and use code SUMMIT20 to receive 20% off your first month of any Bonafide subscription product.

Highlights

  • How Jennifer’s recent reporting was sparked by the FDA black box warning change
  • The behind-the-scenes forces pushing for estrogen’s big comeback
  • Why the ā€œmenopause awareness movementā€ isn’t as grassroots as it seems
  • What Jennifer uncovered about the industry ties behind the Menopause Society
  • Why many doctors may not be aware of their own industry entanglements
  • How these dynamics affect everyday women making decisions about HRT
  • What informed consent really means in this climate
  • The importance of journalistic scrutiny in medical debates

Fact check:

  • Addyi (flibanserin) offers a modest benefit for certain premenopausal women with HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), averaging 0.5 to 1 additional satisfying sexual event per month compared to placebo.
  • Compounded hormones typically do not carry standardized FDA boxed warnings or package inserts. These customized medications are exempt from federal labeling regulations, meaning key risk information may not be included.

About JenniferĀ 


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See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

187: What everyone got wrong aboutĀ Dr. Rachel Pope'sĀ perimenopause hormone therapy studyĀ 27 nov. 202500:37:35

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In this episode of the Hotflash Inc Podcast, host and journalist Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr. Rachel Pope, an OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner at the Institute University Hospitals Cleveland, with an appointment in the Department of Reproductive Biology. Dr. Pope is also a public health researcher, currently working to clarify gaps in hormone therapy research that impact real women every day.

Dr. Pope’s recent study set social media on fire, with claims that hormone therapy in perimenopause reduces breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack risk by 60%. But is that actually what the data said? In this episode, Dr. Pope gives a clear, honest account of what her study really found – and what it didn’t. She speaks about the confusion that followed, why nuance matters, her belief in the power of hormone therapy and how to move forward in the menopause conversation with more care, accuracy and integrity.

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating perimenopause, hormone therapy decisions or working in the midlife health space.

Sponsor Shoutout

Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Thank you to Bonafide, a gold sponsor at the Hotflash Inc Summit. To learn more, visit hellobonafide.com and be sure to use code SUMMIT20 to receive 20% off the first month of any Bonafide subscription product.


Highlights

  • The truth behind the viral claim that hormone therapy ā€œreduces risk by 60%.ā€
  • Why misinterpretation of data spreads so fast — especially on social media.
  • What the research actually says about breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
  • The gaps in current evidence, especially around compounded hormones and long-term outcomes.
  • How healthy-user bias and retrospective databases can distort study results.
  • Why individualized care matters — and why hormone therapy isn’t universally preventative.

GUEST LINKS


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186 SOLO:Ā Perimenopause, ADHD and theĀ midlifeĀ mentalĀ load21 nov. 202500:26:23

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In this solo episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen dives into the rising conversation around ADHD and perimenopause. Drawing from personal experience, research, and lived insight, Ann Marie explores how midlife hormone shifts may intersect with neurodivergence – and how confusing, frustrating and illuminating that process can be. This episode is a candid, powerful reflection on mental health, executive function and how being a woman in midlife calls for compassion and curiosity.

Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Highlights

  • Ann Marie reflects on the constant battle to get information right in a world full of misinformation.
  • The emerging connection between perimenopause, ADHD, and hormonal changes.
  • Research shows ADHD traits can intensify menopausal symptoms—even in undiagnosed women.
  • Ann Marie shares her own experience recognizing lifelong ADHD tendencies.
  • Sensory sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and how they show up in midlife.
  • Why she hasn’t pursued an official diagnosis – and how nervous system healing has helped.
  • The pain of not being taken seriously when you open up about neurodivergence.
  • Testosterone’s overlooked role in executive function and how HRT may help.
  • Why a holistic approach is essential for navigating neurodivergence in midlife.
  • The power of being seen and heard – how a simple conversation at work changed everything.

This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivotal life stage.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit –  and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. To get the latest research and real talk on perimenopause, menopause, and midlife straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Hotflash inc newsletter at hotflashinc.com.


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185 SOLO: Black box warnings, all about HRT (and remembering Dr Burt Webb)13 nov. 202500:32:14

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On this solo episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen breaks down one of the biggest developments in menopause care in years: the FDA’s decision to remove the black box warning on vaginal and topical estrogen. Ann Marie unpacks what this means, what it doesn’t mean, and what we’re not being told in the flurry of headlines and social media excitement. She also shares insight from two menopause certified practitioners who are upcoming guest on the podcast – US ob-gyn Dr. Rachel Pope and Canadian naturopathic doctor Dr. Kirsten Smith – and reflects on the legacy of Dr Burt Webb, a beloved podcast guest and women’s health champion.

Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

It’s not too late to get an All Access Pass to the Hotflash inc Summit! You get lifetime access to the videos, as well as Hotflash inc Summit Book of Knowledge (top takeaways from all the interviews) and the BETA version of the Hotflash inc Hormone Therapy Navigator.

Highlights

  • The FDA’s removal of the black box warning on vaginal and topical estrogen — what it really means
  • The disconnect between science and media messaging
  • Expert insights from Dr. Kirsten Smith and Dr. Rachel Pope on nuance, safety, and responsible communication
  • Why sudden menopause isn’t the same as natural menopause — and why that distinction matters
  • The quiet truth about progestins vs. progesterone
  • Social media, private practice, and the influencer-doctor economy
  • Vaginal options like DHEA and testosterone — and what’s missing from the conversation
  • Three questions to ask yourself before starting hormone therapy
  • Remembering Dr. Burt Webb — one of Ann Marie’s favorite guests

This is a solo episode hosted by Ann Marie McQueen. Additional expert commentary is provided by:

  • Dr. Kirsten Smith, a naturopathic doctor practicing in Canada and Costa Rica with a focus on women’s health and hormone balancing.
  • Dr. Rachel Pope, obstetrician-gynecologist, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and associate professor at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
  • Dr. Burt Webb, late OB/GYN and beloved advocate for women’s vaginal and hormonal health.

This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this


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184: Why self-connection mattersĀ most in perimenopause with Dr Leigha Saunders06 nov. 202500:59:59

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Hosted by journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen, this episode features Dr Leigha Saunders, a naturopathic doctor, menopause specialist and mom of two whose own postpartum sleep struggles ignited a mission to help women reclaim their rest and balance.

From her sold-out ā€œWoman Upā€ event to her candid insights on burnout, radical self-responsibility, and the real roots of fatigue, Leigha and Ann Marie dig into the science and soul of women’s health. They unpack why everything is suddenly labeled ā€œperimenopause,ā€ the hidden role of iron deficiency, and how stress, relationships and lost self-connection lie beneath so many midlife symptoms.

Sponsor shout-outĀ 

Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

Highlights

  • Dr Leigha Saunders shares how her Woman Up event united over 100 women seeking health and happiness.
  • Why ā€œnormalā€ bloodwork isn’t always optimal — and how the medical system continues to fail women.
  • How midlife hormones lower our tolerance for stress and change the way we recover.
  • Leigha’s own burnout and ā€œdark night of the soulā€ — and how she turned it into a healing experience.
  • Why perimenopause can sound like ā€œI don’t feel like myselfā€ — and what that really means.
  • The danger of assuming every symptom is perimenopause — and what to test instead.
  • Iron, B12, and protein deficiencies: the hidden causes behind fatigue and low mood.
  • Why collaboration between medical and naturopathic doctors is the future of women’s health.

Where to find Dr Leigh

Website: leighasaundersnd.com
Instagram: @drleighasaundersnd

Host bio

This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivotal life stage.

Thank you for being here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. For the latest research and real talk on perimenopause, menopause, and midlife straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Hotflash inc newsletter here.


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183: How Family ConstellationĀ therapy helps you heal midlife patterns31 oct. 202500:45:30

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Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopureā„¢, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.

In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Laura Ghita, a Romanian psychotherapist and Family Constellation practitioner, for a deeply personal and revealing conversation about how unresolved ancestral patterns can shape our midlife experiences – and how we can shift them.

Ann Marie recorded this interview several years ago, in the middle of going through menopause, just after experiencing her own Family Constellation session. What followed was a profound rethinking of how past generations and hidden dynamics impact our relationships, our health, and how we move through the world in perimenopause and beyond.

Laura explains how this therapeutic modality works, what the science says about inherited trauma, and how this work can reconnect us to our intuition, our bodies, and our personal truth. Whether you're new to Family Constellation Therapy or already curious, this episode will move you to think differently about healing – and the invisible threads that connect us all.

Highlights:

  • How Family Constellation helps women in perimenopause and menopause
  • Understanding the inherited beliefs about womanhood from your maternal line
  • Why we can’t think our way through healing
  • How trauma gets stored in our bodies – and why it matters
  • The turning point when Ann Marie felt emotion linked to her great-grandmother
  • Why healing is never ā€œdoneā€ – it’s a lifelong journey

Laura Ghita is a Romania-based psychotherapist and Family Constellation facilitator with more than a decade of experience helping individuals and groups uncover the unconscious patterns passed down through generations. Her approach is grounded in psychology, trauma-informed practices, and energetic awareness. Laura travels internationally to offer workshops and one-on-one sessions, including regular visits to Seva Wellness in Dubai. Her work helps people reconnect with their deeper selves, their bodies, and their ancestral lines to bring clarity, healing, and peace

Connect with Laura:

LinkedIn Laura Ghita
Instagram: @lauraghita.psychologist


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182: Journalist Fiona Clark on hype, hormones and finding better science23 oct. 202501:05:09

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Thank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by MitopureĀ®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.

