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Explore every episode of the podcast Women Mastering Midlife

Dive into the complete episode list for Women Mastering Midlife. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
111. Back to Pharmacy School at 46: A Solo Episode on Career Reinvention in Midlife17 août 202600:31:11

In this solo episode, Victoria steps away from interviews to share something personal: at 46, after 15 years out of the workforce, she is heading back to school for a non-traditional PharmD. She talks openly about how a change in her marriage made returning to work a financial necessity rather than a choice, what it has felt like to job hunt after over a decade at home, and why credentialing has become the missing piece between her pharmacy license and the clinical women's health practice she has been building through Women Mastering Midlife.

This one is unscripted and a little winding by design. Vicky wanted to document the process in real time, doubts included, in case it helps someone else who is standing at the edge of their own reinvention.

In This Episode
  • Why Victoria is enrolling in a non-traditional, asynchronous PharmD program for already-licensed pharmacists
  • The financial and personal circumstances that made returning to work necessary at this stage of life
  • What job searching looked like after 15 years out of an employer setting, including the ageism and sexism she encountered along the way
  • Why she leaned into health coaching and integrative wellness rather than practicing pharmacy after stepping away in 2011
  • How her path through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Integrative Women's Health Institute shaped her coaching philosophy, particularly around behavior change and disordered eating patterns
  • What credentialing could open up: working alongside cash-pay physicians, supporting between-visit care, and building toward a clinical women's health pharmacist role
  • How two decades of guideline changes, new technology, and a completely different testing and onboarding process make this a different kind of pharmacy school than the one she left
  • Balancing school with parenting two daughters, ages 15 and 17, without giving up the availability she has valued as a stay-at-home parent
  • An update on her upcoming book, Women Mastering Midlife, which blends podcast guest wisdom with her own experience and closes with guided reflection questions
  • Why she is choosing to see this stage as building on who she already is rather than starting over or reinventing herself

A Line Worth Sitting With

Victoria reflects that this chapter is not a rebirth or a reinvention. It is simply the next version of who she already is, built on the same intelligence that got her through pharmacy school the first time.

Resources & Links
  • Learn more about Women Mastering Midlife: womenmasteringmidlife.com
  • Women Mastering Midlife, the book (coming soon)
  • Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn

A Note on This Episode

This episode includes personal reflections on divorce, financial pressure, and career transition. It is not intended as financial, legal, or medical advice. If you are navigating a similar transition, individual circumstances vary, and it may help to talk it through with a trusted financial advisor, attorney, or healthcare provider.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
110. Menopause and Eye Health: Dry Eye, Reading Glasses, and Glaucoma Risk with Dr. Neda Gioia03 août 202600:53:51

Most of us associate menopause with hot flashes, sleep disruption, and mood changes, but rarely with our eyes. If you've noticed your vision blurring at the edges, your eyes feeling drier than they used to, or found yourself holding the menu a little further away, there may be a real physiological explanation, and it's one that almost never comes up in menopause care.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FMCP, an optometrist and certified nutrition specialist who founded Integrative Vision, a practice built around treating eye health through a whole-body lens. She is a fellow and former president of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society and trained in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Gioia brings both a research background and personal experience to this conversation. Like many of us, she has navigated her own perimenopause transition while working to bring more awareness to a topic she feels has been left out of the menopause conversation for far too long.

We talk through what's actually happening with dry eye in midlife, the role estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play in different parts of the eye, why so many women suddenly need reading glasses in their 40s, and what the current evidence does and doesn't support when it comes to hormones and vision. Dr. Gioia is candid about where the research is strong and where it's still catching up, and she offers a grounded, non-alarmist way to think about being proactive with your eye health at this stage of life.

In This Episode, We Cover

  • Why hormone receptors exist throughout the eye, from the cornea to the retina, and what estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone each appear to do in ocular tissue
  • The difference between correlation and proof when it comes to hormones and eye symptoms, and why the research gaps in women's health extend into ocular health as well
  • Why hormone therapy is not a guaranteed fix for eye conditions, and why some data suggests certain forms of estrogen may worsen dry eye
  • What dry eye disease actually is, according to the current clinical definition from the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), and why it's considered more than an annoyance
  • The role of the meibomian glands, tear film composition, and why untreated gland dysfunction can become permanent
  • The nutrients most connected to eye health, including omega-3 status (and why estrogen affects your body's ability to convert plant-based omega-3s into the DHA your eyes need), B vitamins, taurine, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Why sleep, including undiagnosed sleep apnea in women, is an underappreciated risk factor for both dry eye and glaucoma
  • What presbyopia actually is (it is not the same as near or farsightedness), why it happens, and why it can feel sudden even though it develops gradually
  • The research connecting a shorter lifetime duration of estrogen exposure to increased glaucoma risk, and why Dr. Gioia believes eye screening guidelines should be more personalized for women
  • Why she believes eye complaints deserve a place on standard menopause symptom checklists and intake forms
  • One practical takeaway for advocating for your own eye health, starting now

Key Takeaway

Your eyes are not separate from the rest of your body. Hormonal shifts, nutritional status, inflammation, and vascular health can all affect your eyes from front to back. Being proactive with routine eye care, even without complaints, is not about fear. It's about staying in the driver's seat of your own long-term health.

Connect with Dr. Neda Gioia


Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

109. Financial Independence in Midlife: A Life Planning Conversation with Phil Weiss20 juil. 202600:51:11

Money is one of the topics women are least prepared for and most affected by, especially during the transitions that tend to cluster in midlife: divorce, widowhood, career changes, and retirement planning that suddenly feels urgent. On this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria talks with Phil Weiss, CFA, CPA, and founder of Apprise Wealth Management, about building financial independence before a crisis forces the issue.

Phil's path into this work started long before his CFA or CPA credentials. When his mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, he discovered that his father had never handled the family's finances, and he stepped in to negotiate with creditors, catch up on bills, and make sure his mother's care was covered. That experience shaped the practice he has built since: helping women understand and manage their money well before a health or life crisis makes it unavoidable.

This conversation covers the practical and the emotional sides of money: how retirement income actually works, what gets overlooked when parents age or a marriage ends, and how a values-based planning process called life planning can change the way you think about both your money and your time.

In This Episode
  • Why money is treated like a taboo subject, and how that silence shapes women's financial confidence
  • The shift from accumulating money to spending it in retirement, and why that shift is harder than it sounds
  • Asset allocation versus tax location, and how account type affects what you actually keep
  • The retirement expenses most people don't plan for: healthcare, housing modifications, and long-term care
  • Financial and emotional considerations for women navigating divorce or widowhood
  • The sandwich generation squeeze: caring for aging parents while raising your own kids
  • A simple framework for budgeting that doesn't require obsessive tracking
  • Life planning: a process that starts with your values, not your account balances
  • How childhood experiences with money shape financial decisions decades laterl

Key Takeaways

Spending money you saved can feel harder than saving it. Phil describes this as a "retirement paycheck." After decades of saving, many people freeze when it's time to draw that money down, even when the numbers clearly support spending more.

Account type matters as much as account balance. A traditional 401(k), a Roth IRA, and a taxable brokerage account are all taxed differently. Understanding what Phil calls "tax location," not just asset allocation, can meaningfully change what you keep in retirement.

Divorce has a tax dimension that's easy to miss. Splitting retirement accounts evenly by dollar amount can leave one spouse with a much larger future tax bill if the accounts are different types (Roth versus traditional). This is worth raising with an advisor before assets are divided.

A written plan protects against the moments no one wants to think about. Access to accounts, passwords, wills, and care preferences for aging parents are logistical details that become urgent and stressful without preparation.

Life planning starts with values, not numbers. Through a process built on three reflective questions, Phil helps clients identify what actually matters to them before building the financial plan around it. The goal, in his words, is to help people avoid regret, not sit in it.

About Phil Weiss

Phil Weiss is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Registered Life Planner, and the founder of Apprise Wealth Management. He began his career in 1987 as a tax professional at Deloitte and Touche, later worked as an equity research analyst covering oil and gas stocks, and built a practice centered on long-term investment strategy paired with values-based life planning. A significant portion of his client base is women navigating major life and financial transitions.

Connect with Phil Weiss

Apprise Wealth Management: apprisewealth.com

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

108. Menopause in the Workplace: Washington State's Executive Order and What It Means for Women Everywhere with April Haberman, CEO and Co-Founder Midovia06 juil. 202600:44:23

What does it actually look like to support women through menopause at work, and who is responsible for making that happen?

In this episode, I sit down with April Haberman, CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, a workplace menopause support organization working with employers across the United States and drawing on best practices developed in the UK and Australia over the past decade. April was in the room when Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order directing state agencies to develop menopause workplace accommodations, and she gives us a clear-eyed breakdown of what that order actually requires, who it covers, and why the for-profit sector should be paying close attention.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from the practical (what do workplace accommodations look like in a road construction crew versus a corporate headquarters?) to the systemic (why are women visiting seven or more doctors before getting care that should be straightforward?). We also talk about the barriers that keep women from speaking up at work, the role of pharmacists like me in closing the access-to-care gap, and why April believes broad organizational training is more important than any single policy change.

If you have ever minimized your symptoms at work, wondered whether your employer is legally required to support you, or felt like the healthcare system is making menopause harder than it has to be, this one is for you.

In This Episode:

  • What MiDOViA does and why April and her co-founder Kim Hart saw an unmet need in the workplace four years ago
  • A breakdown of Washington State's executive order on menopause workplace accommodations: what it mandates, who it applies to, and what comes next
  • Why accommodations look different across industries, from office environments to construction sites to research labs
  • The connection between access to care, workplace support, and women's long-term financial stability
  • Why pharmacists are positioned to bridge the menopause care gap and what billing barriers stand in the way
  • The role of symptom-tracking apps and wearable data in helping women advocate for themselves at medical appointments
  • Practical steps women can take right now to plant seeds for menopause support within their own organizations
  • What is happening legislatively across the country, including Philadelphia, Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, and California

About April Haberman:

April Haberman is the CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, a menopause-in-the-workplace organization partnered with accredited menopause-friendly workplace programs in the UK and Australia. With a background in PR, marketing, nonprofit health education, and sexual and reproductive health, April brings a uniquely cross-sector perspective to organizational culture change. MiDOViA has worked with more than 600 menopause-friendly member organizations and nearly 200 accredited employers. Learn more at midovia.com.

Resources Mentioned:

  • MiDOViA: midovia.com
  • Washington State Women's Commission
  • Washington State Governor Ferguson's Executive Order on Menopause Workplace Accommodations
  • Natural Cycles app (perimenopause tracking feature)
  • Oura Ring (wearable health tracking)
  • The Balance docuseries

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

menopause in the workplace, perimenopause workplace accommodations, Washington state executive order menopause, menopause policy employers, MiDOViA April Haberman, menopause friendly workplace, women's health at work, midlife women workforce, menopause legislation United States, pharmacist menopause care, perimenopause symptoms at work, women mastering midlife podcast

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

107. Your Nervous System Doesn't Care About Your Workout Plan: Movement in Hard Seasons22 juin 202600:36:38

I haven’t lifted a weight in almost a year. And I’m the person who tells women that strength training matters in midlife. In this solo episode, I sit honestly in that tension, because I think a lot of you are living in it too. You know you should be working out, you believe it, and right now, while moving through something hard, you cannot find the way in.

