Explore every episode of the podcast Women Mastering Midlife
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111. Back to Pharmacy School at 46: A Solo Episode on Career Reinvention in Midlife | 17 août 2026 | 00:31:11 | |
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
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
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. DisclaimerThis 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 Gioia | 03 août 2026 | 00:53:51 | |
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
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 Weiss | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:51:11 | |
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
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 WeissPhil 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 WeissApprise Wealth Management: apprisewealth.com Let's Keep the Conversation GoingIf 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. DisclaimerThis 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 Midovia | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:44:23 | |
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:
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:
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 DisclaimerThis 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 Seasons | 22 juin 2026 | 00:36:38 | |
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:
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:
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 Schaffer | 08 juin 2026 | 01:00:56 | |
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 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
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. DisclaimerThis 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, PharmD | 25 mai 2026 | 00:53:18 | |
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:
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 Women | 18 mai 2026 | 00:41:22 | |
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:
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 Confidence | 11 mai 2026 | 00:48:12 | |
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:
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 Pfeffer | 04 mai 2026 | 00:51:21 | |
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 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. 2026 | 01:00:52 | |
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
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
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 Voice | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:26:00 | |
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:
Key Takeaways
What’s Next for Women Mastering Midlife Victoria shares her vision for the next 100 episodes, including:
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 Thurlow | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:51:40 | |
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:
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
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:
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 Hill | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:59:35 | |
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
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 Demcher | 30 mars 2026 | 01:04:21 | |
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:
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 Kochannek | 23 mars 2026 | 00:45:17 | |
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:
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 Conversation | 16 mars 2026 | 01:03:40 | |
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 Tetenbaum | 09 mars 2026 | 00:46:17 | |
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:
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:
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 Bell | 02 mars 2026 | 00:57:31 | |
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:
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 Burk | 23 févr. 2026 | 01:01:01 | |
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 Perimenopause | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:24:45 | |
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
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 Go | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:37:20 | |
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:
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, RD | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:43:11 | |
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
📱 About the GoCoco App (Listener Bonus) Julie explains how the GoCoco app allows users to:
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 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 Medicine | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
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
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 Care | 19 janv. 2026 | 00:44:34 | |
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:
How to find Meghan: Her Book: The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age 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 Naturally | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:55:08 | |
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:
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 Yuabova | 05 janv. 2026 | 00:56:29 | |
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:
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: 📞 (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 Loss | 29 déc. 2025 | 00:38:10 | |
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:
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 & Healing | 22 déc. 2025 | 01:06:10 | |
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:
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 Transformation | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:54:42 | |
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:
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 Healing | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:46:59 | |
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:
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 Health | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:49:53 | |
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:
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 Wellness | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:31:54 | |
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 Lodhi | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:51:16 | |
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:
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 Weiland | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:37:32 | |
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:
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 Woman | 03 nov. 2025 | 01:07:59 | |
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:
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 Price | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:59:05 | |
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:
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 Stewart | 20 oct. 2025 | 01:01:29 | |
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:
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 OT | 13 oct. 2025 | 00:38:13 | |
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:
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 Wellness | 06 oct. 2025 | 00:44:03 | |
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:
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 Training | 29 sept. 2025 | 00:32:03 | |
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:
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 Roy | 22 sept. 2025 | 00:24:54 | |
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:
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 Empowerment | 15 sept. 2025 | 00:48:16 | |
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:
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 Glass | 08 sept. 2025 | 00:39:54 | |
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:
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 Macaluso | 01 sept. 2025 | 00:39:25 | |
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:
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-C | 25 août 2025 | 00:55:29 | |
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:
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 Matsumura | 18 août 2025 | 00:46:51 | |
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 Many | 11 août 2025 | 01:12:27 | |
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:
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:
🔗 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. Rose | 04 août 2025 | 01:23:36 | |
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:
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-Semple | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:48:05 | |
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:
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. | |||