In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen speaks with award-winning journalist, broadcaster and women’s health advocate Fiona Clark. Together they unpack how media, medicine and marketing collided to create confusion and polarization in menopause care – and what needs to change.

Fiona, co-founder of the Menopause Research and Education Fund, shares why she wrote Meno Wars, the impact of social media ā€œmedical influencers,ā€ how evidence gets cherry-picked and misused, and why better data, plain-language summaries and shared decision-making are vital for women’s health. They also discuss vaginal health – including her own issues – testosterone, GLP-1s, trauma, diet culture and the urgent need for more menopause research funding.

Highlights

  • How the menopause movement went off the rails,
  • The rise of medical influencers and how misinformation spreads online
  • What hormone therapy can and can’t do
  • The overlooked importance of vaginal health and simple, effective treatments
  • How marketing shapes narratives
  • Why anger is valid, and how women can demand better data, research, and care

About Fiona Clark

Fiona Clark is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and women’s health advocate. She is the author of Meno Wars: Why Menopause’s Moment Has Gone Horribly Wrong, which examines how media, medicine and marketing have shaped today’s menopause narrative. Fiona is also co-founder of the Menopause Research and Education Fund, dedicated to improving scientific research, education and equity in women’s health.

Meno Wars: wherever books are sold
IG: @fiona_clark_writes


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181: How to stop people pleasing and start living for you with Riana Malia16 oct. 202500:38:04

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Thank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by MitopureĀ®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.

In this empowering episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen speaks with Riana Malia, a transformation coach with over 20 years of experience helping ambitious women break free from emotional blocks, unconscious patterns, and limiting beliefs. Riana shares her Clear to Create method, which blends neuroscience, advanced trauma-aware coaching, and energetic techniques like Quantum Time Release to help women shed old stories and reclaim their personal power.

We dig into people pleasing, forgiveness, midlife transitions, and why so many of us are unconsciously stuck in survival loops that keep us from fully living. We also discuss how midlife – and perimenopause – can serve as a powerful energetic reset, and what it really takes to step into your next chapter, unapologetically.

Highlights

4:20 – How childhood conditioning creates the nice girl persona
6:50 – What it means to ā€œclear before you can createā€
8:30 – The cost of repeating old patterns and people pleasing
9:45 – What is Quantum Time Release and how does it work?
12:15 – Why mindset isn’t enough and the unconscious mind always wins
13:45 – Trauma, cycles, and the deep work that actually frees us
16:30 – Alchemical forgiveness – what it is and how it sets you free
20:00 – How emotional blocks show up physically in perimenopause and menopause
22:00 – Stepping into your full power in midlife
24:10 – Speaking up at work and at home – and dealing with the fallout
26:30 – Reintroducing yourself after transformation
29:10 – A dress disaster becomes a metaphor for authenticity
32:30 – When you’re done being the one who fixes everything
34:30 – You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it
35:10 – How to work with Riana one-on-one or take her free assessment

Riana Malia is a transformational coach, advanced trauma practitioner, and creator of the Clear to Create method. With over two decades of experience and training in modalities like evolved neurolinguistic programming and Quantum Time Release, she helps ambitious women break free from the emotional and energetic blocks that keep them stuck. Her work blends neuroscience, deep compassion, and intuitive guidance to help clients step into their true power and create the life and love they desire.

Where to find Rania

  • Website: https://www.rianamalia.com (currently being relaunched)
  • Take the quiz: https://quiz.rianamalia.com – Find out what’s standing between you and extraordinary love
  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/rianamalia


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180 SOLO: Burnout, news about hormone therapy, Gwyneth Paltrow and three midlife questions that change everything09 oct. 202500:45:38

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Thank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by MitopureĀ®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.

In this deeply personal solo episode, Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen returns to the mic to debrief after organizing and hosting the Hotflash inc Summit – including how it impacted her mind, body, and career direction.

She opens up about post-COVID health issues, navigating burnout, the weight of always working, and an emotional breakthrough. And she shares a clip from her powerful conversation with MD, midwife and herbalist Dr Aviva Romm – including the three deceptively simple midlife questions that shifted everything.

Ann Marie also gets into the nuances of perimenopause care, why so many women feel lost in the noise, and a new major study that will probably be ignored, about a statistically significant link between hormone therapy and autoimmune diseases.


Highlights include:

  • The Hotflash inc Summit: Behind the Scenes
  • Personal Struggles and Health Challenges
  • Realizations and Life Changes
  • The Power of Asking the Right Questions
  • Listener Appreciation and Personal Reflections
  • Challenges of Modern Journalism
  • Navigating Health and Wellness Narratives
  • The Seed Oil Controversy
  • Critique of Gwyneth Paltrow Biography
  • Hormone Therapy and Autoimmune Diseases
  • Future Plans

Where to find Dr. Aviva Romm

Website: avivaromm.com

Instagram: @dr.avivaromm


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X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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179: REPLAY The Bare-Ass Minimum Approach to Thriving Through Menopause with Jennifer Jefferies02 oct. 202500:45:02

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This podcast originally ran on May 9, 2025

In this honest and energizing conversation, Ann Marie sits down with 64-year-old Australian naturopath, speaker, and wellness rebel Jennifer Jefferies – aka @presentdaywisewoman – to talk about how women can embrace midlife and menopause without fear, extremes, or pharma dependency.Ā 

Jen brings over 30 years of clinical experience, a surfboard, and a no-BS attitude to the conversation. Once a burned-out pharmaceutical rep, she made a full 180 after hitting the wall in her 20s and rebuilding her health using naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her beloved ā€œbare-ass minimumā€ (BAM) approach to wellness.

This is a must-listen episode for any woman feeling confused, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the barrage of menopause messages out there.

Highlights include:

  • Why we’re told menopause is a disaster – and why it doesn’t have to be
  • How adrenal burnout is at the core of crappy perimenopause (even if your doctor won’t admit it)
  • The truth about estrogen ā€œdeficiencyā€ and why we’re not meant to keep producing it forever
  • What Western medicine gets wrong about hormone therapy
  • The rise of adrenal fatigue in the pandemic aftermath
  • Jen’s Bare-Ass Minimum Plan to restore vitality, joy, and hormonal balance
  • Why she swears by: going to bed before 10 p.m., eating close to nature 80% of the time, and having fun – yes, fun!
  • What happens when we stop outsourcing our health and tune into our own wisdom

About Jennifer Jefferies:
Jennifer Jefferies is a veteran naturopath, speaker, author, and wellness educator with over three decades of clinical experience. Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, she’s known for her refreshingly simple, radically realistic, and unapologetically fun approach to health and aging. She surfs at sunrise, gardens in her downtime, and helps women around the world step into their power.

Where to find her:

IG @thepresentdaywisewoman
Learn more: jenniferjefferies.com


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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178: REPLAY Finding our Pink Zones: How women really thrive in perimenopause, menopause + midlife with Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND26 sept. 202500:38:17

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This podcast originally ran on May 29, 2025

On this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician based in Vancouver, BC, who brings over two decades of experience blending the latest scientific research with natural, clinically proven forms of medicine.

Heidi has coined the term The Pink Zones to describe the cultural, emotional, physical, and communal conditions that allow women to not only navigate perimenopause and menopause – but to thrive. She’s been listening to older, wiser women, and noticing the powerful patterns that emerge when we prioritize meaning, connection, and nervous system support over the relentless push to do more, be more, fix more.

From hormone health and adrenal burnout to grief, rage, and the unprocessed emotions that surface at midlife, this conversation goes beyond symptom lists and into what it really means to design this season of life, rather than just survive it.

Heidi and Ann Marie also dig into the nocebo effect, why outdated menopause narratives can actually make us feel worse, and how to reframe this transition as a gateway – not a decline.


Highlights:

  • Dr. Heidi Lescanec’s integrative approach to hormone health, combining science, spirituality, and food-as-medicine
  • Introduction to The Pink Zones: envisioning supportive environments that celebrate women's aging
  • Exploration of how past generations managed menopause, transforming stigma into strength

About Dr Heidi Lescanec:

Dr Heidi Lescanec is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver, BC. With more than 20 years of experience, she blends science-backed natural medicine with a holistic, whole-person lens – addressing mind, body, and spirit.

Where to find her:

Website: thepinkzones.com

Substack: substack.com/@thepinkzones

IG: @drheidilescanec

When this episode first ran on May 29, 2025 it was sponsored by Menolabs. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.comĀ 


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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Instagram: @hotflashinc
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Episode website: Hotflashinc

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177: SOLO Inside the Hotflash inc Summit19 sept. 202500:25:11

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Announcing the First Hotflash inc Summit: Everything You Need to Know

In this episode, the host discusses their excitement about hosting the first Hotflash Inc. Summit from September 29th to October 4th. They detail their extensive preparation over the past three months, including interviewing 36 experts to create a comprehensive resource on menopause. The summit aims to dispel fear and provide evidence-based information on menopause. Highlights include multiple expert sessions, special workouts, guided meditations, and discussions on various health topics. The host also introduces sponsors and showcases additional options for paid all-access passes to further enhance attendees' experiences. The session aims to promote a deeper understanding of menopause, focusing on the holistic impact of this transition on mind, body, and soul.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

00:29 Announcing the Hotflash Inc Summit

03:00 Summit Details and Speaker Highlights

04:01 Special Sessions and Extras

04:59 Acknowledging Sponsors

09:52 Deep Dive into Speaker Contributions

20:45 Personal Experiences and Reflections

23:37 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Sign up to the first Hotflash inc summit here

The Hotflash inc Summit is READY + you’re invited!