We talk about what is actually happening in your body when you are navigating trauma, grief, separation, or sustained stress, why standard fitness advice can backfire in these seasons, and how to fold in gentle movement that protects you instead of depleting you. I also share a change I am making in how I show up online, because I have come to see how daily workout posts and progress pictures feed the same comparison machine that leaves women feeling like they are failing at one more thing.

This is not permission to opt out of your health. It is permission to do it differently, for the season you are actually in.

What We Cover:

  • Why intense training on an already-stressed nervous system adds load instead of building strength
  • Allostatic load, and the physiology that gives you real permission to ease off in a hard season
  • The difference between applying exercise research to an ideal life versus a real one
  • Two valid responses to stress: movement as medicine, and rest as medicine, with no shame in either
  • Why an off-the-shelf workout program often becomes one more thing to fail at
  • The case for a responsive, one-on-one approach that meets you where you actually are, week to week
  • Gentle movement as a menu, not a prescription: walking outside, yoga, mobility, ten minutes after a meal
  • Protecting your body while your mind heals: stretching, pain signals, and coming back from injury
  • Why nutrition and sleep matter more in a hard season, not less
  • Why I chose not to drink alcohol through this chapter, and what it did for my sleep and recovery
  • The change I am making in how I show up on social media, in real time

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 The tension I haven’t shared

01:57 Why summer and social media make this harder

04:33 Your nervous system doesn’t care about your workout plan

05:30 Allostatic load: the science that gives you permission

07:00 Two valid responses: movement as medicine vs. rest as medicine

10:42 Why an off-the-shelf program isn’t the answer right now

14:11 The case for a responsive, one-on-one approach

17:18 Showing up with a real life, not a fantasy

17:40 Practical, gentle movement: a menu, not a prescription

21:38 Protecting your body: stretching, pain signals, injury recovery

23:55 Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty

26:27 What we forget when we’re surviving: nutrition

29:18 Why I’m not drinking through this season

31:01 The change I’m making in how I show up online

33:18 Permission to rest, and the goal that’s still waiting for you

Moments Worth Sharing:

Your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a real predator and a divorce attorney’s email.

Sometimes structure isn’t support. It’s one more thing we’re failing at.

The woman on your feed who swears her 5 a.m. lift saved her life isn’t lying. She’s just not you.

We need to start with the truth of life, not the fantasy of it.

Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.

The walk is enough. The rest is enough. Showing up, even quietly, is enough.

Mentioned in This Episode:

  • The five pillars of midlife health: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress mitigation, lifestyle
  • Allostatic load and the physiology of chronic stress
  • Protein as the building block for recovery and strength
  • Coming back from injury with slow reps and good form

Work With Vicky:

If you’re in a hard chapter and you want someone to help you build something that fits your real life, not a fantasy version of it, my DMs are always open. That’s where this kind of work starts.

CONNECT

● Website: womenmasteringmidlife.com

● Substack: Victoriabyrd.substack.com

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd

● Email: victoria@womenmasteringmidlife.com

This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Always consult your provider before making changes to medication, exercise, or supplements. Replacing an SSRI or any prescription with exercise should only be done under the supervision of a licensed provider.

106. What Midlife Women Need to Know About Psychedelics: Safety, Science, and Informed Choice with Linden Schaffer08 juin 202601:00:56

This is a conversation that deserves more nuance than a seven-second social media clip. Victoria sits down with Linden Schaffer, psychedelic wellness educator, author, and founder of Reveal, for an honest, evidence-informed discussion on what psychedelics actually are, what the current research says, and how midlife women can think critically about whether any of this belongs in their own wellness journey.

Linden is not a hype machine. She has spent more than two decades at the intersection of wellness, transformation, and psychedelic harm reduction, and she brings that same rigor to this conversation. What emerges is a grounded, thoughtful exchange that honors both the science and the complexity, including the parts the headlines leave out.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

  • A plain-language overview of psychedelics, from classic compounds like psilocybin and LSD to lesser-known substances like ibogaine and MDMA
  • The history of psychedelic research, from Albert Hofmann's synthesis of LSD in the 1940s to the Nixon-era criminalization that halted decades of promising clinical work
  • Why the pandemic became an inflection point for renewed interest in these compounds
  • The current legal landscape in the U.S., including Oregon and Colorado's regulated frameworks, decriminalization efforts in cities nationwide, and what federal scheduling still means for your personal risk profile
  • How midlife women in particular are being underserved by a medical system that too often defaults to SSRIs without exploring root causes
  • What microdosing is, how it differs from larger dose experiences, and why Linden chose it herself when perimenopause symptoms arrived before she could get a hormone therapy appointment
  • The critical importance of preparation, integration, and what Linden calls the "wellness toolbox" — and why the compound alone is never the whole story
  • How to evaluate a retreat, a facilitator, or an experience using Linden's five-part Reveal Method: screening, set, setting, support, and sustainability
  • The intersection of psychedelics and GLP-1 medications, including what is and is not yet known about interactions and timing
  • The ethical and cultural concerns around ibogaine, biopiracy, and what happens when pharmaceutical companies enter sacred spaces
  • Red flags to watch for in a commercializing marketplace, from Instagram-polished retreat brochures to untested compounds sold in smoke shops

A Note from Victoria

As a licensed pharmacist and certified menopause practitioner, I brought a lot of questions to this conversation, including ones about drug interactions, scheduling law, and what informed consent actually looks like in practice. Linden met every one of them with honesty. This episode is not medical advice, and we are both clear on that throughout. But it is the kind of informed, grounded conversation that I believe midlife women deserve access to, especially as the research and policy landscape continues to shift.

Resources and Links

  • Linden Schaffer's website and one-to-one coaching: revealcommunity.world
  • Reveal Community on TikTok (live education, Q&A, and community building)
  • Linden's online courses: microdosing and large-dose experience preparation
  • Global Psychedelic Society
  • MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

105. Peptides Explained: What Midlife Women Need to Know About GLP-1s, Compounding, and Clinical Safety with Dr. Jill White, PharmD25 mai 202600:53:18

The word "peptides" is everywhere right now, from your Instagram feed to your doctor's waiting room. But for most women, the information circulating online ranges from genuinely promising science to marketing that moves well ahead of the evidence. In this episode, Victoria sits down with Dr. Jill White, PharmD, a pharmacist with deep expertise in peptide therapy, to have the kind of grounded, evidence-based conversation the topic actually deserves.

This is not a conversation about quick fixes or anti-aging trends. It is a conversation about biology, clinical decision-making, and how to ask the right questions of the people who are caring for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • The basics of peptide science
  • Why peptides are not new
  • The GLP-1 story
  • Compounded vs. FDA-approved medications
  • Who is and is not a good candidate for GLP-1 therapy
  • Why muscle preservation matters more than the number on the scale
  • Injectable vs. oral peptides
  • Other peptides worth knowing about
  • How to vet a provider
  • Why prescription-sourced compounds matter

About Dr. Jill White, PharmD

Dr. Jill White is a licensed pharmacist and peptide educator who works with both healthcare practitioners and individual clients. She offers a high-touch, one-on-one GLP-1 mentorship program for women and a group-based peptide membership that helps clients build personalized peptide protocols using prescription-sourced compounds. She also provides dedicated pharmacist training in this emerging space.

Connect with Dr. Jill White:

GLP-1 mentorship for women (one-on-one): www.JillWhiteCoaching.com

Personalized peptide protocol membership: www.peptidemembership.com

Use promo code VICTORIA25 at peptidemembership.com to save 25% on your membership fee.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

104. Why High-Performing Women Feel Exhausted: The Hidden Systems Failing Midlife Women18 mai 202600:41:22

What if the problem isn’t you?

In this powerful conversation, Victoria sits down with clinical psychologist and founder of Risewell Performance Consulting, Dr. Sachi Horback, to unpack why so many high-performing women in midlife feel exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and unable to “push through” the way they once could.

Together, they explore the hidden systems failing women in midlife — from workplace expectations and invisible labor to hormonal transitions, decision fatigue, identity shifts, and chronic over-capacity living.

Dr. Horback explains why burnout is often misidentified, why “mindset” and productivity hacks are not enough, and how high-achieving women have been conditioned to internalize structural problems as personal failures.

This episode is for the woman who feels like she is doing everything right and still feels depleted.

Inside this episode, we discuss:

  • Why high-performing women are not failing — the systems around them are

  • The difference between burnout and chronic capacity overload

  • How identity suppression impacts women’s performance and well-being

  • Why midlife creates a “perfect storm” of hormonal, emotional, cognitive, and professional demands

  • The hidden effects of decision fatigue and invisible labor

  • Why women often mistake capacity depletion for imposter syndrome

  • The concept of “pressure loading” and how it silently drains energy reserves

  • How structured recovery differs from traditional “self-care”

  • Why pushing harder is not the solution for midlife women

  • What sustainable performance actually looks like for women in this season of life


Key Takeaway: “You are not broken. Your system is overloaded.”

This conversation offers a deeply validating and practical reframe for women navigating career demands, caregiving, hormonal changes, leadership roles, and the invisible emotional labor that often comes with midlife.

Connect with Dr. Sachi Horback:

Website: Risewell Performance Consulting

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 

Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

103. The Menopause Industrial Complex: How to Navigate Misinformation, Supplements, and Midlife Health with Confidence11 mai 202600:48:12

Menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves—but with increased visibility comes a new challenge: navigating a rapidly growing industry filled with conflicting advice, products, and voices competing for your trust.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, Pharmacist Consultant, Integrative Women’s Health Coach, and Certified Menopause Educator, takes a thoughtful and evidence-informed look at what she calls the “menopause industrial complex.” She breaks down how this evolving landscape impacts midlife women—and how to move through it with clarity, confidence, and discernment.

Drawing from her clinical background and years of experience in women’s health, Victoria explores the intersection of social media, supplements, physician influencers, and modern healthcare systems. She also offers a grounded framework to help you filter information, avoid unnecessary spending, and focus on what truly supports your health during perimenopause and menopause.


In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • What the “menopause industrial complex” is and why it matters

  • Why increased awareness does not always equal accurate information

  • How social media algorithms influence the health advice you see

  • The truth about menopause supplements, hormone “balance,” and product marketing

  • How to evaluate influencers, clinicians, and medical advice online

  • The hidden costs of traditional insurance-based menopause care

  • When cash-pay menopause care may offer value—and when it may not

  • A practical framework to assess credibility, research, and bias

  • Why nuance, not absolutes, is essential in menopause care

  • The foundational role of hormone therapy, including when it is appropriate

  • The Five Pillars of Midlife Health



Resources & Next Steps

Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on Substack for deeper clinical insights and ongoing conversations

Book a Midlife Mastery Clarity Session for a personalized, one-on-one approach to your menopause journey

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

102. Menopause in the Workplace: Why Women Are Leaving Careers and What Needs to Change with Karissa Pfeffer04 mai 202600:51:21

What if the reason so many high-performing women are burning out, stepping back, or leaving their careers has nothing to do with ambition and everything to do with hormones?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with menopause-in-the-workplace advocate Karissa Pfeffer to unpack the real impact of perimenopause and menopause on women’s careers, leadership, and well-being.

Together, they explore the invisible challenges women face in corporate environments, why menopause is still overlooked in workplace policy, and how education, not overhaul, is the first step toward meaningful change.