From Sept 29 – Oct 3, we’re bringing you 36 powerful talks (plus bonuses!) with the smartest, boldest, straight-talking experts on perimenopause + menopause.

Expect real talk, real science + real solutions on:
 • Hormone therapy (what to know + what to expect)
 • Fascia + fitness insights (from Halle Berry’s Respin platform team)
 • Trauma + emotional health in this transition
 • Voices expanding the conversation: Black, South Asian + Muslim practitioners
 • Elderwomen sharing wisdom about stepping into your wise woman years

Meet some of the powerhouse voices shaping the conversation:
Stacy London • Dr. Mariza Snyder • Kim Vopni • Dr. Stacy Barczak Baker

And the best part? šŸŽ‰ It’s virtual and completely free to attend.

I’m Ann Marie, founder of Hotflash inc and the only journalist in the world taking a holistic, no-sides approach to this transition. My mission: to give you clarity, not fear, and help you find what feels right for YOU.

This is not your average summit. Don’t miss it. Sign up to the first Hotflash inc summit here

Thank you to our sponsors. Without you, this summit would not be possible.

  • MenoLabs
  • Bonafide
  • KION
  • Phosis

The Hotflash inc Summit is for educational purposes only and not to be used or considered for medical advice.


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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176: REPLAY Cracking the perimenopause code with Jessica Barac11 sept. 202500:35:24

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This podcast originally ran on 13 March 2025

Jessica Barac is a registered nutritionist, personal trainer, and the founder of What The Menopause, a women's health platform of over 950,000 women globally.

After struggling with perimenopause in her late 30s and receiving little support from traditional healthcare, Jessica made it her mission to crack the perimenopause code and regain her vibrancy. Today, she has educated millions of women through her content and developed The Pause Power Method a science-backed approach addressing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to help women improve symptoms, achieve sustainable fat loss, and step into their most powerful era yet.

Episode highlights

  • Jessica's journey from struggling with perimenopause to launching What The Menopause.
  • The power of humor: Why memes about menopause resonated with so many women.
  • Recognizing perimenopause: The symptoms that caught Jessica by surprise and how she finally connected the dots.
  • The impact on family life: Jessica’s husband’s plea to ā€œfigure it outā€ and how her symptoms affected her loved ones.
  • Connecting the dots: Why so many women don’t realize that symptoms like anxiety, depression, dry mouth, tinnitus, and frozen shoulder can be linked to perimenopause.
  • The power of movement: How strength training, walking, and lifestyle shifts hold everything together in midlife.
  • Quitting alcohol: The tough but transformative decision to stop drinking and how it changed Jessica’s life.
  • Reframing midlife: The importance of thinking about your 8-year-old and 80-year-old self when making life decisions.

Top Quote

ā€œPerimenopause calls on you to take a very hard look at yourself – if you’re willing to do it.ā€ – Jessica Barac

Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition at the time of this original episode release: Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity — now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

Where to find Jessica & What The Menopause

Website: whatthemenopause.com

Instagram: @whatthemenopause

Facebook: What The Menopause

TikTok: @whatthemenopause


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

Web: hotflashinc.com
Newsletter: Hotflash inc. on Substack
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Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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175: SOLO Updates, books deals and what's next05 sept. 202500:23:50

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In this solo episode, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen shares an honest update on her journey with Hotflash inc, the challenges and triumphs of building a community for women in midlife, and her personal experiences navigating menopause.

Highlights include:

  • The story behind launching Hotflash inc and the drive to create meaningful resources for women
  • Reflections on career pivots, imposter syndrome and embracing the role of entrepreneur
  • The emotional impact of losing a parent and how it shaped her approach to work and life.
  • Book deals or no book deals
  • What's next: the HF inc Hormone Therapy Navigator, the Hotflash inc Summit and the Perimenopause Game Plan
  • Insights from interviews for the upcoming Hotflash inc Summit
  • Why the mainstream menopause narrative needs to be broadened
  • The importance of self-advocacy, asking questions, doing your own research and finding community support
  • New genre: menopause cookbooks
  • Encouragement to trust your instincts, embrace change and give yourself grace through transitions


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

Web: hotflashinc.com
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X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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174: REPLAY Your midlife brain health action plan with neurologist Dr Teryn Clarke28 aoƻt 202500:43:48

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This podcast originally ran on February 13, 2025

In this episode of Hotflash inc, GenX journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with neurologist and award-winning dementia care professional Dr Teryn Clarke to discuss the science and lifestyle strategies that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, which disproportionately affect women.Ā 

Drawing from her book, Brain Health Action Plan: Simple, Science-Backed Lifestyle Changes that Optimize Cognitive Fitness and Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk Dr Clarke shares part actionable tips to improve brain health today and protect it for the long term.
Ā 
Ā Episode highlights:

  • Dr Teryn Clarke’s personal motivationĀ 
  • The power of exercise and low sugar dietsĀ 
  • The surprising immediate benefits of brain-healthy habitsĀ 
  • Type 3 diabetes
  • Intermittent fasting explained
  • Seed oilsĀ 
  • Hormone therapy andĀ 
  • Iron buildup in women post-menopause
  • Key supplements for brain health
  • The emotional connection: how stress, loneliness, and trauma increase dementia risk
  • The critical link between hearing, vision, and dementia prevention Ā 
  • Why brain stimulation matters: exercise, learning, and meaningful social connections Ā 

šŸ”‘ Top Quote

ā€œGenetics load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.ā€ – Dr Teryn Clarke

šŸ“š Resources and Links

šŸ“ About the Guest Dr Teryn Clarke is a neurologist in Southern California and was named ā€œDementia Care Professional of the Yearā€ by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2015. She is passionate about educating people on the modifiable lifestyle factors that can prevent cognitive decline and is the author of Brain Health Action Plan, a practical, science-based guide to optimizing brain health.

Sponsor for the original episode was Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity. You can still visit https://shop.timeline.com/HOTFLASHINCĀ  and use the code HOTFLASHINC for an exclusive discount.


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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Episode website: Hotflashinc

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173: REPLAY Why Do Women Go Through Menopause? with Dr Deena Emera21 aoƻt 202501:00:00

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This podcast originally ran on March 26th, 2025

In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, GenX journalist Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Deena Emera, an evolutionary geneticist, senior scientist at the Buck Institute’s Buck Center for Healthy Aging in Women, and author of A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be.

Dr Emera’s research focuses on the genetic basis of reproductive longevity in mammals, and in this fascinating discussion, she breaks down the evolution of menopause, why female bodies age the way they do, and what modern science is uncovering about ovarian health and longevity.

If you’ve ever wondered why menopause exists, how it evolved, and whether science will ever be able to delay or even prevent it, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

  • Understanding evolutionary biology (it's not boring, promise)
  • The evolutionary mystery of menopause
  • What animals do go through menopause?
  • Why all women didn't used to die at 50 (and what actually happened)
  • How modern life has changed menopause
  • Why Dr Emera needs bowhead whale ovaries
  • Can we really end menopause?
  • The truth about the Grandmother Hypothesis

Quote:

"Menopause itself isn’t surprising – if you live long enough, you will run out of eggs. What’s unique about humans is that we have such a long post-reproductive life stage. That’s the real mystery we need to solve." – Dr Deena Emera

Where to find Dr Emera:

The Hotflash inc Podcast is:
One of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts
In the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes
#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts list

This episode was originally sponsored byĀ  Timeline Nutrition. Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity. Visit https://shop.timeline.com/HOTFLASHINC where you can still grab 20% off with code HOTFLASHINC


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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172: REPLAY The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause with Dr Vonda Wright15 aoƻt 202500:33:26

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This podcast originally ran on July 10, 2024

In this episode Florida orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr Vonda Wright published a review paper Climacteric, the journal of the International Menopause Society, introducing Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause. The paper has been shared widely across social media, and this interview with Dr Wright is an edited version from last year diving into Dr Wright’s efforts to create awareness of this constellation of muscle and joint problems experienced during perimenopause.Ā 

This is an issue close to Dr Wright’s heart: it was the first thing she went though in perimenopause.Ā 

Listen in as she explains why MSM is her mission, just what happens to our bones and muscles as we get older, and delves into the need for proper diagnosis and preventive measures such as exercise and diet, and the importance of estrogen in maintaining bone health.Ā 

Highlights:

  • 1:33 Why she’s back
  • 2:45 Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
  • 3:46 Personal experiences and reflections
  • 4:09 Understanding bone health
  • 12:22 The importance of mobility
  • 22:15 Diet and supplements for bone health
  • 26:58 Hormone therapy and long-term health
  • 31:05 Her words of hopeĀ 

Connect with Dr Vonda Wright

Leave a review
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and hit follow wherever you listen.Ā 

Host bio:
This episode is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc – the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. A Canadian-made, UAE-based journalist with 30 years of experience, Ann Marie launched Hotflash Inc to help women find evidence, expert insight, and honest conversations that reflect the full spectrum of the midlife experience. Through her newsletter, podcast, social channels, events, and upcoming course Your Perimenopause Game Plan, she’s building a global community rooted in truth, curiosity, and empowerment.


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

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171: REPLAY The Metabolism Reset with Lara Briden07 aoƻt 202500:53:21

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This podcast originally ran on July 4, 2024

Hotflash inc – the platform designed to find the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond – makes a return to the podcast world this week!Ā 

In the first episode back journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen interviews Lara Briden, an expert in women's health and author of the new book The Metabolism Reset.