This episode goes far beyond hot flashes. It dives into brain fog, burnout, anxiety, performance issues, and the systemic gaps that are quietly costing companies talent, money, and leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why 1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to menopause symptoms

  • The connection between perimenopause, burnout, and misdiagnosis

  • How hormonal changes impact focus, leadership, and productivity

  • Why menopause is not a “wellness perk” but a critical HR and retention issue

  • The financial cost to companies when experienced women leave

  • Why women hesitate to speak up about symptoms at work

  • The difference between perimenopause vs. menopause awareness

  • How workplace culture can either support or silence midlife women

  • Simple, low-cost ways companies can start supporting women now

  • The role of education in reducing healthcare costs and improving retention


Why This Conversation Matters:

We are the first generation openly talking about perimenopause while still actively building careers, raising families, and leading organizations.

And as Victoria shares, this is about more than us, it is about changing the experience for the next generation of women.

Connect with Karissa Pfeffer:

Learn more about workplace menopause education and how to bring this conversation into your organization:



Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

101.Perimenopause Symptoms, Hormone Therapy, and the Care Gap for Women | Jackie Piasta (REPLAY)27 avr. 202601:00:52

If you have ever been told you are “too young” for perimenopause, dismissed with a quick prescription, or left feeling confused about hormone therapy, this conversation will help you understand why.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner and menopause specialist Jackie Piasta to unpack what is really happening during perimenopause and menopause—and why so many women are not getting the care they need.

We discuss the major gaps in menopause education across healthcare, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), and how misinformation continues to influence treatment decisions today. You will also learn how hormone therapy actually works, why symptoms can begin years earlier than expected, and what options are available if you have been told “everything is normal.”

If you are navigating brain fog, sleep disruption, mood changes, weight fluctuations, or simply feel like your body has changed without clear answers, this episode will help you start connecting the dots.

What We Cover in This Episode

  • Why perimenopause symptoms are often missed or misdiagnosed

  • The reality of hormone therapy and what the research actually shows

  • The lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study on care decisions

  • Why many clinicians feel unprepared to treat menopause patients

  • The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones

  • Common symptoms of perimenopause, including brain fog, sleep disruption, and mood changes

  • Why menopause care requires more time and individualized attention

  • How telehealth is expanding access to menopause care

  • The role of lab testing in perimenopause and menopause

  • Why women are often prescribed multiple medications instead of addressing root hormonal changes

  • Testosterone therapy in women and the current limitations in access and research

  • The importance of self-advocacy and trusting your intuition in midlife health


About Jackie Piasta

Jackie Piasta is a women’s health nurse practitioner and nationally certified menopause practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Monarch Health, a midlife and menopause clinic, and has educated practitioners nationwide on menopause care.

She is a recognized voice in the menopause space, known for translating complex clinical information into accessible, practical guidance for women navigating midlife.

Resources & Links

  • Follow Jackie Piasta on Instagram

  • Learn more about Monarch Health (telehealth available in select states)

  • Explore additional menopause care providers if you are outside her service area


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

100. One Hundred Episodes Later: The Real Story of Midlife, Perimenopause, Divorce, and Finding Your Voice20 avr. 202600:26:00

Episode 100 of Women Mastering Midlife is not a highlight reel it is an honest reflection of what it truly takes to keep showing up in midlife while everything around you is changing.

In this deeply personal milestone episode, Victoria Byrd shares what was happening behind the microphone during the first 100 episodes of the podcast—from navigating perimenopause and parenting teenagers to experiencing a major life transition that reshaped everything.

Rather than celebrating with a polished recap, this episode explores the reality of building something meaningful while living through uncertainty, identity shifts, and the emotional weight that often defines midlife.

This conversation speaks directly to women who are in the middle of their own transition not at the beginning, not at the end, but in the messy, complicated, and often unseen middle.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • What it actually took to record 100 podcast episodes during a major life transition

  • The intersection of perimenopause, divorce, parenting, and career reinvention

  • How personal hardship changed the way conversations were held and experienced

  • The shift from “performing wellness” to living it in real time

  • Why midlife clarity often leads women to make different, and sometimes difficult choices

  • The evolution of voice, confidence, and boundaries in midlife

  • Behind-the-scenes reflections on key episodes, including:

    • Trauma bonding and coercive control

    • Sexual wellness, intimacy, and pelvic health

    • The “messy middle” of midlife

    • The concept of the “D.U.N. divorce”


  • The reality of building a podcast, business, and community from the ground up

  • Why midlife is about more than hormones—it is about identity, autonomy, and expansion


Key Takeaways

  • Midlife is not a clean transformation it is an ongoing process of becoming

  • You do not need to have everything figured out to keep moving forward

  • Growth often happens quietly, through consistency rather than breakthrough moments

  • Women in midlife are navigating layered responsibilities career, caregiving, health, and identity, all at once

  • There is power in continuing to show up, even when life feels uncertain



What’s Next for Women Mastering Midlife

Victoria shares her vision for the next 100 episodes, including:

  • More unfiltered conversations about real midlife experiences

  • A deeper blend of clinical insight and lived experience

  • Expanded topics: hormone therapy, sexual wellness, finances, relationships, and mental health

  • Continued advocacy for women navigating healthcare systems that often overlook them



Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

99. The Gut–Hormone Connection: How Your Microbiome Drives Perimenopause, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog with Cynthia Thurlow13 avr. 202600:51:40

If you’ve been struggling with brain fog, weight gain, poor sleep, or feeling like your body has completely changed in midlife, this episode will help you understand why.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with nurse practitioner and bestselling author Cynthia Thurlow to break down the critical connection between your gut microbiome and your hormones during perimenopause and menopause.

What most women (and even many clinicians) don’t realize is that your gut is not just about digestion. It is deeply involved in estrogen metabolism, inflammation, immune function, and even how your body responds to stress and weight changes.

With over 40 trillion microorganisms living in your gut, this system influences nearly every function in your body, especially during the menopause transition.

We dive into the concept of the estrobolome, the part of your microbiome responsible for processing estrogen, and how imbalances here can lead to worsening symptoms like:

  • Brain fog

  • Weight loss resistance

  • Bloating and constipation

  • Breast tenderness

  • Skin changes


You’ll also hear why many women are unknowingly recirculating estrogen in the body and how that can amplify symptoms during perimenopause.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • Why the gut microbiome is central to hormone health and longevity

  • The estrobolome and how your body detoxifies estrogen

  • How poor gut health can worsen perimenopause symptoms

  • The real reason constipation matters more than you think

  • How stress, sleep, and lifestyle directly impact your gut

  • Why ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners disrupt the microbiome

  • The truth about supplements vs. food-based nutrition

  • What “bio-individual” care really means in menopause treatment

  • Why high-achieving women often hit a wall in perimenopause



The Lifestyle Shift Most Women Avoid (But Need)

One of the most important takeaways from this episode is this:

You cannot keep doing what worked in your 20s and 30s and expect your body to respond the same way in midlife.

Chronic stress, poor sleep, over-exercising, and under-eating create the perfect storm for hormone disruption, gut dysfunction, and metabolic resistance.

This episode walks through the foundational pillars that actually move the needle:

  • Sleep quality

  • Stress management

  • Fiber and whole-food nutrition

  • Balanced movement (not overtraining)



Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Cynthia shares her groundbreaking work on the gut–hormone connection in her new book, offering both science-backed education and practical strategies for women and clinicians alike.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

98. CBD for Pelvic Pain, Sex, and Menopause: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Vaginal Suppositories with Tamar Hill06 avr. 202600:59:35

If you’ve ever been told to “just use lubricant” or “this is normal in menopause,” this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about pelvic health.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Tamar Hill, CEO of MedRoots, to explore an emerging and often misunderstood option in women’s health: CBD vaginal and rectal suppositories for pelvic pain, painful sex, and menopause symptoms.

We discuss what clinicians are seeing in real practice, why patients are quietly turning to these products, and the gap between what is happening in women’s bodies and what is currently included in medical guidelines.

This is not about trends. This is about options.


What We Cover in This Episode

  • What pelvic pain really looks like in midlife women

  • Why painful sex (dyspareunia), vaginismus, and vulvodynia are often underdiagnosed

  • How CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and why that matters

  • The difference between CBD vs THC and what “microdosing” actually means

  • Why some women are choosing CBD over medications like benzodiazepines for pelvic floor therapy

  • The role of inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and the pelvic pain cycle

  • Vaginal dryness in perimenopause and menopause and how it impacts intimacy

  • The reality of stigma, lack of research funding, and why providers are hesitant to recommend CBD

  • How clinicians are navigating documentation and conversations around CBD with patients

  • What to look for in a safe, high-quality CBD product (this is critical)



Learn more about Tamar Hill and MedRoots


Final Thought

Women deserve more than silence, dismissal, or one-size-fits-all solutions.

This conversation is an invitation to stay curious, ask better questions, and advocate for your body, because small changes can make a big difference.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

97. Reinventing Yourself in Midlife: Perimenopause, Parenting Teens, Anxiety & Redefining Success After 40 with Krista Demcher30 mars 202601:04:21

What happens when your definition of success changes in your 40s?

In this deeply personal episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with business coach and speaker Krista Demcher for an honest conversation about perimenopause, parenting teenagers, mental health, identity shifts, and what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife.

Together, they explore the emotional and hormonal layers of this season from anxiety and anticipatory grief to launching young adults and redefining personal fulfillment beyond productivity and income.

This conversation is about courage. The courage to evolve. The courage to speak honestly. And the courage to change direction when what once worked no longer feels aligned.


In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Perimenopause and increased anxiety
  • Mood changes and decreased stress resilience in midlife
  • Parenting teens while navigating your own hormonal transition
  • The emotional impact of launching a child to college
  • Anticipatory grief and identity shifts in motherhood
  • Redefining success beyond revenue and achievements
  • Letting go of a successful business model to pursue alignment
  • Social media, mental health, and speaking up in polarizing times
  • Why storytelling builds trust in an AI-driven world


Connect with Krista Demcher

https://www.kristademcher.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kristademcher 


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

96. The Third Act: Reinventing Yourself After 50, Grief, Career Loss & Letting Go of the Hustle with Colleen Kochannek23 mars 202600:45:17

Midlife is not an ending. It is a beginning.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Victoria sits down with writer, coach, and educator Colleen Kohanek to talk about what she calls “the third act” — the phase of life where women finally get to define their next chapter on their own terms.

Colleen shares the story of her 50s, which she describes as “the blender years.” After being laid off from a long career, becoming a caregiver to her husband during a sudden illness, losing him, navigating her own health crisis, and later losing her sister, she found herself rebuilding life from the ground up. Through grief, trauma, therapy, and reinvention, she began helping other women recognize that it is never too late to start over.


Together, Victoria and Colleen explore:

  • Why women over 45 are uniquely positioned to build something meaningful
  • How grief, divorce, illness, and empty nesting can become catalysts for reinvention
  • The fear of being seen and starting something new later in life
  • Imposter syndrome in highly accomplished women
  • Hustle culture and why midlife calls for something different
  • The psychological shift that happens in perimenopause and menopause
  • Ageism, patriarchy, and the freedom that comes from no longer centering the male gaze
  • Navigating social media when the world feels chaotic
  • Why longevity changes everything about how we think about retirement
  • The power of choosing flexibility and freedom over traditional security

Colleen challenges the outdated “Disney script” many women were handed: work hard, perform well, retire quietly. Instead, she invites women to see midlife as the greatest opportunity they did not know was coming.

With longer lifespans and better health than previous generations, women today have decades ahead of them. The question becomes: What do you want to do with your third act?