They discuss the complexity of this entire subject, insulin resistance, the impact of modern diets, and the importance of understanding how our bodies respond to different types of food and exercise.Ā 

Briden, a naturopathic doctor and author of period repair manual and hormone repair manual, shares her valuable and moderate insights on achieving metabolic health through tailored approaches, emphasizing gentler methods and the importance of addressing underlying health issues like gut health and autoimmunity.Ā 

This episode aims to help listeners understand and manage their metabolic health effectively during the menopause transition.

Highlights:

  • 00:48 Introducing Midi Health
  • 01:21 Lara Briden's Influence and new book
  • 02:04 Conversation with Lara Briden
  • 03:31 Understanding Metabolic Health
  • 05:42 The Role of Hunger and Satiety
  • 14:50 Impact of Modern Food Environment
  • 21:30 Debate on Vegetable Oils
  • 28:06 Navigating Food Allergies in Restaurants
  • 28:27 Understanding Metabolic Endotoxemia
  • 28:47 Gut Health and Metabolic Health Connection
  • 29:54 Patient Stories: Gut Health and Insulin Resistance
  • 34:52 Exploring Insulin Resistance
  • 37:27 Signs and Diagnosis of Insulin Resistance
  • 40:30 Treatment Approaches for Insulin Resistance
  • 43:20 Perimenopause and Insulin Resistance
  • 43:34 The Importance of Movement and Protein
  • 49:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Dr. Lara Briden:


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170: How blockchain could finally fix the menopause research gap31 juil. 202500:52:22

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In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen takes you into a whole new realm of possibility: decentralized science, or DeSci. Joining her is Mack Stachowiak, a physicist, software architect and healthcare innovator who is pioneering the integration of blockchain, AI, and Web3 into healthcare as co-founder of Axon DAO.

You might be thinking, ā€œwhy are you talking about this?ā€ – and we get it. Crypto and blockchain can feel like a foreign language. But this conversation reveals how decentralized science could completely change the game when it comes to the lack of menopause and midlife research – by putting data ownership and funding power into the hands of individuals and communities.

Mack shares how Axon DAO’s platform allows people to share and monetize their health data (ethically and consensually), explains how voice biomarkers can detect hormone fluctuations, and shares mulitple menopause-specific projects he wants to launch right now – but needs the right researchers and community to do it.

This episode is for anyone tired of waiting for ā€œmore dataā€ – and ready to build the systems we need now.

Episode highlights:

1:30 – What is decentralized science (DeSci) and why should we care?

3:10 – Why most people – including doctors – don’t even know DeSci exists

6:45 – How blockchain-backed tokens fund research in a faster, fairer way

12:00 – Why Axon DAO gives users full control over their health data

14:15 – How scientists can build research platforms using Axon DAO

18:55 – Using sleep data to support menopausal women

20:00 – How voice analysis can detect stress, PTSD, and even vagus nerve dysfunction

26:30 – How Mack’s team is handling data privacy and regulatory compliance

28:20 – Upcoming projects on Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis, and psilocybin microdosing

33:00 – The enormous gap in menopause research – and how DeSci can close it

35:10 – Voice-based hormone and hot flash tracking: already here

37:45 – Mack’s open invitation to women researchers and citizen scientists

40:30 – Why you should own your data and share it on your own terms

44:30 – Health optimization as a cultural shift: empowerment through ownership

46:15 – One medical device that could change the game – if it wasn’t siloed

48:00 – How community and open access can transform women’s health research

50:30 – ā€œYou don’t need to understand crypto – just use your email and get startedā€

Connect with Mack and Axon DAO:

A Plus Voice research program:Ā 

https://aplusvoice.io

X: https://twitter.com/axondao

IG: https://www.instagram.com/axondao/


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

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Episode website: Hotflashinc

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169: SOLO Hormone therapy confusion, five years of Hotflash inc, and how to figure out what's right for you24 juil. 202500:35:38

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In this powerful solo episode, Hotflash inc founder and host Ann Marie McQueen reflects on the five-year journey of building the platform, from launching her first newsletter in 2020 to preparing for the first Hotflash inc Summit and her first product launch – a much-needed tool to help women navigate the hormone therapy maze.

Ann Marie opens up about how far the conversation has come, how far it still has to go, and what she’s learned through thousands of hours of research, interviews, and real-life experience. She unpacks the polarizing hormone therapy space – from the self-proclaimed ā€œthought leadersā€ to the quiet majority of women who are still confused, cautious, or feeling pushed in every direction.

Plus, a deeply relatable share from a harpist and UAE changemaker Shelley Frost, founder of The Fridge Entertainment, who talks about her turning point with hormone therapy after years of struggling with sleep and overwhelm.

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between extremes when it comes to midlife, hormones, and who to trust.

Highlights:

  • The story behind launching the first Hotflash Inc newsletter in 2020
  • The content-is-product philosophyĀ 
  • Ann Marie’s early fear of using the words ā€œmenopauseā€ or ā€œperimenopauseā€
  • What has (and hasn’t) changed in five years
  • Why the hormonal transition isn’t the problem – it reveals deeper issues
  • Hormone therapy doesn’t always prevent disease, and the research is nuanced
  • The middle path between estrogen fear and hormone therapy evangelism
  • Women can’t just "get it together" – trauma and real-life responsibilities are at play
  • Messaging trends and repeated doctor scripts that look a lot like PR
  • The supplement smear campaign: is it manufactured?
  • Shelley Frost shares her transformation after starting hormone therapy
  • Real messages from women who can’t tolerate MHT – and feel pressured to keep trying
  • Behind the scenes: doctors admit they’re worried about the current messaging
  • Physiologic dosing and why it’s so controversial
  • The full hormone therapy belief system spectrum, mapped out
  • The confusing (and dangerous) mix-up between progesterone and progestin
  • Ann Marie’s first product: a tool to help women figure out HRT for themselves
  • What’s coming next: the Hotflash Inc Summit, the course, the book
  • A reminder that midlife is about remembering who’s really calling the shots

Shoutout to our sponsor MenoLabs – makers of MenoFit, a science-backed probiotic designed to relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats while supporting overall wellness. Hotflash Inc listeners get 20% off with code HOTFLASH20 at menolabs.com.


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168: Is estrogen really the problem? Jay Feldman breaks down what’sĀ actuallyĀ driving your midlife symptoms17 juil. 202500:52:53

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In this deep-dive episode, independent researcher and Energy Balance Podcast host Jay Feldman walks Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen through his bioenergetic approach to health, exploring how modern life disrupts our energy systems and misleads us around hormones.

Jay explains why perimenopause symptoms aren’t necessarily signs of estrogen deficiency, what progesterone’s underrated role is, and how metabolism, stress, and gut health all converge to influence the midlife transition.His work has been instrumental in helping Ann Marie connect the dots between her own thyroid, gut health, fatty liver, and hormonal changes. If you're curious, overwhelmed, or stuck between conflicting advice – this one’s for you.

Highlights:

Why the mainstream medical model didn’t cut it for Jay
How energy production impacts reproductive hormones
The cultural lie of ā€œeat less, move moreā€
Seed oils, PUFAs and what they’re doing to your metabolism
Sunscreens, toenail polish, and endocrine disruption
Why low estrogen blood levels don’t tell the whole story
What your liver and gut have to do with your hormones
Why estrogen replacement might be a band-aid, not a solution
Progesterone as the overlooked hero hormone
A breakdown of the research around hormone therapy and prevention
What’s missing from the Women’s Health Initiative findings
The testosterone-for-everyone trend: risks and realities
Small shifts that support your hormones naturally
How the carrot salad really works
Alcohol, slow motility, gut health and estrogen clearance
The liver support and herbal options that actually help
A loving reminder: there is no magic pill

Special thanks to our sponsor MenoLabs
Get 20% off science-backed support for perimenopause and menopause at menolabs.com using code HOTFLASH20

Guest bio
Jay Feldman is a health coach, independent researcher, and the host of the Energy Balance Podcast. With a background in neuroscience and exercise physiology, he takes a bioenergetic approach to health that focuses on restoring cellular energy and dismantling modern myths around nutrition, metabolism, and hormones. Jay’s personal mission is to help people heal by reconnecting them with their bodies and understanding how modern life throws off our internal systems.Ā 

Work with Jay & explore more


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167: Dr Lara Briden unpacks what really matters in midlife10 juil. 202500:27:06

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In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Lara Briden – a naturopath, women’s health speaker, and author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. Together, they unpack some of the buzziest and most confusing midlife health trends: from hormone therapy + GLP-1 combos to supplement overwhelm, vaginal estrogen, and the sudden concern over labia shrinkage.

Dr Briden brings a refreshing and deeply grounded perspective to the conversation, challenging common narratives and reminding us of the biological brilliance of the female body – especially in midlife.

Highlights:

  • The overhyped narrative about hormone therapy and GLP-1s
  • What GLP-1 medications really do, and why they’re fascinating to Dr. Briden
  • Supplements as a security blanket, and why Ann Marie and her friends are rethinking them
  • Taking a ā€œsupplement holidayā€ – what it is and why it helps
  • The connection between GLP-1s and gut health
  • What happens when you go off hormone therapy or GLP-1s?
  • Ā A naturopath’s minimalist supplement travel kit
  • Vaginal changes in menopause: what’s real, what’s clickbait
  • The difference in how men vs women are told to view their bodies as they age
  • Vaginal estrogen and the truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopause
  • The bizarre labia shrinkage trend and the pressure of ā€œperfectā€ body parts
  • Why menopause is not a mistake of evolution – it’s a feature
  • The danger of over-identifying with health labels
  • ā€œWear it lightlyā€ – a powerful reframe from Dr. Briden
  • The trend of diagnosing yourself through Instagram
  • Not everyone suffers in perimenopause – and that’s okay

Sponsor: Shoutout to our sponsor MenoLabs – makers of MenoFit, a science-backed probiotic designed to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and more. Hotflash Inc listeners get 20% off with the code HOTFLASHINC20.