About Colleen Kohanek

Colleen Kohanek is a writer, coach, and educator who works with women in midlife and beyond who are ready to redefine what is possible in their next chapter. She supports women who want to translate decades of experience into meaningful work, often by building an online business or creative platform.

Her work focuses on clarity, sustainability, confidence, and aligned growth rather than hustle culture.

Connect with Colleen:

https://www.colleenkochannek.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/colleenkochannek

https://www.tiktok.com/@colleenkochannek 


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

95. Selfority & the Menopause Transition: Rewriting Midlife Health, Hormone Therapy, and the Workplace Conversation16 mars 202601:03:40

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with OB-GYN and menopause advocate Dr. Sarah Berg to talk honestly about what is really happening to women in midlife — and why our healthcare system, workplaces, and culture are still falling short.

From the “slope shoulder moment” Dr. Berg noticed in her patients to the systemic gaps in menopause education, this episode explores how women are often left to navigate perimenopause and menopause without adequate support, accurate information, or validation.


Together, they discuss:

• Why menopause education is still missing from most medical training

• How misinformation from the WHI study continues to affect hormone therapy conversations

• Why only a fraction of women prescribed hormone therapy actually start it

• The foundational role of sleep in managing midlife symptoms

• Practical strategies to improve sleep without medication

• The importance of nervous system regulation, breathwork, and meditation

• Sexual health, orgasm, and why pleasure is not optional healthcare

• Why menopause should be treated as preventive care — not an afterthought

• Menopause in the workplace and the financial cost of losing women in leadership

• How cultural language around menopause shapes perception and opportunity

• The need for male education and co-ed menopause conversations

• Why symptom checklists should be standard in primary care visits


Dr. Berg also shares her journey creating Self Aware-ity, a digital menopause education platform designed to translate evidence-based medicine into relatable, story-driven learning that women can actually absorb — without needing to read another dense textbook at bedtime.

This episode is both validating and action-oriented. It reframes menopause not as decline, but as a powerful transition stage that deserves education, support, and structural change.

About Dr. Sarah  Berg

Dr. Sarah Berg is an OB-GYN who specializes in menopause education and advocacy. After recognizing patterns in her midlife patients that were not being adequately addressed in traditional care models, she deepened her focus on menopause medicine and created Selfority,  a digital educational platform designed to make evidence-based menopause care accessible and relatable.

Follow Dr. Sarah Berg and learn more about Selfority


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast. 

94. Millennial Menopause: Early Perimenopause, Mental Health, Hormone Therapy Myths & Workplace Impact with Lauren Tetenbaum09 mars 202600:46:17

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with menopause educator, therapist, and author Lauren Tetenbaum to talk about a conversation many millennial women are not prepared for: perimenopause in your 30s and early 40s.

Lauren, author of Millennial Menopause, shares why so many women are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told they are “too young” for hormonal symptoms, and why that narrative must change.

Together, Victoria and Lauren explore:

  • Why perimenopause can begin in your mid-to-late 30s

  • The mental health impact of hormonal fluctuations, including anxiety, irritability, and the “3 a.m. doom drops”

  • Why mood symptoms often appear before cycle changes

  • The cultural reluctance millennials have around embracing “midlife”

  • How menopause affects women in the workplace and contributes to lost income and stalled careers

  • The myths surrounding hormone therapy and breast cancer risk

  • Alcohol and breast cancer risk versus estrogen risk

  • The testosterone double standard in women’s healthcare

  • Pellet therapy, med spas, and how to make informed treatment decisions

  • Fertility grief and identity shifts during the menopause transition

  • Why education for providers, pharmacists, and mental health professionals must improve


Lauren explains that perimenopause is often more complex than menopause itself, especially when it comes to mood disorders and misdiagnosis. Many women are prescribed antidepressants or sleeping pills without discussion of hormonal drivers. While SSRIs can be helpful tools, they should not be the only option offered.

Lauren shares practical first steps for women who suspect they are in perimenopause:

  • Track symptoms

  • Practice self-compassion

  • Seek a provider who understands menopause guidelines

  • Consider individualized care rather than relying solely on social media advice


If you are a millennial woman feeling “off,” experiencing unexplained anxiety, irritability, sleep disruption, or simply not recognizing yourself anymore, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and direction.

You are not too young. You are not dramatic. And you are not alone.


About Lauren Tetenbaum: Lauren Tetenbaum is a therapist, menopause educator, advocate, and author of Millennial Menopause. Her work focuses on educating younger women about perimenopause, breaking down hormone therapy myths, and empowering women with accessible, research-informed knowledge.

Learn more and find her book at:Millenial Menopause Book

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


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

93. Menodivorce, Menopause, and the Midlife Wake-Up Call: Preparing Emotionally and Financially for Divorce with Hannah Hembree Bell02 mars 202600:57:31

Divorce rates for adults over 50 have doubled since the 1990s, and many midlife women are finding themselves reevaluating their marriages during perimenopause and menopause. This cultural moment has sparked a new conversation often labeled “menodivorce,” but the reality is far more complex than fluctuating hormones alone.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd is joined by award-winning family law attorney, divorce educator, and founder of My Confident Divorce, Hannah Hembree Bell. Together, they unpack what is really happening for women in midlife who find themselves done tolerating dynamics that no longer serve them.

Hannah shares her personal divorce story, including the costly consequences of entering the process unprepared and how approaching divorce differently the second time, with strategy, documentation, and emotional steadiness, completely changed the outcome for her and her children. That experience became the foundation of her work helping women prepare for divorce long before legal papers are filed.

Victoria and Hannah discuss why menopause often acts as a moment of awakening rather than impulsivity, how years of people-pleasing and unheld boundaries come to a breaking point, and why women typically consider divorce for years while men are often caught off guard.

They also address one of the most common fears midlife women face: financial insecurity, especially after years spent caregiving or stepping away from a career. Hannah offers a grounded, responsibility-centered framework for rebuilding confidence, autonomy, and financial stability over time rather than overnight.

This episode is an honest, validating, and empowering conversation for any woman contemplating divorce, navigating separation, or rebuilding her identity in midlife.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why menopause is often a catalyst for reevaluation, not the cause of divorce

  • The concept of “D-U-N done” and why women reach a breaking point

  • Financial fear, career gaps, and rebuilding independence after caregiving years

  • Emotional and mental preparation before filing for divorce

  • Boundaries, people-pleasing, and reclaiming personal agency

  • How stress, cortisol, and chronic emotional labor affect women’s health
  • Supporting children through divorce while modeling healthy relationships

  • The role of community and shared experience in healing


Resources mentioned:


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 

Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

92. The Messy Middle of Midlife: Menopause, Identity, Rage, Rest, and Reclaiming Yourself with Angela Burk23 févr. 202601:01:01

Midlife is not a makeover. It is not a glow-up montage. And it is definitely not a neat before-and-after photo.

In this deeply honest and often funny conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with Angela Burk, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife, to talk about what really happens in the messy middle of life. The years where hormones shift quietly at first, rage shows up without warning, sleep disappears at 3 a.m., relationships change, and women realize they have been shrinking themselves for decades.

Angela shares her personal story of navigating perimenopause, divorce at 45, identity loss, and reinvention, along with the realization that there was no book telling the truth about midlife the way women actually live it. What emerged was not a how-to guide, but a manifesto: one rooted in honesty, sovereignty, rest, pleasure, and self-trust.

This episode moves beyond symptom checklists and productivity culture and into the lived experience of midlife women who are exhausted, capable, burned out, and still deeply powerful.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why midlife feels so overwhelming and why it is not “just hormones”

• The emotional and identity shifts that often begin in the late 30s and early 40s

• Why many women feel invisible, depleted, or disconnected from themselves

• How people-pleasing becomes unsustainable in midlife

• How midlife forces women to confront old rules they never chose

• Why waiting for the “perfect plan” keeps women stuck

• The importance of naming needs out loud, without apology

• How children benefit when they see the real version of you

• Why midlife can be the beginning of pleasure, confidence, and sovereignty

Angela also offers a simple but powerful starting point for women who feel stuck or exhausted: identify one thing to stop carrying and one thing to begin claiming, write it down, and say it out loud. No overhaul required.


About the guest

Angela Burk is an award-winning marketing strategist, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife, a mother of three, bonus mom to four, and a fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in midlife. Her work centers on honesty, community, and helping women stop shrinking themselves in the second half of life.

Resources mentioned

• Real Girls Guide to Midlife by Angela Burk • Angela Burk’s Substack and writing (linked in show notes)

If this conversation resonated, share it with a woman who needs to know she is not alone in the messy middle.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 

Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

91. Midlife at a Crossroads: Divorce, Burnout, Nervous System Healing, and Redefining Women’s Health in Perimenopause16 févr. 202600:24:45

In this deeply personal solo episode, Victoria Byrd steps out from behind the interviewer role and shares her own voice, experience, and uncertainty during a profound season of midlife transition.

Recorded during a time of global uncertainty and personal upheaval, this episode explores what it truly looks like to navigate perimenopause, career identity, motherhood, divorce, and nervous system overload all at once. Rather than offering polished answers or prescriptive advice, Victoria speaks candidly about the complexity women face in midlife and why simplistic wellness messaging often falls short.

This conversation marks a shift toward more honest, lived-experience discussions about women’s health, emotional capacity, and sustainable change.

In This Episode, We Discuss

  • Why midlife can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming, even for health professionals

  • Navigating separation and divorce after decades of partnership

  • The invisible mental load of legal, financial, and emotional labor during major life transitions
  • Why stress mitigation, rest, and nervous system regulation sometimes matter more than workouts

  • Letting go of performative wellness and unrealistic health expectations

  • The tension between doing “aligned work” and needing financial stability

  • Why one-size-fits-all programs often fail midlife women

  • The ethical discomfort many clinicians feel within influencer culture and product promotion

  • How gut health and nervous system regulation intersect with perimenopause and estrogen metabolism

  • Reimagining community, support, and connection outside traditional social media spaces


Listener Takeaway

If you are in a season where exercise feels impossible, clarity feels distant, or the wellness world feels overwhelming, this episode offers permission to pause, reflect, and redefine what support and health can look like right now.

You are not broken. You are responding to real life.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

90. Downsizing with Purpose in Midlife: A Gentle, Practical Guide to Letting Go09 févr. 202600:37:20

Downsizing in midlife is rarely just about getting rid of stuff. It is about identity shifts, changing roles, emotional attachments, and preparing for what comes next.

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Tracy Hoth, professional organizer, coach, and founder of Simply Squared Away, to explore how midlife women can declutter and downsize with intention rather than urgency or guilt.

Tracy shares why so many women feel emotionally paralyzed by clutter, how stress and elevated cortisol are directly linked to disorganized spaces, and why “keeping everything” often creates more burden, not meaning. Together, they discuss the mindset shifts required to release possessions without regret, especially when items are tied to motherhood, money spent, or future “what-ifs.”

You will also learn Tracy’s practical five-step SPACE method for decluttering any physical, digital, or mental space, along with realistic strategies for navigating differing clutter tolerances with spouses, setting boundaries around children’s memorabilia, and avoiding common downsizing mistakes.

This conversation is especially valuable for women preparing for an empty nest, considering a future move, or simply craving a calmer, more intentional home environment.


In This Episode, We Cover:

  • Why midlife transitions make decluttering emotionally complex

  • The connection between clutter, stress, and cortisol

  • How to release guilt around money spent on unused items

  • A step-by-step framework for downsizing without overwhelm

  • What to do when everything feels sentimental

  • Navigating decluttering differences with partners and family

  • How to start small when you feel completely stuck


Guest Resources:

Learn more about Tracy’s work, coaching programs, and the 15-minute declutter challenge at simplysquaredaway.com .

To learn more about Dr. Emont’s work, follow him on social media and visit his website for updates on clinical availability.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

89. How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Hormones, Energy, and Weight in Midlife with Julie Ruelle, RD02 févr. 202600:43:11

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Julie Ruelle, a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in nutrition & metabolic health, to unpack one of the most confusing & misunderstood topics in midlife nutrition: ultra-processed foods.

Julie currently serves as a registered dietitian for GoCoco, a consumer education app designed to help people make informed food choices by identifying ultra-processed ingredients & offering healthier alternatives without calorie counting or restrictive tracking.

Together, they explore how ultra-processed foods differ from simply “processed” foods, why ingredient quality matters more than calories alone in perimenopause and menopause, & how daily food choices influence insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, brain health, & hormone balance.

This conversation is especially relevant for midlife women who feel overwhelmed by nutrition advice, burned out by dieting, or frustrated by changes in energy, weight, & metabolic health.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • The critical difference between processed foods & ultra-processed foods
  • How ultra-processed foods contribute to insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, fatigue, & inflammation in midlife
  • Why calories alone don't reflect metabolic health during perimenopause & menopause
  • How ingredient lists & added sugars reveal more than front-of-package marketing claims
  • Common “health food” traps
  • Why fiber & protein should come primarily from whole foods
  • The connection between gut health, estrogen metabolism, mood, & brain fog
  • Practical, realistic ways busy women can reduce ultra-processed foods without perfectionism or burnout
  • How the GoCoco app empowers women to make confident grocery store decisions without macro tracking


📱 About the GoCoco App (Listener Bonus)

Julie explains how the GoCoco app allows users to:

  • Scan barcodes to rate foods from 0–10 based on ultra-processed ingredients

  • Identify added sugars, refined carbohydrates, & inflammatory additives

  • Receive healthier swaps within the same food category

  • Photograph meals to see the percentage of real food versus ultra-processed food

  • Learn which additives are banned in Europe or restricted in certain U.S. states


 Exclusive Listener Offer

Women Mastering Midlife listeners receive one full year of GoCoco Premium free.

Use code: WMML

iOS 1 year (use this link)https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=WMML

Android 90 days (type in the below code. This code will work 4 times to equal 1 year. Android doesn't allow year length codes)

Code: WMML


🔗 Connect with Julie Ruelle

LinkedIn

GoCoCo


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, & share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, & midlife health with clarity & confidence.


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts & stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  & @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs & courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, & informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, & experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

88. Closing the Gap in Menopause Care: Dr. Jordan Emont on Hormone Therapy, Misconceptions, and Patient-Centered Medicine26 janv. 202600:35:41

In this episode of the Women Mastering Midlife Podcast, Victoria Byrd, RPh, welcomes Dr. Jordan Emont, an OB-GYN dedicated to raising the standard of care for women in perimenopause and menopause. As the first male guest on the podcast, Dr. Emont brings a thoughtful and clinically grounded perspective shaped by listening deeply to women’s experiences, recognizing gaps in medical training, and advocating for evidence-based, compassionate menopause care.

Throughout this conversation, Victoria and Dr. Emont discuss why menopause care remains underemphasized in traditional medical education, how fear-based narratives around hormone therapy persist despite strong data, and why patient-centered care is essential for improving outcomes for midlife women. This episode highlights both the systemic challenges women face in healthcare and the meaningful progress being driven by clinicians committed to change.


Topics Covered

  • Why most clinicians receive minimal training in menopause care

  • The importance of listening and humility in caring for midlife women

  • How systemic bias contributes to women feeling dismissed in healthcare settings

  • Common and overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, including mood changes and heart palpitations

  • The importance of maintaining a full differential diagnosis rather than attributing all symptoms to perimenopause

  • The overlap between menopause symptoms and thyroid or cardiovascular conditions

  • Why standard 15-minute medical appointments are inadequate for menopause care

  • How to personalize hormone therapy using evidence, safety data, and patient feedback

  • What excites Dr. Emont most about the future of menopause medicine

  • Why menopause care must extend beyond OB-GYNs into primary care and other specialties

  • The critical role of patient advocacy and informed decision-making


About Dr. Jordan Emont

Dr. Jordan Emont is an OB-GYN specializing in perimenopause, menopause, and sexual health. He currently offers telehealth care in California and Florida, with plans to expand to additional states. He is also a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), an organization committed to advancing education and care in women’s sexual and hormonal health.


To learn more about Dr. Emont’s work, follow him on social media and visit his website for updates on clinical availability.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

87. The New Rules of Women’s Health in Midlife: Advocacy, Menopause, and Taking Ownership of Your Care19 janv. 202600:44:34

What if the real problem in women’s healthcare isn’t a lack of information but decades of outdated rules that were never designed for women in the first place?

In this powerful and deeply validating episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbitt to discuss her new book, The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age, and why midlife is a critical turning point for women to stop outsourcing their care and start advocating for themselves.

With more than 20 years of experience translating complex medical science into accessible guidance, Meghan brings both evidence and lived experience to a conversation that spans the full female lifespan from anatomy and hormones to brain health, heart health, lifestyle, and the unseen gaps that still exist in modern medicine.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why women’s health research has historically treated men as the “default patient” and how that legacy still affects diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes today

  • Why perimenopause is not a niche issue, but a major blind spot in healthcare during a crucial window for prevention and longevity

  • How to stop normalizing symptoms like brain fog, heavy periods, fatigue, and mood changes that deserve real clinical attention

  • What women need to know about menopause hormone therapy, including where evidence ends, where clinical judgment begins, and why shared decision-making matters

  • The role of lifestyle factors: nutrition, strength training, sleep, alcohol use, and stress regulation in shaping long-term health during midlife

  • How misinformation, clickbait headlines, and influencer culture are fueling confusion around women’s health, and how to evaluate claims using evidence-based thinking

  • Why pharmacists are an underutilized and highly accessible resource for women navigating medications, supplements, and hormone therapy

  • Meghan’s personal health journey, including years of dismissed symptoms, the eventual diagnosis of uterine fibroids, and the importance of tracking and naming what your body is telling you

  • How to prepare for medical appointments with confidence, ask better questions, and recognize when it is time to seek a second opinion or a new provider
  • The empowering truth about midlife: this is not a decline, but a transition into clarity, agency, and informed self-leadership


How to find Meghan:

Her Book: The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age

Her Website

Instagram


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses 


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

86. When Hormone Therapy Isn’t the Answer: Andrea Nakayama on Root-Cause Healing and Thriving Through Midlife Naturally12 janv. 202600:55:08

In this empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd, RPh sits down with Andrea Nakayama, functional medicine nutritionist and founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance, to unpack what happens when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t the right fit.

Whether due to contraindications, side effects, or personal choice, many women find that HRT doesn’t solve everything. Andrea shares how to navigate perimenopause and menopause naturally, focusing on root-cause healing, functional nutrition, and the body’s terrain—including sleep, gut health, blood sugar balance, and stress.


Together, they explore:

  • Why HRT doesn’t work for every woman — and how to know if it’s not working for you

  • How to support your body’s natural hormone metabolism through nutrition and lifestyle

  • The importance of balancing sleep, digestion, and blood sugar before adding hormones

  • The truth about functional lab testing and what’s actually worth your money

  • Why joy, purpose, and community matter just as much as supplements or prescriptions


Andrea reminds us that vitality and balance are possible—with or without hormones. Her compassionate, evidence-based perspective helps women reclaim agency over their midlife health and make empowered decisions that align with their individual stories.


Connect with Andrea Nakayama: andreanakayama.com Instagram: @andreanakayama


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 


Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

85. Peptides, GLP-1s, and Midlife Metabolism: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Marina Yuabova05 janv. 202600:56:29

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd, RPh, sits down with Dr. Marina Yuabova, DNP, APRN, an expert in metabolic and functional medicine, to unpack the truth about GLP-1 therapies (like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and peptide treatments for women in midlife.

Together, they explore how these powerful tools can fit into a holistic approach to wellness—and why they aren’t a magic fix. Dr. Yuabova explains the physiology behind weight changes in perimenopause and menopause, the connection between cortisol, insulin resistance, and midsection weight gain, and how lifestyle foundations like nutrition, sleep, and hormone balance must come before any medication or peptide protocol.


You’ll learn:

  • What peptides and GLP-1s actually do inside the body

  • The risks of using GLP-1 medications without addressing nutrient deficiencies

  • How to support your metabolism naturally before considering medication

  • The role of sleep, cortisol, and thyroid health in midlife weight gain

  • Why “microdosing” GLP-1s may be safer and more effective than traditional dosing

  • How to find qualified, evidence-based providers for peptide therapy

  • Ways to become a more informed, self-advocating patient


Dr. Yuabova and Victoria discuss the importance of personalized, functional care and the dangers of cookie-cutter approaches to midlife health. Whether you’re curious about GLP-1s, struggling with metabolic changes, or simply want to understand how to keep your energy, strength, and vitality through menopause, this episode is packed with insight.


Connect with Dr. Marina Yuabova:

🌐 nationalwellnessgroup.com

🌐 roadtofertility.com

📞 (561) 788-8888


 Empower your midlife health journey—one conversation at a time.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

84. Menopause Belly Fat, Insulin Resistance & GLP-1s: Dr. Heather Awad on Sustainable Midlife Weight Loss29 déc. 202500:38:10

Why do so many women suddenly struggle with belly fat, stubborn weight gain, and shifting body composition during perimenopause and menopause? And what role do new medications like GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy) play in the conversation?

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Dr. Heather Awad—family medicine physician, entrepreneur, and founder of Vibrant Menopause Weight Loss—to explore the biology, cultural pressures, and medical advances shaping midlife weight loss.

Dr. Awad shares her personal journey of gaining—and then losing—27 pounds in menopause, the surprising role of insulin resistance, and why the strategies that worked in our 20s and 30s often fail us in midlife. Together, we unpack the science, mindset shifts, and lifestyle changes that actually make weight loss sustainable—without endless restriction or calorie counting.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why a drop in estrogen leads to insulin resistance and sudden midlife weight gain

  • The difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat—and why menopause belly fat carries health risks

  • How to stop tying your self-worth to the number on the scale and build confidence during weight loss

  • Practical nutrition strategies: protein, fiber-rich carbs, healthy fats, and choosing sugar with intention

  • Why GLP-1 medications may help some women, but aren’t always the answer—and the risks to consider

  • How to shift from “just give me a meal plan” to creating a lifestyle that actually fits your life

  • The power of community and coaching in achieving lasting results



Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:



Key Takeaway: Midlife weight loss is possible. You are not broken, and with the right knowledge and support, you can feel like yourself again—healthy, strong, and confident.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

83. Ayurveda & Midlife: Dr. Christie Smirl on Hormone Balance, Energy & Healing22 déc. 202501:06:10

In this enlightening episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Dr. Christie Smirl, Ayurveda Doctor, nurse practitioner, yoga teacher, and founder of Healthier Vibrations. With her unique background blending modern medicine and ancient Eastern practices, Dr. Smirl offers a holistic approach to navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the midlife transition .