Connect with Dr. Lara Briden:


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166: From Scotch to hot flashes: Carin Luna-Ostaseski’s journey to perimenopause03 juil. 202500:22:24

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In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, founder and host Ann Marie McQueen talks with serial entrepreneur Carin Luna-Ostaseski – creator of Hot or Just Me?, a comprehensive online platform supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.

Carin’s path from successful whiskey founder to menopause advocate is anything but ordinary. After launching the first American woman and Hispanic-created Scotch whisky (SIA), and pioneering a grant program for underserved entrepreneurs, she found herself navigating hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia and more. Rather than suffer silently, she launched a new venture focused on offering trusted products, expert advice, and a supportive community for other women going through the same.

They talk candidly about hormonal sensitivity, the pressure to take HRT, entrepreneurial lessons, how to optimize sleep (even if your partner snores like a bear) and the most helpful (and unhelpful) products in the menopause space. If you'd like to check out Carin's marketplace Hot or Just Me? use our exclusive discount code for Hotflash inc listeners, HFINC, here for 25 percent off. Ā 

Episode highlights:

  • Carin’s journey from tech and whisky to menopause advocacy
  • How her own symptoms inspired Hot or Just Me?
  • How she selects products for the site and what she avoids
  • Her top-selling tools for cooling, comfort, and sexual wellness
  • Why she’s cautious about one-size-fits-all supplements
  • Thoughts on the ā€œmenopause gold rushā€ and consumer choice
  • Why she isn’t on hormone therapy and how that’s played out
  • Navigating hormonal sensitivity and IVF struggles
  • The nuance around HRT pressure and platform responsibility
  • Non-hormonal solutions that work for her (starting with sleep!)
  • Caffeine and alcohol hacks that actually help

Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you're too young for perimenopause, but you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Visit menolabs.com and get 20% off your order using code: HOTFLASH20

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Relevant links:


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165: SOLO Let's maybe cool it a bit on the supplements27 juin 202500:24:12

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This week’s solo episode is all about supplements – the good, the bad, and the potentially dangerous. I open up about my own rocky road with pills, powders, and tinctures, including the time I returned a popular fat burner in the early 2000s and, more recently, when I accidentally took five times the recommended dose of desiccated thyroid.

This episode is both a cautionary tale and an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and ask what you really need – beyond the bottle. If you’ve been gagging on supplements, feeling unwell despite taking ā€œall the right things,ā€ or questioning what’s working and what’s not, this is for you.

Episode highlights:

  • That time I levitated from a fat burner (and returned it in a rage)
  • How Ephedra was banned after high-profile deaths
  • What early sensitivity to supplements taught me (and didn’t)
  • When supplements become a security blanket
  • The Maca incident that triggered spotting and emotional chaos
  • ā€œWhy didn’t you rest?ā€ – the question that (started to) change everything
  • Genetic testing, fatigue and falling back into old patterns
  • Stage 2 hypertension and a terrifying headache
  • The wakeup callĀ 
  • Supplements vs. food – what we’re getting wrong
  • What symptoms are really telling you
  • A call to self-kindness and slowing down

Sponsor shoutout:

Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for perimenopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed products like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today. Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20

Now for the small print: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Call to action:

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who might need it. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next, we’ve got incredible guests and stories on the way.


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164: Busting menopause muscle myths with kinesiology professor Dr Stuart Phillips19 juin 202500:55:41

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In this episode of the Hot Flash inc Podcast, host Annemarie McQueen sits down with Dr Stuart Phillips, a professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, to explore the intricacies of exercise, aging, and nutrition, particularly focusing on the impact of these factors during perimenopause and menopause. They discuss common societal pressures and misinformation women face around exercise and health during midlife, emphasizing the importance of consistent and practical workout routines. Dr Phillips debunks myths about hormone therapy, estrogen, and muscle health, and offers evidence-based recommendations for maintaining physical function and overall well-being. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the real science behind muscle health, the benefits of physical activity, and practical advice for women navigating this challenging life stage.

Topics Covered:

  • Menopause and exercise challenges
  • Starting the conversation with Dr Phillips
  • The importance of consistency in exercise
  • Social media’s impact on fitness advice
  • Debunking the heavy-lifting myth
  • Progressive overload explained
  • Balancing exercise and life
  • The benefits of muscle health
  • The importance of health span and physical mobility
  • Bone health: hormone therapy vs. activity
  • Exercise and mental health benefits
  • Hormone therapy and muscle mass: the evidence
  • Fascia and connective tissue: the overlooked components
  • Inactivity and its impact on aging
  • Supplements: creatine, protein, and more
  • Weight-loss drugs and muscle loss concerns
  • Longevity and lifestyle: a balanced perspective
  • Advice for women in perimenopause

Where to find Dr Stuart Phillips

X: @mackinprof
Instagram: @mackinprof
LinkedIn @stuartphillips
Facebook: SMPPh.DĀ 

Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20


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163: What hypnosis has to do with the gut–brain connection and healing in perimenopause with Dr Tiffany Duffing12 juin 202500:36:42

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Welcome to the Hotflash inc Podcast! I’m Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, and today I’m joined by Dr Tiffany Duffing, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, US Army Veteran, and co-founder of GI Psychology. Dr Duffing is an expert in the gut–brain connection, integrative therapy and clinical hypnosis for GI disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. There is such an intersection with everything we are facing in perimenopause, so stay tuned as we dive into the science behind one of the mostĀ  practical tools for healing.

Highlights

  • Dr Duffing’s path to GI Psychology and clinical hypnosis
  • Overcoming skepticism: ā€œIf you don’t show me the data, I’m gonna go collect some information.ā€
  • Dr Duffing’s personal experience with gut issues and family history
  • The emotional and mental toll of GI distress
  • Perimenopause, menopause, and the gut: what the research says
  • The gut–brain connection explained: enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, and more
  • How stress, trauma, and hypervigilance affect gut health
  • The power of clinical hypnosis and how it works
  • Self-hypnosis, apps, and how to find a qualified provider
  • Dr Duffing’s advice: ā€œIf you have physical distress, Google Scholar that and see how clinical hypnosis can help. Boom.ā€

Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20

Where to find Dr Tiffany:


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162: Why your pelvic floor matters more than you think in perimenopauseĀ with Dr Sara Reardon05 juin 202500:30:15

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This week on the Hotflash inc Podcast, I’m talking with board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr Sara Reardon, aka The Vagina Whisperer. With 650,000 followers on Instagram and 8 million TikTok views, Sara has become a trusted source for breaking down pelvic floor health in a way that’s clear, empowering and, yes, even fun.

Her upcoming book, FLOORED: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage (out June 10 from HarperCollins Park Row), is an honest, comprehensive guide to the often-ignored foundation of our bodies. In our conversation, we get into how stress, childbirth, perimenopause and menopause affect the pelvic floor — and how we can take back our strength and vitality at every age.

From the perils of peeing too fast to disappearing orgasms, Dr Sara brings science, compassion and truth to a topic most of us were never taught about.

Episode highlights:

  • Understanding Stress and Pelvic Floor Tension
  • Intro to the Hot Flash Ink Podcast
  • Pelvic Floor 101: Anatomy and Function
  • Pelvic Floor Health During Perimenopause
  • The Role of Hormones and Stress

Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Where to find Dr SaraĀ 


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161: Finding our Pink Zones: How women really thrive in perimenopause, menopause + midlife with Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND29 mai 202500:38:17

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On this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician based in Vancouver, BC, who brings over two decades of experience blending the latest scientific research with natural, clinically proven forms of medicine.

Heidi has coined the term The Pink Zones to describe the cultural, emotional, physical, and communal conditions that allow women to not only navigate perimenopause and menopause – but to thrive. She’s been listening to older, wiser women, and noticing the powerful patterns that emerge when we prioritize meaning, connection, and nervous system support over the relentless push to do more, be more, fix more.

From hormone health and adrenal burnout to grief, rage, and the unprocessed emotions that surface at midlife, this conversation goes beyond symptom lists and into what it really means to design this season of life, rather than just survive it.

Heidi and Ann Marie also dig into the nocebo effect, why outdated menopause narratives can actually make us feel worse, and how to reframe this transition as a gateway – not a decline.

Highlights:

  • Dr. Heidi Lescanec’s integrative approach to hormone health, combining science, spirituality, and food-as-medicine
  • Introduction to The Pink Zones: envisioning supportive environments that celebrate women's aging
  • Exploration of how past generations managed menopause, transforming stigma into strength

Ā About Dr Heidi Lescanec:

Dr Heidi Lescanec is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver, BC. With more than 20 years of experience, she blends science-backed natural medicine with a holistic, whole-person lens – addressing mind, body, and spirit.

Where to find her:

Website: thepinkzones.com

Substack: substack.com/@thepinkzones

IG: @drheidilescanec

Episode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.comĀ 


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160: Your Perimenopause Game Plan with Dr Lydia Kostopoulos22 mai 202500:22:05

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In this episode, Ann Marie McQueen speaks with globally recognized strategist Dr Lydia Kostopoulos, whose work spans emerging technology, national security, and macrotrends. But it’s her deep interest in human performance and healthy aging that brings her into the perimenopause conversation.