We dive deep into how Ayurveda can support women’s hormones, digestion, sleep, and energy during this transformative stage of life. Dr. Smirl shares practical tools for balancing doshas, reducing inflammation, supporting the nervous system, and cultivating spiritual resilience when modern life feels overwhelming .


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The Ayurvedic perspective on perimenopause and menopause, and how it complements Western medicine

  • How to identify which dosha imbalances may be driving your midlife symptoms

  • Simple daily rituals and lifestyle practices that improve sleep, mood, and digestion

  • Why food, herbs, and mindful movement are considered medicine in Ayurveda

  • How stress, overstimulation, and technology affect the nervous system—and what to do about it

  • The connection between spiritual health, energy, and hormone balance

  • Practical ways to integrate Ayurveda into your busy midlife lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed



Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:



 If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply seeking more energy, balance, and clarity in midlife, this episode offers a roadmap to healing through the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

82. No More Layers: Martine Cohen on Identity, Self-Leadership & Midlife Transformation15 déc. 202500:54:42

In this inspiring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Martine Cohen—attorney turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. After a life-changing concussion forced her to question everything she thought she knew about herself, Martine developed her groundbreaking approach, No More Layers, to help women peel back self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs to reconnect with their true selves.

Together, we dive into the identity shifts that so many women face in perimenopause, menopause, and midlife—when roles as mothers, caregivers, or professionals evolve, leaving us wondering Who am I now? Martine shares how to reframe these transitions as opportunities for growth, how to quiet the noise of imposter syndrome, and why self-leadership is the key to living with confidence and purpose.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Martine’s brain injury became the catalyst for discovering her true essence beyond identity and achievement

  • What the concept of “layers” means—and how perfectionism, shame, and outdated beliefs hold women back

  • Why midlife is the perfect time to shed old stories and reclaim confidence, clarity, and freedom

  • How to use Martine’s Four-Minute Reset tool to stop mental chaos and rewire your brain for calm and clarity

  • The intersection of personal transformation and leadership—and why leading yourself first is the foundation of leading others

  • Practical ways to shift from fear and self-doubt into curiosity, empowerment, and self-trust



Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:



If you’ve been struggling with self-doubt, identity shifts, or the fear of “what’s next” in midlife, this episode will show you how to peel back the layers, reclaim your inner power, and step into the second half of life with confidence.

Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

81. Mother-Daughter Lessons: Bernadette Catalana on Parenting, Forgiveness & Generational Healing08 déc. 202500:46:59

What does it really mean to raise daughters—and to be raised by them in return?

In this heartfelt episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with lawyer, mentor, and author Bernadette Catalana to explore the sacred, messy, and magical journey of motherhood. Drawing from her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving Our Daughters, Bernadette shares the paradox of guiding our children while being humbled and healed by them.


Together, Victoria and Bernadette discuss:

  • The unique dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they shape us across generations

  • Why forgiveness—of ourselves and others—is one of the most powerful lessons we can pass down

  • The role of happiness, independence, and dreams in modeling a fulfilling life for our kids

  • The beauty of creating a written or spoken legacy for our children to cherish long after we’re gone

  • How parenting evolves through the stages—from early motherhood to grandparenting—and the healing it can bring to our own childhood wounds


Whether you’re a mother, a daughter, or both, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own relationships and the legacy of love and wisdom you hope to leave behind.


Key Takeaway: Your happiness is your responsibility—and one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is the permission to pursue their own.


Learn more about Bernadette Catalana and her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving our Daughters


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

80. From Emotional Eating to Empowered Living: Terry Tateossian’s Journey to Strength, Healing & Sustainable Health01 déc. 202500:49:53

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd is joined by health coach and emotional eating expert Terry Tateossian. Terry shares her transformative journey from a burnt-out, overstressed, 80-pounds-overweight businesswoman to a strong, grounded, and thriving coach helping women reclaim their health mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Through raw honesty, humor, and deep wisdom, Terry reveals how her two hospitalizations became the wake-up call that led her to explore macro-based nutrition, emotional eating patterns, and sustainable strength training. She dives into the emotional roots of food addiction, how to differentiate emotional vs. physical hunger, and the tools she now teaches her clients to break the binge-restrict cycle without shame.


What We Cover:

  • Terry’s rock-bottom moment that changed everything

  • How emotional eating masked deeper unmet emotional needs

  • The difference between primary (emotional) and secondary (physical) food

  • Recognizing and disrupting the emotional eating loop

  • Tools to manage cravings without guilt or restriction

  • How macro tracking changed Terry’s mindset around food and freedom

  • Substitution strategies like protein ice cream and dark chocolate

  • Parenting, pantry challenges, and building sustainable habits with kids

  • Why strength training is about honoring your body not punishing it

  • The myth of “eating less” and how more food can actually heal

  • How to rewire your brain (and taste buds) away from sugar dependency


Whether you’ve battled emotional eating, tried every diet under the sun, or simply want to feel strong and aligned in your midlife body, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and deep inspiration.


Connect with Terry Tateossian:



📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 


Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

Subscribe & Review  

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice. 

79. The FDA Lifts the Black Box Warning on Vaginal Estrogen: What It Means for Women’s Health and Sexual Wellness24 nov. 202500:31:54

In this special solo episode of *Women Mastering Midlife*, host **Victoria Byrd, RPh**, wraps up the Sexual Wellness Series with a timely and powerful discussion. Recorded on the very day the **FDA removed the black box warning from vaginal estrogen**, Victoria explores what this historic decision means for women in perimenopause and menopause.

From sexual wellness products to the importance of safe intimacy, body awareness, and pleasure as a birthright, Victoria reviews highlights from her conversations with experts throughout the series, including intimacy coach Shana Stewart, nurse practitioner Megan, Rosebud Woman founder Christine, and NP Vanessa Weiland.


She also shares insights from the Menopause Society Conference, discussing:

* Why vaginal estrogen is now recognized as safe and effective

* The difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

* The evolving role of vibrator therapy and sensate touch as medical tools for women’s health

* The cultural stigma and shame still surrounding female pleasure

* How open communication and education can transform sexual wellness at midlife


Victoria closes the episode with practical recommendations on trusted sexual wellness brands, including Intimate Rose, Pelvic People, Rosebud Woman, Bonafide, Uberlube, and Good Clean Love, and reminds listeners that pleasure, comfort, and connection are essential parts of well-being.


Listen to this empowering finale and join the movement to reclaim sexual wellness in midlife.


Resources & Links:

* FDA ruling on vaginal estrogen: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy

* Intimate Rose

Bonafide Revaree

Pelvic People Ohnut and Kiwi


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

78. Sex, Shame & Midlife Liberation: Breaking Taboos Around Women’s Pleasure with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi17 nov. 202500:51:16

In this powerful closing episode of the Women Mastering Midlife sexual wellness series, I sit down with Dr. Sadaf Lodi—board-certified OB-GYN, intimacy coach, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and host of The Muslim Sex Podcast. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Sadaf is on a mission to help women reclaim their sexual agency, navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence, and challenge cultural and societal taboos around intimacy and desire

Together, we explore how shame, silence, and outdated beliefs have shaped women’s sexual experiences—and how midlife offers a chance for liberation, healing, and joy. From understanding how religion and culture influence our sexual narratives, to moving from sex negativity toward sex neutrality and positivity, this conversation offers both practical insights and deep encouragement for women ready to reconnect with themselves and their partners


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why women’s sexual health is often left out of traditional medical training—and how Dr. Sadaf is changing that

  • The impact of cultural, religious, and societal messages about sex on women’s beliefs and relationships

  • The concept of moving from sex negativity → sex neutrality → sex positivity as part of sexual healing

  • The truth about the orgasm gap and why so many women feel “broken” around pleasure

  • How media and porn have shaped harmful myths about women’s bodies and sexuality

  • The importance of communication, self-discovery, and date nights for a thriving midlife sex life


  • Why sex should never be painful—and what to do if it is



Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:



 If you’ve ever felt shame around intimacy, struggled with desire, or wondered how to rebuild your sexual confidence in midlife, this episode is for you. It’s time to rewrite the narrative, reclaim your pleasure, and embrace sexual wellness as an essential part of whole-body health.


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. 

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

77. Vaginal Estrogen & GSM: Myths, Facts, and Sexual Wellness in Midlife with NP Vanessa Weiland10 nov. 202500:37:32

In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I welcome back Nurse Practitioner Vanessa Weiland for a candid and much-needed conversation about vaginal estrogen, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and sexual wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond.

Too many midlife women suffer in silence from vaginal dryness, recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and bladder issues—often unaware that safe, effective treatments exist. Vanessa and I unpack the myths, explore the latest research and guidelines, and explain why vaginal estrogen is not only safe but also life-changing for many women.

We also dive into alternatives like vaginal DHEA, the role of pelvic floor therapy, how to advocate for yourself with your provider, and why the FDA’s outdated black box warning continues to create unnecessary fear.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is and how it affects sexual and urinary health

  • Why vaginal estrogen is different from systemic hormone therapy—and why it’s considered safe, even with a history of breast cancer or blood clots

  • The pros and cons of creams, tablets, and rings for vaginal estrogen

  • How vaginal estrogen can improve blood flow, sensation, lubrication, and overall sexual experience

  • The growing evidence for pelvic floor physical therapy, yoga, and lifestyle strategies as part of GSM care

  • How to confidently start the conversation with your provider, even if they don’t bring it up

  • Myths and misconceptions that prevent women from getting the care they need



Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:


 If you’ve been struggling with vaginal dryness, painful sex, or recurrent UTIs, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with knowledge, confidence, and practical steps to reclaim your comfort and sexual wellness in midlife.


Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. 

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

76. Reclaiming Pleasure and Redefining Womanhood with Christine Marie Mason, Founder of Rosebud Woman03 nov. 202501:07:59

In this deeply insightful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Christine Marie Mason, founder of Rosebud Woman—a company redefining intimate and sexual wellness through natural, body-honoring products and conscious conversation. Together, they explore the intersection of pleasure, embodiment, spirituality, and healing across every stage of a woman’s life.

Christine shares her journey from creating Rosebud Woman out of personal need to building a global movement that challenges shame and celebrates the feminine. This heartfelt discussion touches on the cultural conditioning around women’s bodies, how pleasure is a birthright—not a luxury, and the importance of daily rituals of self-care that reconnect us with softness, sensuality, and strength.

They also explore Christine’s new book, The Nine Lives of Women: Sensual, Sexual, and Reproductive Stages from Birth to 100, which reframes how we view womanhood beyond reproductive milestones—offering a roadmap for embracing joy, purpose, and liberation at every age.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why Christine created Rosebud Woman and how her products promote self-love and empowerment

  • The importance of vulvar and vaginal care as part of whole-body wellness

  • How to restore blood flow and vitality through simple daily practices

  • Why pleasure is not indulgent—it’s an essential pathway to health and joy

  • How social and cultural narratives have shaped women’s relationship with their bodies

  • What the nine stages of womanhood reveal about growth, wisdom, and freedom after menopause

  • The inspiration behind Christine’s Hawaiian retreat space and her evolving podcast and book projects


About Christine Marie Mason:

Christine is a visionary entrepreneur, author of The Nine Lives of Women, host of The Rose Woman Podcast, and founder of Rosebud Woman—an award-winning intimate wellness brand centered on body literacy, plant wisdom, and radical self-acceptance. Her work bridges the sensual and the spiritual, inviting women to reclaim their full, embodied selves.