Lydia shares her experience preparing for this life phase with intention, data, and strategy – including a military-style ā€œperimenopause game planā€. Through her Project N of 1 series and personal research, she’s built a unique, highly organized approach to symptom tracking, risk assessment, and hormone therapy prep – while emphasizing emotional and psychological resilience.

What we cover:
• Why Lydia created her Perimenopause Game Plan series as part of Project N of 1
• Her strategic approach to tracking symptoms, health data, and preparing for hormone therapy
• Insights from interviewing women across generations, disciplines, and cultures
• Why mental and emotional health are critical pillars of healthy aging

Quote:
ā€œIf you don’t know you have choices, then you never had a choice.ā€ – Dr Lydia Kostopoulos


Resources & Links:
Perimenopause Game Plan YouTube Playlist
Dr Lydia Kostopoulos on LinkedIn
Instagram: @hilydiak
X @lkcyber

Episode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.comĀ 

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating big transitions. Leave a review, subscribe, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @hotflashinc for daily inspiration and support in midlife and beyond.


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159: Can magic mushrooms help you heal in midlife? Talking psychedelic therapy and seeking more with The Journeymen Collective15 mai 202500:55:47

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Are psychedelics a missing key to personal transformation in midlife?

This week, I speak with Rob Grover and Gary Logan, the founders of The Journeymen Collective, a luxury guided psilocybin retreat company based in the mountains outside Vancouver, BC. These two have helped entrepreneurs, performers, couples—and yes, many women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife transitions—use guided mushroom journeys to reconnect to themselves and release emotional burdens that therapy, medication, or self-help books haven’t resolved.

We talk grief, depression, anxiety, the inner critic, and how to tap into the body’s sacred intelligence when everything feels disconnected. Rob and Gary explain the difference between ā€œtrippingā€ and undergoing a true guided journey, and why that distinction matters so deeply for healing and growth.

Highlights:Ā 

  • ā€œMost people who find us have done the therapy, read the books, tried the biohacking—and still feel stuck.ā€ā€“ Rob Grover
  • ā€œThis isn’t about escaping—it’s about meeting yourself more deeply than ever before.ā€ – Gary Logan
  • How grief led both Rob and Gary to their first journeys with magic mushrooms—and why it changed everything.
  • Why psilocybin is not a shortcut or magic bullet, but a profound reset for the nervous system.
  • The science, spirituality, and deep preparation that goes into their luxury retreats.
  • Why talk therapy for 10 years often gets outpaced by 4 days of immersive guided work.
  • A frank and beautiful discussion about anger, sadness, menopause symptoms—and how they’re often calls to listen to the body, not suppress it.

Links + resources:

Episode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.com


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158: The Bare-Ass Minimum Approach to Thriving Through Menopause with Jennifer Jefferies09 mai 202500:45:02

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In this honest and energizing conversation, Ann Marie sits down with 64-year-old Australian naturopath, speaker, and wellness rebel Jennifer Jefferies – aka @presentdaywisewoman – to talk about how women can embrace midlife and menopause without fear, extremes, or pharma dependency.Ā 

Jen brings over 30 years of clinical experience, a surfboard, and a no-BS attitude to the conversation. Once a burned-out pharmaceutical rep, she made a full 180 after hitting the wall in her 20s and rebuilding her health using naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her beloved ā€œbare-ass minimumā€ (BAM) approach to wellness.

This is a must-listen episode for any woman feeling confused, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the barrage of menopause messages out there.

Highlights include:

  • Why we’re told menopause is a disaster – and why it doesn’t have to be
  • How adrenal burnout is at the core of crappy perimenopause (even if your doctor won’t admit it)
  • The truth about estrogen ā€œdeficiencyā€ and why we’re not meant to keep producing it forever
  • What Western medicine gets wrong about hormone therapy
  • The rise of adrenal fatigue in the pandemic aftermath
  • Jen’s Bare-Ass Minimum Plan to restore vitality, joy, and hormonal balance
  • Why she swears by: going to bed before 10 p.m., eating close to nature 80% of the time, and having fun – yes, fun!
  • What happens when we stop outsourcing our health and tune into our own wisdom

About Jennifer Jefferies:
Jennifer Jefferies is a veteran naturopath, speaker, author, and wellness educator with over three decades of clinical experience. Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, she’s known for her refreshingly simple, radically realistic, and unapologetically fun approach to health and aging. She surfs at sunrise, gardens in her downtime, and helps women around the world step into their power.

Where to find her:

IG @thepresentdaywisewoman
Learn more: jenniferjefferies.com

Episode sponsor:Ā Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.com


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157: REPLAY 80s supermodel Kim Alexis: 'Hormones are natural too'01 mai 202500:48:30

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This podcast originally ran on July 11, 2024

In this episode, host and midlife and menopause journalist Ann Marie McQueen speaks with iconic American model Kim Alexis.

They explore Kim's extensive career when she dominated the modeling industry. They talk about what it was like to appear on over 500 magazine – sometimes all of them at once – and cover her journey through competitive sports, her faith, clean living, marriage and menopause.

Kim shares personal stories about her transition into menopause, her choice to use hormone therapy – and the controversial delivery method of pellets – and how she navigates various health claims and misinformation prevalent in the social media age.

They also discuss the impact of environmental disruptors on health and, possibly, menopause, the evolving standards of beauty and self-image in aging, and the importance of self-care, self-inquiry, adaptation and outreach in midlife.


Highlights:

02:32 Kim Alexis on Social Media and Going Viral

03:01 Natural Beauty and Aging Gracefully

06:06 The Modeling Industry Then and Now

10:54 Health, Fitness, and Post-Modeling Career

12:30 Navigating Nutrition and Wellness Trends

21:13 Adapting to Life's Changes

21:19 Skincare from the Inside Out

22:32 Personal Skincare Routines

23:45 Hormonal Shifts and Menopause

28:33 Hormone Therapy Controversy

33:21 Emotional and Soul Searching

36:49 Finding Love Later in Life

39:02 Advice for Reinventing Yourself

42:40 Future Plans and Giving Back


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156: REPLAY Unraveling the truth about testosterone and menopause with Professor Susan Davis24 avr. 202500:42:26

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This podcast originally ran on August 1, 2024

You may have been hearing a lot about testosterone lately – what it is, why we need it, why we can’t get it… I’ve gone to Melbourne, Australia to ask an expert in women’s hormones across our lifespan, and one of the few people who has studied testosterone in-depth.

Professor Susan Davis is a clinician researcher, consulting endocrinologist and head of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program in Melbourne.

She is going to help us to tackle the current confusion – and hype – over testosterone, armed with what she knows best: the evidence. We talk about it all: the evidence, benefits, and potential misconceptions about testosterone supplementation for women, especially during menopause and perimenopause; the difficulty in measuring testosterone accurately, the placebo effect, risks and benefits of different hormone therapies, including testosterone pellets and creams, and the critical importance of credible sources of information. Professor Davis also highlights her extensive research, including studies on the cardiovascular effects of low testosterone and the physiological impacts on women's health.

Highlights:

03:38 Testosterone's role in a women's hormone structure

06:35 Challenges in measuring testosterone

19:50 Testosterone and cardiovascular health

30:02 The misleading promises of testosterone therapy

32:55 The controversy surrounding pellets

36:17 Breast cancer risks and hormone therapy

40:15 Testosterone for menopausal symptoms

42:12 The role of DHEA in hormone therapy

44:49 The impact of birth control pills

46:26 Navigating hormone therapy and misinformation

50:50 Current research and future directions

53:33 The Influence of social media on health information

56:10 Conclusion and credible resources


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155: REPLAY Let's optimize our hormones and not get cancer with Dr Leigh Erin Connealy17 avr. 202500:56:42

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This podcast originally ran on October 15, 2024.

Hotflash inc founder and host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Leigh Erin Connealy, a leading figure in integrative medicine, known for her unique approach in combining conventional and alternative treatments in addressing chronic illnesses and cancer. Dr Connealy is the founder of the Center for New Medicine and the Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, California and author of two books: The Cancer Revolution and the Be Perfectly Healthy. She is also co-founder of leading hormone brand, Raena Health.

She talks about why so many people are getting cancer, how to make chemotherapy more effective and less lethal, why prevention needs to be the focus. For Dr Connealy, the question we need to be asking: what is going on with your terrain, and why is it making cancer? Everything from the food we eat to the chemicals we surround ourselves with to the emotional work we aren’t doing is causing this. And find out what she thinks our number one risk is – why and what we can do about it. (It’s probably not what you are thinking)

Dr Connealy wants us all to know that in most cases, cancer is 10 years in the making. She has really good guidance for women considering hormone therapy, explaining the differences in synthetic hormones and the importance of the ā€œorchestraā€, including progesterone and pregnanalone, and more than one kind of estrogen. She explains why there is no one solution that fits all women – even though that’s what mainstream medicine wants us to believe – and gives guidance on the particular cocktail, with tweaks, that she likes to prescribe. She also gives her take on whether hormone therapy prevents cancer – its worth listening to the end just to hear what she has to say about that – and addresses that ongoing fear women have, which is weighing our fear of breast cancer risk when considering hormone therapy.

Dr Connealy is recognized for her personalized, holistic approach. This episode is nothing short of a masterclass on how to get our inner house in order.

Highlights:

01:56 The importance of personalized medicine

02:07 The rise of chronic diseases

03:09 The need for preventive healthcare

04:44 Challenges in cancer treatment

13:08 The importance of self-care

14:40 The impact of EMFs on health

28:12 The power of essential oils

28:46 Reprogramming the mind with EVOX

29:41 Healing affirmations and subconscious reprogramming

33:37 The importance of sleep and water purification

34:14 Nourishing rour body with proper nutrition

35:01 The role of exercise and movement

35:47 Detoxification and cleasing methods

38:42 Understanding hormonal health and therapy

39:23 Personal experiences with hormonal treatments

46:10 The importance of individualized hormonal care


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154: REPLAY Dr Vikram Talaulikar: Straight facts about hormone therapy10 avr. 202500:41:08

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This podcast originally ran on October 21, 2023.

This week we get down to basics, and basics are exactly what we need in this confusing world right now. This is THE podcast to listen to if you are confused about all things to do with taking hormone therapy.

Dr Vikram Sinai Talaulikar is a specialist in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust and an associate professor in Women’s Health at the University College London. He graduated in medicine in India in 2003 and completed a postgraduate degree in obstetrics and gynecology in 2007. He is a certified menopause specialist by the British Menopause Society, a menopause trainer and he is constantly educating others on this transition as well, via online webinars, events and through social media.Ā 

He is also part of the trio who established the Menopause Research Education Fund, alongside medical journalist Fiona Clarke and groundbreaking menopause campaigner Diane Danzebrink.

Highlights of our discussion:Ā 

  • Hormone therapy (HT) 101
  • WHI: good, bad and what we can learn from it 20 years on
  • Estrogen in the pill vs estrogen in HTĀ 
  • All the kinds of estrogen and what they are used for strogen too ethinyl estradiolEstrone, Estriol, Estradiol, and Estetrol.17 beta estradiol
  • Getting to the bottom of body simila, body identical and bioidentical – and why that varies from country to countryĀ 
  • Pharmaceutical company produced HT vs compounding pharmacy versions
  • the big ā€œCatch-22ā€ with compounding pharmacies that keeps their bioidentical hormones out of official recommendations
  • the pill, HRT and breast cancer risk
  • why problems with the pill don’t get flagged and HRT doesĀ 
  • Evidence over estrogen and breast cancer risk (and randomized trials versus observational data)
  • What’s what: progesterone, progestin and progestogens (how they work and which one carries a slight risk for breast cancer)
  • how long you really need to take HRT to see if it’s working
  • why HT works for some people and not others
  • Dr Talaulikar’s favourite non-hormonal treatments

Where to find Dr Talaulikar:

X: @VikramSinaiĀ 

Web: Menopause Clinic London

Menopause Research and Education Fund


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153: REPLAY 21 questions about hormone therapy03 avr. 202500:25:53

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This is a replay of Episode 129, originally aired on 16 November 2024.

In this solo episode, Hotflash inc podcast host and founder Ann Marie McQueen writes down all the questions she has about hormone therapy (and what we hear about hormone therapy).

This is a long time coming: she's been researching perimenopause, menopause, and women's midlife health for 5+ years now.

Settle in. And if you have any questions of your own, use that handy text message feature and send them our way.

The Hotflash inc Podcast is:
One of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts
In the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes
#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts list

Join the Conversation:
Tag us on Instagram @hotflashinc and tell us your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hotflash inc


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152: Why Do Women Go Through Menopause? with Dr Deena Emera27 mars 202501:00:00

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In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, GenX journalist Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Deena Emera, an evolutionary geneticist, senior scientist at the Buck Institute’s Buck Center for Healthy Aging in Women, and author of A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be.

Dr Emera’s research focuses on the genetic basis of reproductive longevity in mammals, and in this fascinating discussion, she breaks down the evolution of menopause, why female bodies age the way they do, and what modern science is uncovering about ovarian health and longevity.

If you’ve ever wondered why menopause exists, how it evolved, and whether science will ever be able to delay or even prevent it, this episode is for you.

Highlights:Ā 

  • Understanding evolutionary biology (it's not boring, promise)
  • The evolutionary mystery of menopause
  • What animals do go through menopause?
  • Why all women didn't used to die at 50 (and what actually happened)
  • How modern life has changed menopause
  • Why Dr Emera needs bowhead whale ovaries
  • Can we really end menopause?
  • The truth about the Grandmother Hypothesis

Quote:

"Menopause itself isn’t surprising – if you live long enough, you will run out of eggs. What’s unique about humans is that we have such a long post-reproductive life stage. That’s the real mystery we need to solve." – Dr Deena Emera

Where to find Dr Emera:

Instagram: @deenaemera
LinkedIn: Deena Emera
Buy her book: A Brief History of the Female Body – Available on Amazon

Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.


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151: Shredding menopause silence with Tamsen Fadal20 mars 202500:38:45

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In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with fellow journalist and midlife advocate, Tamsen Fadal. A veteran Emmy Award-winning news anchor, Tamsen has transformed her career into a powerful force for women in midlife. From creating the groundbreaking PBS documentary The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause to her upcoming book How To Menopause (out March 2025), Tamsen is on a mission to change the conversation around menopause, confidence and aging.

Connect with Tamsen Fadal:

Thanks to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

From The M Factor team: This partial statement is in response to Hotflash inc's request for comment in light of recent reports and fact-checking of the film by ob-gyn Dr Jen Gunter and published on her platform, The Vagenda.Ā 

The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopauseā€ documentary earned continuing medical education (CME) Accreditation. On October 17, 2024 the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) hosted a 90-minute live webinar offering continuing medical education (CME) credit for healthcare providers. The event featured the documentary ā€œThe (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,ā€ which was followed by a moderated discussion with menopause experts Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society and Dr. Wen Shen, Johns Hopkins Medical,Ā  moderated by FSMB board members and one of the film producers. Due to the limited capacity FSMB had for live registrations, CME credit was extended to those on the waitlist who accessed the recorded webinar online. After the live event, FSMB provided access to the recorded webinar for a limited period, and that window closed as scheduled. Accreditation remains intact for all participants, whether live or virtual.

Ā The FSMB CME webinar and accreditation concluded on November 21, 2024. We stand by our film and the medical doctors who shared their expertise with us. We recognize that others have different viewpoints.Ā  We respect them all and we look forward to working together to help women live longer healthier lives. Ā 


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150: Cracking the perimenopause code with Jessica Barac 13 mars 202500:35:24

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Jessica Barac is a registered nutritionist, personal trainer, and the founder of What The Menopause, a women's health platform of over 950,000 women globally.

After struggling with perimenopause in her late 30s and receiving little support from traditional healthcare, Jessica made it her mission to crack the perimenopause code and regain her vibrancy. Today, she has educated millions of women through her content and developed The Pause Power MethodĀ a science-backed approach addressing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to help women improve symptoms, achieve sustainable fat loss, and step into their most powerful era yet.

Episode highlights

  • Jessica's journey from struggling with perimenopause to launching What The Menopause.
  • The power of humor: Why memes about menopause resonated with so many women.
  • Recognizing perimenopause: The symptoms that caught Jessica by surprise and how she finally connected the dots.
  • The impact on family life: Jessica’s husband’s plea to ā€œfigure it outā€ and how her symptoms affected her loved ones.
  • Connecting the dots: Why so many women don’t realize that symptoms like anxiety, depression, dry mouth, tinnitus, and frozen shoulder can be linked to perimenopause.
  • The power of movement: How strength training, walking, and lifestyle shifts hold everything together in midlife.
  • Quitting alcohol: The tough but transformative decision to stop drinking and how it changed Jessica’s life.
  • Reframing midlife: The importance of thinking about your 8-year-old and 80-year-old self when making life decisions.

Top Quote

ā€œPerimenopause calls on you to take a very hard look at yourself – if you’re willing to do it.ā€ – Jessica Barac

Where to find Jessica & What The Menopause

Website: whatthemenopause.com

Instagram: @whatthemenopause

Facebook: What The Menopause

TikTok: @whatthemenopause

Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!


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149: SOLO I get texts, trust and what the birds taught me06 mars 202500:24:10

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In this special solo episode, Ann Marie McQueen shares reader letters, explores the journey of trusting yourself with hormone therapy, and reflects on a touching encounter with a tiny bird that left a lasting impression.

From listener messages that validate the power of open conversations about menopause to deep thoughts on aging, self-trust, and the emotional rollercoaster of hormone therapy, this episode is a candid, heartfelt exploration of what it means to navigate midlife with awareness and resilience.

Ā Highlights from this episode:

  • Why text messages from listeners matter – and how you can send one, too.
  • A reader’s hormone therapy struggles – and why sometimes, stepping off the estrogen merry-go-round is the right decision.
  • The fear of aging and how Ann Marie reframed her mindset about turning 55.
  • The obsession with longevity and health hacks – and why some conversations in this space feel exhausting.
  • A surreal experience with birdsĀ 
  • An honest take on learning to say ā€œI don’t like itā€ – and why that’s an underrated midlife skill.

Ā Quote from this episode:
"Sometimes you can do something, and sometimes you can't. The real wisdom is in knowing the difference."

Sponsored by Mitopure: This episode is brought to you by Mitopure, the purest form of Urolithin A, designed to support cellular energy and longevity. Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH for 10% off your order.

The Hotflash inc Podcast is:
One of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts
In the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes
#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts list

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any health decisions, especially regarding hormone therapy or new treatments. Full disclaimer at the end of the episode.


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148: Science-backed holistic healing for migraines with Diane Ducarme27 fƩvr. 202500:39:47

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Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

In this episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen Ann Marie sits down with Diane Ducarme, founder and CEO of Migraine Heroes, to uncover the root causes of migraines and discuss how a holistic, science-backed approach can lead to relief and resilience.