Mentioned in This Episode:



Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. 

Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Join the Conversation

Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


Disclaimer  

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

75. Reclaiming Pleasure in Midlife: Understanding Painful Sex, Sensate Focus, and Vibrator Therapy with Nurse Practitioner Magen Price27 oct. 202500:59:05

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Magen Price, MSN, FNP-BC, NCMP, AASECT Certified Sex Counselor, to unpack one of the most under-discussed aspects of women’s health — sexual wellness in midlife. Together, they explore how hormonal shifts, shame, & lack of education have shaped women’s experiences with sex, pleasure, & pain during perimenopause and menopause—& how we can change the narrative.

Magen shares her journey from primary care to founding Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness, a concierge clinic specializing in sexual dysfunction, menopause care, & couples intimacy counseling. She introduces listeners to two evidence-based approaches—Sensate Focus Therapy & Vibrator Therapy—that help women reconnect with pleasure, reduce pain during sex, & rediscover confidence in their bodies.

From the anatomy of arousal to why “self-touch is physical therapy for your vulva,” this conversation is both clinical & compassionate, blending practical tools with stigma-free empowerment.

What We Discuss:

  • Why sexual wellness deserves a seat at the table in menopause care

  • The difference between physical & psychological causes of painful sex (dyspareunia)

  • How vaginal dryness, hormone changes, & pelvic floor tension contribute to discomfort

  • What Sensate Focus Therapy is and how it helps retrain your brain & body for pleasure

  • The science behind vibrator therapy and how it improves blood flow, lubrication, & arousal

  • Breaking generational shame around female pleasure & self-touch


    • How to talk to partners—& your healthcare provider—about sexual concerns

    • Why pleasure is more than orgasm

  • Resources Mentioned:



    About Magen Price:

    Magen Price is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, certified menopause practitioner, & AASECT-certified sex counselor. She has over a decade of experience in community health & sexual medicine, blending primary care expertise with evidence-based sexual wellness practices. In 2025, she opened Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness in Melrose, MA, where she helps women & couples reclaim pleasure, heal from pain, & thrive in midlife and beyond.


    Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    👉 Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife for more empowering conversations about the mind, body, and hormonal health in midlife.

    Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast. 

    74. From Vanilla to Vibrant: Redefining Midlife Intimacy, Pleasure, and Safety with Shauna Stewart20 oct. 202501:01:29

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes back certified sexuality educator and intimacy coach Shauna Stewart for a powerful conversation about redefining sex, pleasure, and intimacy in midlife.

    Together, they explore why “vanilla” intimacy doesn’t have to mean boring, how novelty and intentionality fuel desire, and why safety and communication are the foundation of great sex. Shauna also shares how women can shift from repression to full self-expression, the role of responsive desire, and why slowing down and savoring life is essential for both pleasure and wellness.


    Key takeaways from this episode:

    • Why women’s desire often shifts after the first year in a relationship—and how to reignite it

    • How consent conversations create deeper safety, connection, and freedom in the bedroom

    • The truth about “vanilla sex” and how to bring curiosity and play back into intimacy

    • Understanding spontaneous vs. responsive desire—and how to work with both

    • Why rest and pleasure outside the bedroom are the foundation for sexual satisfaction

    • Stories from Shauna’s transformational retreat in Tuscany and how learning to receive changes everything


    Whether you’re feeling stuck in routine, navigating midlife changes, or simply wanting to deepen intimacy, this episode will leave you inspired to explore pleasure as your birthright.


    Resources & Links Mentioned:



    Sexual Wellness in Midlife FREE Guide


    Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 


    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    73. Surgical Menopause Explained: Symptoms, Risks, and Hormone Therapy Options with Julie Parana, The Menopause OT13 oct. 202500:38:13

    What happens when menopause comes suddenly instead of gradually? For women facing a hysterectomy or ovary removal, surgical menopause can feel like being hit by a truck—bringing abrupt hormone loss, severe symptoms, and long-term health risks.

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with Julie Parana, occupational therapist and founder of The Menopause OT. Julie shares her personal story of entering menopause at 42 after a hysterectomy and how it led her to dedicate her practice to supporting women through this life stage. Together, we explore:

    • The difference between natural menopause and surgical menopause

    • Why symptoms are often more intense after surgery

    • The critical role of estrogen in protecting brain, bone, heart, and metabolic health

    • Hormone therapy options (and why more women should wake up from surgery with an estrogen patch)

    • Mental health implications of early menopause—and why antidepressants aren’t always the answer

    • Lifestyle strategies that help women thrive, from strength training to nutrition to sleep hygiene

    • How to advocate for yourself and work with the right providers


    If you’re considering surgery, already in surgical menopause, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will give you the knowledge and tools to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and find relief.


    Resources & Links:


    Listen now to learn how to take control of your health during surgical menopause and beyond.


    Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    72. Bone Health, Calcium, and Clean Supplements: Pharmacist Jennifer Han on Creating SEEN Nutrition for Women’s Wellness06 oct. 202500:44:03

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Jennifer Han, PharmD, BCACP, clinical pharmacist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of SEEN Nutrition, to talk about bone health, calcium supplementation, and why women deserve better options.


    After experiencing a rare case of pregnancy-lactation osteoporosis, Jennifer discovered firsthand the gaps in women’s health when it comes to bone support. Frustrated with outdated calcium supplements full of fillers, dyes, and corn syrup, she partnered with co-founder Adrienne Bittar to create the first patented calcium chew made entirely from real food ingredients.


    Together, Victoria and Jennifer dive into:

    • Jennifer’s personal health journey that led to launching SEEN Nutrition

    • Why bone health matters at every stage of a woman’s life—from postpartum through menopause and beyond

    • The shortcomings of most over-the-counter calcium supplements and what to look for on a label

    • How bioavailability from food sources like milk minerals and vitamin D mushrooms outperforms synthetic options

    • The importance of prevention, lifestyle choices, and nutrition in reducing osteoporosis risk

    • Why SEEN Nutrition intentionally uses Nutrition Facts (not Supplement Facts) labeling for transparency and trust

    • Practical ways women can support their bones daily—without horse-sized pills or added sugars


    This conversation is both scientifically grounded and deeply personal, highlighting the intersection of pharmacy, functional medicine, and women’s lived experiences. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or simply want to protect your long-term bone health, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for mastering midlife on your terms.


    Learn more about SEEN Nutrition and their food-first calcium chews at www.seennutrition.com. Use VICTORIABYRD10 for 10% off your first order!


    Want more support for your midlife transition?

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.womenmasteringmidlife.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    71. Stronger Bones, Longer Life: What Midlife Women Must Know About Osteoporosis, Estrogen, and Strength Training29 sept. 202500:32:03

    In this must-listen episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT, to unpack the often-overlooked topic of bone health in perimenopause and menopause. Together, they explore the critical connection between estrogen and osteoporosis, the surprising risks of low BMI, and why midlife is the perfect time to start strength training—not just to build muscle, but to protect your bones, prevent fractures, and maintain your independence for decades to come.

    Dr. Moore shares her personal and professional journey into bone health and cancer rehab, revealing how her own osteopenia diagnosis shifted the course of her career. She delivers actionable insights on:

    • Why osteoporosis is a silent disease and how to know if you're at risk

    • What osteopenia really means (and why it's your wake-up call)

    • The powerful role estrogen plays in bone remodeling and collagen production

    • Why "strong and stable" matters more than "small and skinny" in midlife

    • The truth about weighted vests, DEXA scans, and the real exercise prescription for your bones

    • Her go-to formula: protein-forward nutrition, anti-inflammatory eating, sleep as medicine, and functional movement

    • The evidence-based strength training approach that actually improves bone density even if you're a beginner


    If you're a midlife woman who wants to stay active, vibrant, and fracture-free for the long haul, this episode is your essential guide to taking charge of your bone health starting now.


    Links & Resources: Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT – Learn more at www.drlisamooredpt.com

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


    📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Want more support for your midlife transition?

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    70. Thyroid Health in Midlife: Hashimoto’s, Thyroid Cancer, and Simple Neck Checks with Dr. Rashmi Roy22 sept. 202500:24:54

    Your thyroid may be small, but it plays a mighty role in your midlife health. From energy and mood to metabolism, hair, skin, and even heart health; this butterfly-shaped gland has an outsized influence on how you feel day to day. Yet for many women, thyroid issues are often dismissed as just “getting older” or blamed on perimenopause and menopause.


    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with Dr. Rashmi Roy, the highest-volume thyroid surgeon in the world and a national leader in thyroid cancer awareness. Together, they break down what every midlife woman needs to know about her thyroid and how to protect it.


    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • What the thyroid is, where it’s located, and why it’s “small but mighty” for your overall health

    • How thyroid symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or hair loss are often mistaken for menopause or aging

    • Why thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in women, especially ages 30–50

    • Why routine blood work may not reveal thyroid cancer and the importance of ultrasounds

    • The simple two-minute neck check you can do at home to catch thyroid problems early https://www.thyroidcancer.com/selfcheck

    • How Hashimoto’s disease impacts women, and when surgery may be life-changing

    • Lifestyle, diet, and supplement strategies that support thyroid health, including gluten-free and anti-inflammatory approaches

    • Why every woman should consider a baseline thyroid ultrasound by age 30


    Dr. Roy also shares her #NeckCheck Challenge, a movement to empower women to take control of their thyroid health and spread awareness through simple, practical self-care.

    If you want a tutorial of how to perform a neck check, Dr. Roy has one available on her YouTube channel

    If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are menopause, thyroid, or something more—you won’t want to miss this essential conversation.


    Resources & Links Mentioned:


    📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

    If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 


    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    69. Fertility, IVF, and Identity: Abbe Feder on Turning Infertility into Empowerment15 sept. 202500:48:16

    In this heartfelt episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes fertility and life coach Abbe Feder, founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Women's Wellness with Abbe Feder podcast. Together, they explore the deeply emotional and often invisible journey of infertility, IVF, midlife motherhood, and the identity shifts that come with them.

    From the raw reality of eight IVF rounds and an ectopic pregnancy to navigating grief, isolation, and the societal pressure to stay silent, Abbe shares how she transformed pain into purpose. She now helps other women advocate for themselves through infertility, loss, and pregnancy after trauma with a deep understanding of the gaps in our healthcare system and the emotional toll of being unheard.

    This episode dives into:

    • Abbe's personal story of infertility, IVF, and ultimately, the birth of her twins

    • How women are conditioned to not “bother” their doctors and why that must change

    • The emotional cost of fertility struggles in a motherhood-focused culture

    • What pregnancy after infertility really feels like

    • The identity shift from "infertile woman" to motherhood—and the guilt that can come with it

    • Why social media is both a gift and a trigger in the fertility journey

    • How Abbe is supporting women today through coaching, advocacy, and real talk


    This is a must-listen for any woman navigating fertility, midlife identity, or looking to support others through it with more empathy and honesty.

    Connect with Abbe Feder:

    🔗 Website: www.incirclefertility.com

    📸 Instagram: @incirclefertility

    🎙 Podcast: Women's Wellness with Abbe Feder

    📧 DM her on Instagram or book a consult via her website

     

    📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

    If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Ready to join the Macronutrients 101 Course? We begin October 6th. Register here: bit.ly/Macros101WMM


    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 


    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    68. Get Quiet to Get Clear: Healing, Boundaries, and Midlife Reconnection with Elaine Glass08 sept. 202500:39:54

    In this soul-stirring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sit down with transformational speaker, spiritual teacher, and author Elaine Glass to discuss the profound healing power of getting quiet. Elaine shares the story behind her book Get Quiet, how a chance encounter with a labyrinth changed her life, and why silence is the missing ingredient so many midlife women are seeking.