Diane blends Western medicine, Eastern healing practices, and advanced technology to tackle migraines at their core. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, a background in science and engineering, to her studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diane shares how her unique perspective – and attention to detail – is revolutionizing migraine care.

šŸ’¬ Top Quote:
"We need to stop silencing pain and start listening to it. Migraines are not just headaches—they are a call for balance in the body and mind." – Diane Ducarme

Episode Highlights:
āœ… The real reason why migraines are misunderstood in Western medicine
āœ… The connection between trauma, the gut-brain axis, and migrainesĀ 
āœ… How perimenopause and hormonal shifts exacerbate migraine attacksĀ 
āœ… Why traditional treatments often fail—and what to do insteadĀ 
āœ… How adding functional foods (not eliminating) can heal your bodyĀ 
āœ… The power of the vagus nerve and emotional healing in migraine reliefĀ 
āœ… How the Migraine Heroes app is helping people regain control of their healthĀ 

šŸ”Ž Take the Free Migraine Test: Click here
šŸ“² Download the Migraine Heroes App: Apple | Google Play
šŸ’” Website: www.mynectarhealth.com
šŸŽ™ļø Migraine Heroes Podcast: Listen here
šŸ“· Follow on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

šŸ“¢ Join the Conversation:
Tag us on Instagram @hotflashinc and tell us your biggest takeaway from today’s episode! šŸŽ™ļøšŸ’¬

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hotflash Inc.


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147: Yoga for menopause and beyond with Niamh Daly20 fƩvr. 202501:12:35

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Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

In this episode Gen X journalist Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Niamh Daly, a yoga educator, menopause specialist and the creator of Yoga for Menopause & Beyond teacher training. Based in Ireland, she helps women worldwide navigate perimenopause and postmenopause with evidence-based, body-first yoga practices. Her latest book offers an empowering, realistic approach to movement for midlife women.

šŸ’¬ Top Quote from Niamh Daly:
"Perimenopause isn’t just a time of low capacity – it’s a time of true capacity. Before menopause, reproductive hormones have been making us tolerate living beyond our actual capacity."

Highlights:

• How traditional yoga doesn’t always serve midlife women

•  The overlooked late reproductive stage and what it means for your body

• Hormones aren’t the whole story. Why your nervous system is just as important as estrogen.

• Strength training vs. yoga for bone health – what actually works?Ā 

• Forget the ā€˜successful aging’ hype. How extreme fitness goals are setting unrealistic standards for midlife.

• How perimenopause forces you to reassess your life

• Emotional releases in yoga. Why we cry on the mat—and how instructors should handle it.

• Why self-advocacy in yoga class matters more than ever

Learn more: www.yogaformenopause.com
Instagram: @yogaformenopause

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šŸ“© Newsletter: hotflashinc.substack.com
šŸ“ø Instagram: @hotflashinc
🐦 Twitter: @hotflashinc
šŸŽ§ Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube


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146: BONUS: The power of cellular nutrition & Urolithin A with Jennifer Scheinman, RDN18 fƩvr. 202500:32:39

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Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

Welcome to another episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast, where journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen explores all things perimenopause, menopause, midlife, and beyond. In this episode, Ann Marie sits down with Jennifer Scheinman, a registered dietitian nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in functional and integrative nutrition. As the senior manager of Nutrition Affairs at Timeline Nutrition, Jennifer brings expert insight into the science of Urolithin A, gut health, and how nutrition myths impact midlife wellness.

Tune in for a discussion on the power of whole foods, the role of the gut microbiome, and why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice is outdated.

šŸ’¬ "There is so much noise in the nutrition space today. It has to be about what works for you – your gut, your lifestyle, your goals." – Jennifer Scheinman

Episode Highlights:Ā 

āœ… Gut health & perimenopause – why your microbiome matters more than ever

āœ… Nutrition myths debunked – is "processed healthy food" an oxymoron?

Ā āœ… The role of Urolithin A – how this postbiotic molecule helps mitochondrial health & energy

āœ… Food sensitivities & midlife – why an individualized approach is keyĀ 

āœ… Perimenopause & brain fog – what’s happening to our focus & memoryĀ 

āœ… Seed oils controversy – navigating the ongoing nutrition debateĀ 

āœ… How stress impacts digestion & hormones – the gut-brain connection

Follow Jennifer

Instagram: jenscheinman_nutrition

Timeline Longevity on Instagram: timeline_longevity

The Hotflash inc Podcast is:
One of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts
In the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes
#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts list

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hotflash inc.


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145: Your midlife brain health action plan with neurologist Dr Teryn Clarke13 fƩvr. 202500:43:48

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Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

In this episode of Hotflash inc, GenX journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with neurologist and award-winning dementia care professional Dr Teryn Clarke to discuss the science and lifestyle strategies that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, which disproportionately affect women.Ā 

Drawing from her book, Brain Health Action Plan: Simple, Science-Backed Lifestyle Changes that Optimize Cognitive Fitness and Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk Dr Clarke shares part actionable tips to improve brain health today and protect it for the long term.

Episode highlights:

  • Dr Teryn Clarke’s personal motivationĀ 
  • The power of exercise and low sugar dietsĀ 
  • The surprising immediate benefits of brain-healthy habitsĀ 
  • Type 3 diabetes
  • Intermittent fasting explained
  • Seed oilsĀ 
  • Hormone therapy andĀ 
  • Iron buildup in women post-menopause
  • Key supplements for brain healt
  • The emotional connection: how stress, loneliness, and trauma increase dementia risk
  • The critical link between hearing, vision, and dementia prevention Ā 
  • Why brain stimulation matters: exercise, learning, and meaningful social connections Ā 

šŸ”‘ Top Quote

ā€œGenetics load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.ā€ – Dr Teryn Clarke

šŸ“š Resources and Links

šŸ“ About the Guest

Dr Teryn Clarke is a neurologist in Southern California and was named ā€œDementia Care Professional of the Yearā€ by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2015. She is passionate about educating people on the modifiable lifestyle factors that can prevent cognitive decline and is the author of Brain Health Action Plan, a practical, science-based guide to optimizing brain health.

🚨 Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.


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144: The evolutionary approach to midlife + menopause with Jenny Powers08 fƩvr. 202500:45:27

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In this episode, host Ann Marie McQueen chats with Jenny Powers, scientist, writer, athlete and co-author of On the Origin of Being, about how modern society has veered far from the evolutionary way of living –  and how that’s impacting our health, particularly for women in midlife.

Jenny, a scientist with a PhD in microbiology and immunology, discusses how our biology has been shaped over millennia and why the mismatch between modern life and our evolved needs might be making perimenopause and menopause more challenging than they need to be.

The conversation explores topics like nutrition, movement, sleep, light exposure, stress, and the role of community. Jenny shares her own journey through perimenopause, revealing the lifestyle changes that helped her eliminate symptoms including hot flashes, headaches, and inflammation.

Could returning to our evolutionary roots be the ultimate biohack? Tune in to find out!

Episode Highlights:

šŸ”¹ Jenny shares how her experience as a scientist shaped her approach to perimenopause.
Ā šŸ”¹ Evolutionary mismatch: Why modern women struggle with menopause more than our ancestors did.
Ā šŸ”¹ The rise of modern diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Ā šŸ”¹ How our disconnect from our bodies (thanks to tech and nonstop stimulation) affects our health.
Ā šŸ”¹ Mythbusting: Did women really die at 50 in the past? (Spoiler: No!)
Ā šŸ”¹ The lifestyle changes that eliminated Jenny’s perimenopausal symptoms.

Powerful Quote from Jenny Powers

"I feel like I've unlocked the secret of how to live longer—and actually enjoy it. Everyone says life is over after 50, but I’ve had more energy, more joy, and even a better sex drive just by making small changes. I don't have hot flashes anymore, I don't have headaches, and I don't have inflammation. It’s not about fighting aging—it’s about working with our biology the way nature intended."


Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition

Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!

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šŸ”— Website: ontheoriginofbeing.com
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143: SOLO episode: What's my hormone therapy dose, talking back to doctors, sore hips and more01 fƩvr. 202500:35:35

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In this solo episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host Ann Marie McQueen kicks things off by responding to a listener question about whether she's mega-dosing estrogen, breaking down how to check your prescription and what guidelines to follow. Then, she reflects on her recent experience giving a keynote speech at Arab Health – navigating imposter syndrome, unexpected encouragement, and how she bounced back from her "no one would help the little hen" moment.

Ann Marie also dives into:

  • How she’s declaring January 29Ā  as Hotflash Inc's official fresh start.
  • The ongoing debate over hormone therapy and the pushback she gets from doctors.
  • Why she's cutting out sugar (again) and the surprising effect it has on her pain levels.
  • The challenges of standing up for herself, saying no, and asking for what she deserves.
  • What happens when you think someone is hating your talk... and they turn out to be your biggest fan.
  • Why she refuses to endorse fitness programs that don’t align with how she – and most women – wants to train.

Plus, a shoutout to stay tuned for Hotflash inc Podcast guest Steph Ziev’s upcoming TEDx talk, a reminder to be the CEO of your own health, and an open invitation to text her – if she can ever figure out how to reply!

The Hotflash inc Podcast is:
One of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts
In the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes
#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts list

Thank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition
Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!


Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:

Web: hotflashinc.com
Newsletter: Hotflash inc. on Substack
TikTok: @hotflashinc
Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc

Episode website: Hotflashinc

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack

See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

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