    We explore how stress, over-productivity, and people-pleasing keep us disconnected from our bodies and truth and how reconnecting to that stillness helps us reclaim our power. Elaine walks us through the seven energetic paths in her book, each tied to a part of the body, and how we can use this framework to release emotional and physical blocks, regulate our nervous systems, and return to ourselves.

    Whether you're going through a transition like divorce, empty-nesting, or simply feeling lost in the chaos, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. Elaine and I also dive into:

    • Why rest is rebellious (and necessary)

    • Using the labyrinth as a tool for transformation

    • Letting go of guilt around peace and joy

    • How boundary-setting is an act of self-love

    • The connection between stress, inflammation, and midlife health

    • Why getting away from your environment may be the catalyst you need

    • How childhood clues may reveal your purpose today


    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or ready for a shift—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

     Get Quiet is available in print and Audible, with a unique body-based meditation at the end of each chapter to support your healing.


     Listen now and take your first step toward peace and purpose.

    📌 Resources & Links:


     

    📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

    If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

    67. Run Like Hell: Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso01 sept. 202500:39:25

    In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso; licensed marriage and family therapist, trauma bonding and narcissistic abuse expert, and author of the memoir Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds. You may recognize her as the former wife of the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street,” but today, Nadine is rewriting the narrative by helping women recognize the red flags of coercive control, reclaim their sense of self, and heal from emotional trauma.

    Together, Victoria and Nadine explore:

    • What trauma bonding really is and how it differs from general relationship toxicity

    • The subtle signs of narcissistic abuse and coercive control

    • Why smart, accomplished women often fall into these relationships

    • The healing process: rebuilding self-trust, confidence, and identity

    • Why people-pleasing and boundary-blurring are red flags we shouldn’t ignore

    • How women can create emotionally safe, calm relationships—especially in midlife


    Dr. Nadine also shares her journey from fashion designer to psychotherapist, her reflections on the Wolf of Wall Street movie, and why writing Run Like Hell was more than a memoir; it was a roadmap to healing for women worldwide. She discusses the importance of therapy, emotional intelligence in midlife, and her thriving Surthriver™️ Community that offers affordable, expert-led healing support.


    Whether you’re recovering from a trauma bond, exploring a new relationship in midlife, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode offers hope, validation, and a clear path forward.


    🔗 Resources Mentioned:


    About Dr. Nadine Macaluso: Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in somatic psychotherapy. Drawing from her own lived experience and clinical expertise, she specializes in helping women recognize trauma bonds, escape narcissistic abuse, and rebuild safe and empowered lives. She is the author of Run Like Hell and the founder of the Surthriver™ Community.


    📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

    If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    💬 Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.

    🎧 Listen & subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    66. Pellet Hormone Therapy: What Every Midlife Woman Should Know with Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C25 août 202500:55:29

    Is pellet hormone therapy safe? Why isn’t it FDA-approved? And why is there so much controversy surrounding it?

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, RPh, dives deep into the nuances of pellet hormone therapy with Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C- an integrative hormone specialist with over 20 years of experience. Christine shares her clinical insights and personal journey with hormone replacement, explains the science and safety behind pellets, and clears up misconceptions that often spark online debate.


    You’ll learn:

    • What pellet hormone therapy actually is and how it works

    • The differences between testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone in pellet form

    • Why pellets aren’t included in current Menopause Society guidelines (and what that really means)

    • The risks of overprescribing and why proper training matters

    • How Christine determines if pellets are right for a patient (hint: it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution)

    • The truth about testosterone therapy and women’s libido

    • Why lifestyle, stress, sleep, and movement must be considered alongside hormones



    Christine emphasizes that pellets are a powerful tool, but only in the right hands and with the right patient. If you’re pellet-curious or trying to navigate hormone therapy options, this is the balanced, evidence-informed conversation you need.


    About Today’s Guest:

    Christine Farrell, MSN, FNP-C, is a hormone health expert and founder of Bioidentical Wellness in Westlake Village, CA. She blends conventional and integrative medicine to provide personalized hormone care for men and women. Christine is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA and a member of the Menopause Society, International Menopause Society, and other global organizations. She is certified in Vitapel hormone implant therapy and is a sought-after speaker and educator in the menopause space.

    Connect with Christine Farrell:

    🔗 Website: https://bioidenticalwellness.com

    📍 Clinic: Bioidentical Wellness, Westlake Village, CA

    📱 Instagram: @bioidenticalwellness


    Want more support for your midlife transition?

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    65. Why Midlife Women Struggle With Sleep—and What to Do About It with Dr. Andrea Matsumura18 août 202500:46:51

    Are you waking up at 3 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep? Tossing, turning, and wondering if it’s your hormones or just aging? In this essential episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd talks with Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, internist, and Menopause Society-certified practitioner, about the unique sleep struggles women face in perimenopause and menopause and how to actually fix them.

    Dr. Matsumura breaks down the misunderstood relationship between estrogen, progesterone, and melatonin, and shares why women are vastly underdiagnosed when it comes to sleep apnea. She introduces her D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method, a holistic framework to uncover root causes of sleep disruption in women, including hormonal shifts, anxiety, nighttime routines, and undetected sleep disorders.

    We dive into:

    • Why estrogen is essential for temperature regulation and sleep quality

    • The truth about melatonin (and why it’s not just for jet lag)

    • How to take melatonin for best results, especially in midlife

    • Why women are misdiagnosed or ignored when it comes to sleep apnea

    • Sleep apnea without snoring-  what you need to know

    • How to advocate for better care if you're told to “just take a sleeping pill”

    • Prescription sleep aids vs. root cause solutions

    • The D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™ explained

    • Why wearable sleep trackers can reveal helpful patterns even if they’re not diagnostic

    • What sleeping like a goddess actually looks like

    Dr. Matsumura and Victoria discuss why midlife sleep issues are not just normal aging—and why high-quality sleep is foundational for your health span, not just your lifespan.

    🔗 Resources & Connect with Dr. Matsumura:

    Website: https://www.sleepgoddessmd.com

    Instagram: @sleepgoddessmd

    Take the Sleep Goddess Quiz  to find your archetype

    Interested in Dr. Matsumura’s patient offerings or consulting? Visit her site for more.

    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  

    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

    64. The Dusty Muffins: Menopause Myths, Hormone Truths, and Why One Hot Flash Is Too Many11 août 202501:12:27

    In this spirited and insightful episode, Victoria Byrd welcomes the powerhouse trio behind The Dusty Muffins podcast: Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, and Dr. Christine Hart Kress. These certified menopause practitioners—and self-declared “Menno Besties”—share their journey from training and clinical collaboration to launching one of the most refreshing, no-holds-barred podcasts in the menopause space.


    Together, they tackle:

    • The origin of their hilarious and unforgettable podcast name

    • What they wish every woman—and every provider—knew about perimenopause and menopause care

    • Why even “mild” hot flashes could be a red flag for brain and heart health

    • The connection between vasomotor symptoms and increased risk for cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis

    • The challenges women face getting prescriptions filled due to outdated pharmacy education and systemic hurdles

    • The case for collaborative, ego-free care across specialties—especially for midlife women

    • Their approach to hormone therapy, patient advocacy, and building business and friendship together


    You'll laugh, nod along, and probably rethink how hot flashes show up in your own life (spoiler: they might not look how you think). Whether you're a patient, pharmacist, or provider, this episode is packed with validation, education, and real-talk about why women deserve better.


    Mentioned in This Episode:

    • The Dusty Muffins Podcast

    • The SWAN Study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation)

    • Dr. Rebecca Thurston’s research on hot flashes and brain changes

    • HRT myths and how to empower informed choices

    • SNL’s “Dusty Muffin” skit with Betty White (yep, it's real—and worth watching)


    🔗 Connect with the Dusty Muffins:

    🎧 Listen to The Dusty Muffins: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dusty-muffins/id1799704881 

    📸 Follow them on Instagram: @portlandmenopausedoc 

    @thedustymuffins @christinehartkress_dnp @drrebbeccaherteldo

    🌐 Learn more about their work: https://www.christinehartkressdnp.com/

    https://osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/

     https://portlandmenopausedoc.com/

    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    63. The Menopause Rebrand: Rage, Hormones, and the Rise of the Menopunks Movement with Alicia J. Rose04 août 202501:23:36

    In this electrifying episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with filmmaker, photographer, and punk rock truth-teller Alicia J. Rose, the force behind the upcoming documentary Menopunks. What starts as a conversation about the personal and political impacts of hormone therapy quickly evolves into a raw, radical takedown of the broken systems that have failed women for decades.

    Alicia shares the origin story behind Menopunks: a grassroots movement born from her own hormone journey and frustration over the decades-long misinformation surrounding HRT.

    Together, she and Victoria dig into:

    • The shocking truth behind the WHI study and its long-term consequences

    • How Gen X rage may finally turn the tide in menopause advocacy

    • Why hormonal optimization is a feminist issue

    • The impact of estrogen on brain health, creativity, and longevity

    • How the system gaslights women into silence and suffering

    • Why artists, not just doctors, might be the messengers midlife women finally trust


    This episode is a call to arms. It's emotional, unapologetic, and unapologetically sweaty. You’ll walk away informed, outraged, and fired up to reclaim your health, your story, and your power.


    Resources & Links:



    Key Quotes:

    “We don’t need more products. We need the truth—and a hell of a lot more rage.”

    “What happens if all women were hormonally optimized? Everything.”

    “HRT didn’t just change my symptoms, it gave me my creativity and power back.”


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  

    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast. 

    62. Myth-Busting Midlife Fitness and Nutrition with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple28 juil. 202500:48:05

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple- exercise scientist, researcher, and truth-teller in the crowded world of wellness advice for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about fitness, fat loss, protein, hormones, and everything in between for midlife women.


    Dr. Colenso-Semple helps demystify the noise around social media trends and wellness fads. Together, they explore evidence-based strategies for building muscle after 40, bust the myth that cardio is “bad,” and clarify the real science behind weighted vests, intermittent fasting, protein intake, and cortisol.


    Whether you're frustrated by conflicting advice, overwhelmed by online "hacks," or simply wondering what actually works for women in perimenopause and menopause, this episode will give you practical, research-backed insights without the gimmicks.


    What We Cover:

    • Why women can build muscle in midlife (yes, even in their 80s!)

    • The truth about strength training, cardio, and walking with weighted vests

    • Cortisol myths and how real stress, not hormones alone, affects weight

    • Calorie deficits, diet quality, and why "calories in vs. calories out" still matters

    • Protein goals made simple: what's realistic, what’s overkill, and how to hit your needs

    • The deal with intermittent fasting and fasted workouts

    • What to know before filling your cabinet with supplements

    • The dangers of oversimplified hormone therapy messaging on social media

    • Why nuance matters in science communication and how to spot red flags online


    One big takeaway? The basics still work. No magic pills, no quick fixes—just consistent habits, realistic expectations, and informed choices.


    🔗 Follow Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple on Instagram: @drlaurencs1


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  


    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    © My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify