Wine, Women & Weed Podcast

Menopause can be confusing- agree? Shirley's stepping up to the plate with answers to your biggest, juiciest questions—think hormones, hot flashes and how to get what you need from your doctor. With her signature wisdom, she's dishing out real-world advice, expert insights, and the kind of motivation that makes you want to actually take action and create your own plan to optimize your health during this important life transition. If you're ready start owning your journey, this episode is your new BFF. Hit play now—and let's get started  

Welcome back to She2.0, where we keep it real about life, hormones, and everything in between. Today, we're diving into a topic that so many women struggle with—menopause. Joining us is Sarah Gibson, Founder of Vitality Health Matrix, who knows firsthand just how challenging this phase of life can be. After shedding 4 stones during her own perimenopause journey, Sarah has dedicated herself to helping other women overcome similar struggles with expert advice and powerful insights. In this episode, Sarah opens up about navigating the emotional and physical rollercoaster that menopause brings. She's sharing five game-changing hormone hacks that could make a world of difference for you. But what really sets Sarah apart is how she breaks down what these hormonal imbalances feel like—helping you recognize what your body might be telling you. Whether you're battling brain fog, low energy, or stubborn weight gain, Sarah's practical tips and actionable advice will leave you feeling empowered. Sarah's personal journey led her to uncover five key hormonal imbalances that can dramatically affect our health and well-being. By addressing these imbalances, Sarah regained her vitality and founded Vitality Health Matrix, a practice that has since helped nearly 1,500 women reclaim their energy, confidence, and shed stubborn weight. Why does this matter? Well, nearly 70% of women experience weight gain during menopause. Plus, 80% report frustrating symptoms like brain fog, low energy, and sleep disturbances—yet only 12% manage to find a healthcare provider who can help. Hormonal shifts can also increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and mental health struggles, making it all the more important to get the right support. Tune in to hear Sarah share her powerful insights to help you feel like yourself again. This is one episode you won't want to miss!

In advance of this episode, I sent Sara Frenza, published fitness model, writer, nutrition & body transformation coach and the owner of Sara Frenza Fitness and Nutrition, my weekly food journal and exercise log. I was feeling righteous because I had cut wine out during the week, added Pilates, yoga and weight training to my agenda and yet I still gained 2 lbs! I felt ripped off and wanted to know whose fault it was. In this episode, Sara reviews my food & exercise log and shocked me with some pretty illuminating facts and insights. Spoiler alert – it IS my fault! Many of the things Sara shared were new and I was surprised to learn some of the common mistakes women mistake when trying to shed those extra pounds. Why is Sara the right person for this conversation? She's been there! After overcoming her own struggles with chronic dieting and post-pregnancy weight gain, Sara discovered a sustainable approach to losing over 50 lbs and transforming her body composition. Today she helps other women achieve their dream bodies through her coaching program that focuses on the exclusive Restore, Lean out, and Sustain body transformation protocol which focuses on improving metabolic and hormonal health. Sara has been published in top fitness magazines such as Strong Fitness magazine, Inside Fitness magazine, D'Fyne Fitness and Muscle and Health magazine, and has graced the covers multiple times.    Tune in!

Welcome back to the She2.0 podcast! Today I'm in conversation with Laura Bradburn, Owner & Founder of Branch Out Wellness and Holistic Health Consultant. Following up to dry January, I confess a few things to Laura about my perspective on alcohol and my own personal habits. Don't judge because I went out on a limb to be honest for the benefit of this conversation. There is a lot to say about going dry in regard to both pros and cons. On the one hand, giving up alcohol entirely is the best thing to do for your body and your brain but on the other hand, what if you're like me and don't want to give up a nice bold glass of cabernet sauvignon? I have significantly cut down my wine consumption, especially since the Surgeon General has called for cancer warning labels on all alcohol. That's enough to scare anyone sober. However, do we do it all at once or is moderation still a thing? That depends on your dependency, I guess. Many of us wonder if we can even go dry for a week, much less a month. In the circles I'm in, we're having honest conversations about our reliance on alcohol for many things – reward, stress and socializing. After a few weeks of wine on weekends only, I have personally noticed a big difference. Not all of it has lived up to the stories I've heard from others, but I feel great and have more energy and I love looking forward to a nice bold red on a Friday night. I've never been an all or nothing gal and I feel that scarcity makes me (and many others) fail and diets and dry drinking. But we can't just leave it at that. We need an answer. A ‘magic pill' of sorts. And that's where Laura Bradburn comes in! Join us for this ‘on the line' chat about cocktail consumption and an interesting alternative that won't leave you feeling completely ‘hung out to dry'! Tune in!

Have you ever wondered what happens when your brand stays young, but you don't? It's a reality many entrepreneurs face, especially in industries focused on families and kids. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Julie Cole, co-founder of the beloved brand Mabel's Labels, to explore this fascinating and often overlooked aspect of aging. Julie built Mabel's Labels with parents of young children in mind—a vibrant, energetic demographic that doesn't age out. But what happens when the face behind the brand is no longer in that same life stage? How do you stay connected to your audience when your personal life has evolved? In this candid conversation, Julie shares her journey of growing older while her brand remains forever young. We dive into how she's adapted her leadership, stayed relevant in a competitive market, and managed the unique challenges of aging in an industry focused on youth. Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or simply curious about how aging intersects with entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for an inspiring and insightful chat with Julie Cole that will leave you thinking about aging—and branding—in a whole new light.

This episode of Girl with a Pearl dives into the transformative power of aging with purpose. But this journey doesn't begin in later years—it starts with how we view aging and respect our elders from a young age. How we honor and value the wisdom, experiences, and contributions of individuals across every stage of life defines the strength of our communities. It's time to recognize that every decade brings its own unique value, and none should be prioritized over another. Let's talk about our careers. Imagine workplaces thriving because they embrace the strengths of an aging workforce. That's exactly what Zoe Share and Amy Altwerger, the brilliant minds behind Rosie's Roadshow, are championing. As co-founders of this innovative initiative, they're reshaping leadership and workplace culture with groundbreaking, age-positive solutions. Through their dynamic traveling events, Zoe and Amy deliver cutting-edge strategies tailored for the booming Aging & Wellbeing Economy—proving that age is not a barrier to innovation but a catalyst for progress. Tune in to hear why these passionate advocates, at a young age, are working tirelessly to shift the narrative and help us celebrate aging as an enriching, empowering process. This isn't just about growing older—it's about living fully and embracing every stage of life with the respect and recognition it deserves. Tune in!

Today's episode is starring me, Jacquie Court. I have shared so many stories from experts and amazing women but I've never really shared my own. In fact, my story is the reason I started She2.0 because I didn't want anyone else to suffer.  From our first period to our last, we need support, education and resources. However, that was not my experience - during my period, pregnancies or menopause. Today I'm sharing a few things I learned along my journey and I'm busting a few myths I'm tired of women hearing.  Tune in!

Stop me if you've heard this before. A woman walks into her doctor's office and tells him she thinks she's having ‘symptoms'. He dismisses her and says one of many things. A. It's all in your head. B. Well you're at that age or C. You just need to get more exercise? So many women complain of having their concerns dismissed by their healthcare practitioners. Not only is this extremely frustrating and disrespectful, it can also lead to more serious health issues. Many women feel unprepared and unarmed when it comes to advocating for their own health and they usually leave feeling frustrated and resigned. For those who have been here before, I want you to listen to this outrageous story in today's podcast. Kristen Parker is a teacher, a mother, a wife and my cousin-in-law. Last year, she took on the healthcare system and got exactly what she needed. But not without one hell of a fight. What's the ‘pearl of wisdom'? You'll have to tune in to hear Kristen's incredible story.

Welcome back to the She2.0 Podcast where we explore the unique journey of midlife with wisdom, humor, and inspiration! This is the first episode of the Fall and we're calling this season, “Girl with a Pearl”. Why? Because we've spoken to so many incredible experts who have been generous with their wisdom, advice and resources and now we want to hear from women who are experiencing mid-life issues first hand. Today, I'm thrilled to have a remarkable guest — Kathy Buckworth. Kathy is a celebrated author, speaker, and media personality whose work has inspired countless women to embrace their midlife with confidence and grace. With a knack for tackling life's big questions and challenges, Kathy has penned several impactful books and shared her expertise in a variety of media. In today's episode, Kathy will share her personal story of navigating the ups and downs of midlife, offering invaluable insights and practical wisdom. Whether you're facing transitions in your career, relationships, or personal goals, Kathy's experience and advice will provide you with fresh perspectives and encouragement. Tune in as Kathy opens up about her journey and delivers a powerful piece of wisdom that promises to resonate deeply with anyone looking to make the most out of this transformative stage of life. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us for an enlightening conversation with Kathy Buckworth. This is one episode you won't want to miss!

Brandi Mitchell is the Founder of San Diego Soccer Women in California. Her goal is to connect and expand the global community of age 30 and older recreational female soccer players of every ability level.  At age 47 has traveled the world joining in both standard and walking soccer tournaments for ages 40 and older, as well as organizing international “Soccer Women” trips. I love that her number one goal is to increase opportunities for older women, mainly ages 30 to over 70, to join, continue or return to recreational soccer. Brandi just wants women to kick down the imagined boundaries of age and gender and I'm behind her all the way! Brandi and I have a chat that could have gone on for days! Luckily, I was able to edit it an episode though. You're welcome.  In this episode, we're talking about how physical, mental, economic and emotional health of women as we age relies on positive relationships with our own bodies. And that means pushing back against generations of social messaging that tells us we are never shaped, dressed or acting the way we ‘should' in the eyes of others.  She also points out that Women are not “girls” – it's time to be accountable for how referring to adult females as children (by both men and women) prolongs sexist and ageist behavior in society. So, sit back and get comfortable, we have a lot to cover. And by the end of it, I bet you feel inspired to go find a sport! I'm excited to be meeting Brandi and other inspiring female athletes like herself at this year's one of a kind sports festival, The Good Games July 6th and 7th in Guelph, Ontario.

In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy specifically tailored for women. Psychedelic Integration coach, Ondrea Crockett sheds light on the unique experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs encountered by women undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, as well as the ethical considerations and safety protocols involved in their use. Through psychedelic therapy, women are reclaiming agency over their mental health and wellness journeys. Tune in and discover the profound ways psychedelic therapy is reshaping the landscape of women's mental health and well-being.

As a woman I can't say how great it is to hear menopause openly discussed in my family, friend groups, media, and entertainment. We should be talking about it. It's such an important transition in a woman's life so why hide it? However, the tone around menopause still needs some work! The way I hear it discussed would make any woman put the brakes on. Who is going to embrace vaginal dryness, brain fog and hot flashes with open arms? There is more to menopause than mood swings. The way we talk about menopause sets the tone for all women after us. Charlotte White Ima is the Founder of Cascade Herbal Living, and she is sharing her upbeat, unique, and inspiring perspective on midlife and ‘the change' with you. Charlotte brings the questions of spiritual awareness to life's phases in a way that makes complete sense to me. I love that she challenges the negative perceptions by seeing Menopause as an invitation to level up, not bypass. I hope you'll tune in and keep your mind open to a positive way to see what's ahead.

As winter settles in, so does Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the workplace. As the days grow shorter and the workload longer, we find ourselves battling not just deadlines, but the urge to hibernate under our desks until spring. It's like everyone suddenly morphs into human-sized houseplants, craving sunlight, and chlorophyll in equal measure. Whether you, yourself suffer from SAD or you know someone who does, it's important to understand what it is and to find treatable solutions to allow us to cope or help others who might need support.  In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ariel Dalfen, MD, FRCPC and co-founder of BRIA, a virtual clinic developed by leading MD psychiatrists with decades of experience in women's mental health care. Ariel explains what SAD is, how it impacts us in our personal and professional life and tips to help treat it. If you know someone who might be suffering, this would be a great episode to share with them. Tune in!

I'm a personal believer that you dress for your style and your energy - not your ‘age'. What does age-related style look like, anyway? Imagine being confined to a certain wardrobe because you fall into a specific age group? How limiting! And where is the self-expression? I click away from articles that talk about how to dress ‘for your age. or how to style your hair ‘for your age'. Time to throw away those old, ageist attitudes and find our fashion flair. To tell us how to seek out our style is personal wardrobe stylist, Scarlett De Bease. Scarlett shows women how to create fabulous, customized outfits, regardless of size or age, so they can show up to anything on their calendar with absolute confidence! Tune in!

If anyone loves their wine, it's me! I don't drink liquor or beer, but I am a huge sucker for a Californian Cab Sav. I love the flavour and I love the warm feeling I get in my belly after a few sips. It makes me feel calm, peaceful, and relaxed. Even when I don't want a glass, I am easily swayed when others around me are enjoying a glass and I inevitably give in and succumb to a full-bodied, jammy glass of heaven.   I'm also post-menopausal and still suffer from hot flashes and weight gain. Alcohol is not my friend. However, we've all been so conditioned to drinking – just looking at old movies and tv shows. Booze is all around us. It makes it hard to cut it out when we feel so immersed. It has become a social lubricant and a reward at the end of a hard or challenging day. Sarah Kate, the ‘mocktologist' behind Some Good Clean Fun dishes up the details on the benefits of going alcohol free and some great substitutes. Spoiler Alert: remember when non-alcoholic wines used to suck? Not anymore! Sarah also brings up some interesting facts that we should all know about cocktails and calories. All of this is just to provide you with a new perspective on our alcohol habits. It's down to personal choice though. Some of us might want to cut back, some may want to cut it out all together and others are fine with things the way they are. I'm good with any and all decisions. I just want to provide you with all possible options. So tune in and let me know what you think!

For many years I've struggled to find the best fitness routine, the best food choices, the best way to feel better. This journey began before I even realized I was in perimenopause.  As I entered post-menopause, I started to see what people were talking about. Things were changing. More to the point – things were getting tighter. Snug. Ugh.  I've explored so many ways to feel better and lose this stubborn weight but it's still a challenge. I tried intermittent fasting, and it did work. However, I started to hear conflicting reports on whether it is healthy for women in peri/post menopause to try it. I was confused.  Intermittent Fasting as incorrectly been referred to as a diet. This isn't accurate. Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. During the fasting periods, individuals abstain from food intake for a specific duration, promoting various health benefits such as weight loss and improved metabolic health. In this episode we cover so many questions on the topic. What steps can you take to feel empowered about your health over age 50? How can we combat our expectation that we will only get sicker, heavier, and foggier forever? What is the root cause of most people's challenges with their weight loss and health? What are your top 3 tips on how to get started with intermittent fasting TODAY? Does intermittent fasting wreck your metabolism or is it bad for women's hormones? I think you'll want to hear the answers as well so tune in!

It's the final podcast of the season and what better way to end the season than a conversation about …. MUSHROOMS! Hold your horses though – we're not talking about the woo-woo kind. I am talking to the founder of Micropause - Functional mushrooms, plant powered adaptogen perimenopause symptom relief gummies for all stages of your evolving midlife journey. Emily Wagner is a longtime authority in the health and wellness space - 30 years as a trainer, 15 years as Editor-in-Chief of Groomed LA, and a stint as Managing Editor of The Chalkboard Mag with a beat on the pulse of cutting-edge wellness trends. She has literally experimented with every supplement, powder, and potion on the market. As she was experiencing the distressing and often demoralizing symptoms of perimenopause, Emily was discouraged by the limited natural relief available beyond traditional hormone replacement therapy. Emily started researching the benefits of her beloved superfoods - functional mushrooms, apoptogenic roots, plants, and herbs – and was amazed to discover their potential to bolster overall well-being during the perimenopause and menopausal stage of life. And then ‘voila'! Emily found the relief she was looking for when she combined various supplements into her daily routine and couldn't wait to share her discovery. But she knew that when it came to the delivery system, it was imperative to offer a simple, perfectly dosed, delicious alternative to yet another pill to swallow. Want to know more? You'll have to tune in!

Dr. Daniela Steyn, M.D. joins me in this episode of the She2.0 podcast to talk about improving our quality of life through menopause. From weight loss sleep, Dr. Steyn covered so much ground and leaves us with solutions to budging those stubborn pounds, better sleep and happiness all around!  Speaking of happiness – did you know that 90% of our happy hormone is made in our gut? Tune in to find out more about that and so much more and while you're there, you'll want to pick up a copy of her new book, Thrive Through Menopause.  MenoHealth 101 is specifically designed to provide us with the knowledge and tools we need to face menopause confidently. This condensed course covers everything from the basics of what menopause is to the latest treatment options available. It takes a whole-body approach by delving into topics like stress management, getting better sleep, and having a healthy sex life so you can Thrive Through Menopause! Tune in!

In this episode of the She2.0 Podcast, I'm chatting with Monika Tupholme, BSc., CPT, PN, CFN to get to the bottom of the pounds (or fluff) that won't budge. Monika is a respected athlete and sought-after performance and fat loss specialist who works with busy, active women over 40 and 50 ++ to help them lose hormonal inches and reconnect with who they really are.  As the founder of the 3M System to Rev Your Over 40 Metabolism, Moni specializes in healing and priming the body (and mind) first before asking it to shape, at the same time working on limiting beliefs, stuck emotions, and mean girl self-talk that keeps women from lasting results. It turns out that if you want to move that needle on the scale, it's going to take more than diet and exercise - your mind has a big part in this too! How? Tune in!  

The other week I scrolled through one of my favourite newsletters and came across an image of Kate and Meghan. I am so over the royal family and their war.  And just as I was about to carry on, the headline hit me. “The ugly truth about girl power'. Wow.  I always thought girl power was a good thing. So how does this relate to aging and menopause? As I read quite a few articles online about menopause and how the author/journalist felt about the experience, I expected to read words of support and encouragement in the comments section. You know – girl ‘power'. Not so. In fact, not at all!   I reached out to Monica, the author of the newsletter that caught my eye, and I wanted her take. Why do women do this to each other? Is it our fault or have we been positioned like this by society and the patriarch? This is a time when we should be supporting each other so what gives? MONICA CORCORAN HAREL is a journalist, screenwriter, and the founder of PRETTY RIPE,  If you haven't heard of it, you'll want to subscribe right away like I did. Pretty Ripe is a multi-media platform for women (proudly) over 40. Monica is a self-described I “midlife midwife,” easing women over 40 into middle age. As a journalist who's written for The New York Times for over 20 years, Monice brings research and reporting to all her content.   She has been profiled in WWD and quoted in Time and InStyle. She also writes about beauty, fashion, midlife and the culture of modern women for The New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter. She has moderated programming for South by Southwest (SXSW), The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Soho House—and created award-winning content for companies like Estee Lauder and Morgan Stanley.   Monica's first feature film about two middle-aged women who swap bodies with Gen Z influencers is set up at Netflix with Eva Longoria attached to star and direct. She is currently adapting her magazine essay “My Mom Has No Friends” into a sitcom for 20th Television and Mandy Moore. She lives in L.A. with her family and really loves being an “older woman.”

Isn't it amazing how a little loss of estrogen can cause a ton of fuss in our bodies? If you're like me, you've probably noticed your hair is thinning, becoming a bit coarser and/or frizzy all the damn time? Ena Bentzen, CEO of Bioscal Canada joins me to talk about how our hair changes as we age and the science behind Bioscal which keep the scalp clean, clean out the clogs and prevent buildup. And the best part is, it stimulates hair growth. I can say that because I've tried it and I see little baby hairs growing back for the first time in years!

Today I'm learning more about fitness over 40 AND 50 during my chat with Samantha Montpetit Huynh. Sam has been a certified personal trainer for over 2 decades and is the founder of Sam Core Trainer where she coaches women 40+ with the most comprehensive online health management program for women in menopause and midlife. She is also a serial entrepreneur, media expert, speaker, teacher, mentor, course creator and author. You can catch her fitness segments on The Marilyn Denis Show and most recently on CBC's The National. For those of you who might be new to the She2.0 podcast, I'm Jacquie Court and I've been spending the past couple of years diving into the world of perimenopause and beyond to learn more about what's happening, where to turn to with questions and to explore treatments, solutions, and information to help guide us through.  I guess you can say I'm your tour guide on this journey. While it's my mission to present you with all the options and resources available to you - what you choose is up to you. There is no one-size-fits-all. She2.0 is treatment agnostic. It's not my job to judge or critique – I'm here to learn and to decipher this next stage so that I can share this knowledge with you to help you take charge of your menopause. Why? Because it doesn't have to suck.   And now back to Sam….

Muffin top? Menopause Apron? There are so many words for the weight we accumulate around the middle. Many of us are struggling with it. How do we get it under control? I'm so excited to have Amanda Thebe join me on the first episode of the She2.0 Podcast in 2023! If you haven't heard of Amanda, you'll def want to hear what she has to say about fitness after 40 and how to battle the meno-bulge. Amanda Thebe is a Fitness and Women's Health Expert with nearly thirty years of experience in the fitness industry, she is the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!.   

When it comes to the way we think about our sex life, have we got it all wrong? Let's be honest, your libido is decreasing thanks to peri/menopause and you're wondering if you're ever going to get back in the sexy saddle. You question your body, Mother Nature and the Universe and you wonder if you'll ever going to want sex again. Great news!  You can and you will. But first you have to make the most important step - changing the way you think about sex.  When you tune in and listen to what Nicole shares, I wonder if you'll actually hear your mind shift the way I did?  Nicole gave me hope and a whole new game plan. Best holiday gift ever! You're welcome in advance! Nicole Schroeder is a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers in Ontario (OCSWSSW). She completed her post-graduate training in couple and individual therapy in emotion focused therapy and sex therapy. Nicole currently works in an outpatient gynaecology clinic in a Toronto hospital and in private practice, with a focus on individual, relationship, and sex therapy. She also facilitates virtual groups and courses on a variety of topics related to sexual wellbeing at Bria, a virtual mental health clinic in Ontario. She knows her stuff!  

I have recently been sharing the stage with author and pharmacist Irene Hogan. We've spoken together at a few shows on the topic of Sexy after 40.  Once we're done, I simply move aside and let Irene answer the questions that our conversation raises for so many women (and some men, too!) Irene has so much insightful information to share about sex and things down ‘there'. She is proof that we don't know what we don't know – and what we don't know can be dangerous. She even supports my belief that if you don't use it, you could lose it! In this episode, Irene and I chat about our MIA libidos, what's causing it, how can we get it back and interestingly, how not all our sexual health issues can be pinned on menopause. Spoiler alert: communication is also a culprit. So, tune in and learn from the author of “Hot Chix Hot Sex”. Guaranteed it will be your new bedside table reading!

For the past couple of years, we've talked all about perimenopause as the runway to menopause. This is the opportunity for us to acclimatize our bodies and brains for what comes next. But imagine not having that lead time? Imagine being told you're going to skip it all together and head straight into menopause by the time you wake up tomorrow or the next day? Most women that go into post-surgical or post-treatment menopause report feeling completely overwhelmed and completely under educated or informed. This can lead to a lot of stress adding to their existing health conditions. Kim MacDonald, Weather Network Anchor Breast Cancer Canada spokesperson, wife, mom of two daughters, dog mom, and a survivor shares her experience on how chemotherapy threw her into sudden menopause which had a huge impact on her life. Few people even know that menopause is a side effect of breast cancer chemotherapy.   Tune in!

What the heck is going on ‘down there'? From dryness to pain, our pelvic health is an issue that hasn't previously been adequately addressed. Now it seems like it's all we talk about. And it's a good thing we are because knowledge is power. That's why I was so excited to meet Tracy MacNeal – a woman on a mission!  The former chemical engineer and women's health pioneer is leading a pelvic health revolution to empower and improve the health of millions of women across the United States.  Tracy is the President and CEO of med tech innovators Materna Medical, and part of her campaigning includes championing awareness of the much misunderstood and greatly undiagnosed condition, vaginismus. Tune in and find out what it is and how you can treat it!

Did you know that 1 in 10 women leave their jobs because of menopause? Just when we're at the pinnacle of our careers, the hotflashes and brain fog come in to sabotage our success. We look at our younger, fertile colleagues who experience similar symptoms but because of their fertile status, their symptoms are 'adorable'. They get 'baby brain' and we get fired. Doesn't seem fair.  Not only are companies treating women with discrimination when they don't support them during menopause, they are losing quality talent. Women in their menopausal years bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. How can we just let them go or leave on their own accord because of their symptoms? Join Sharon MacArthur - AKA Miss Menopause. Sharon works with companies to help them support women through menopause and considering 100% of women will go through it - we all owe Sharon a round of applause! Here what she has to say about menopause in the workplace. 

Menopause is a confusing and alienating time for most of us. We don't know whether we're coming or going and we can't seem to get the information and support we need.  Now, imagine going through that same frustration but not as a white woman, but as a black woman? Just the colour of a woman's skin can change her experience with her symptoms and the support she receives.  This inequity can be very harmful for women of colour. Omisade Burney-Scott, the founder of Black Girl's Guide to Surviving Menopause joins me to talk about the journey she went through and how she is helping guide others through menopause.  Tune in!

Lou Featherstone is embracing menopause and taking it on the road in her ‘Self Love Revolution Tour'. It's a tour like no other! As she roams across the U.S, Lou is helping women to rediscover their confidence and fall back in love with their minds and their bodies. She's teaching us to step out of our comfort zone to join the Zero F*cks Club. Join Lu in Luland! Tune in! Tune in and don't forget to follow Lou's tour on Instagram. You'll wish you were there!

It's HOT! We are working and sweating and looking forward to a few weeks off to celebrate all the things we don't love about winter in Canada! There's also a BIG change coming for She2.0. We hope you'll stay tuned in to find out. We are so fortunate to have built this business together but sometimes things have to change. We often talk about the need to look after ourselves first. And Ramona is walking the walk on this. She has been so instrumental in the creation of this platform and community and this is not 'good bye'. It is 'see you soon'.  Tune in!

In this episode, we're talking about another ‘taboo' symptom of menopause. Our mental health. Many of us feel alone and somewhat ‘crazy' as we navigate peri/menopause. The good news is, we're not alone. Dr. Ariel Dalfen is a psychiatrist who has specialized in treating women struggling with mental health issues across the life spectrum for 20 years. Together with 2 fabulous partners, she created started BRIA–a virtual care clinic that offers comprehensive and integrated mental health care for women with mental health issues across life stages–trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum and perimenopausal. BRIA doesn't just focus on mental health, they focus specifically on women in perimenopause, because they recognize the significant of services available for women at this critical stage of life – like peri/menopause We hope you'll tune in.

The one common thing we hear from our amazing audience is that they don't know where to turn for information on menopause. There are so many gaps in our healthcare that we feel overlooked and dismissed.  Well times are changing thanks to the newly launched  Menopause Foundation of Canada! Trish Barbato and Janet Ko, co-founders of the non-profit advocacy organization have had their own struggles with menopause and have decided to make menopause their cause in order to help women everywhere.  Tune in to hear more about the Foundation and why it's going to be a huge help to all women!

With menopause estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry, you can be sure that brands are going to come knocking. They want into our pockets and our pants with devices and products to cure every hotflash and night sweat.  On the one hand, we're really happy to see so many more options finally emerging to help us through menopause, but on the other hand, can we really trust what we're being sold?  Dr. Nathan Guerette, CEO of the Intimate Wellness Institute of Virginia and CMO of the Intimate Wellness Institute in Virginia joins us to talk about the red flags and warnings we need to look out for in the new menopause market.  Tune in!

With the stress of COVID, virtual schooling, WFH and everything else the past two years has thrown at us, it's easy to mistake pandemic related symptoms with a much more serious threat – cardiovascular disease.  Once we hit our 40's, our bodies produce less estrogen which means less protection for our hearts. It's a silent disease because high cholesterol doesn't give any symptoms. We know this because Jacquie found out the hard way by getting bloodwork for an HRT assessment. That's when we learned that our cholesterol rises with the onset of perimenopause. As we've said before, what you don't know can hurt you. It's important for us to understand our hearth health, the signs, and symptoms to beware of and how to maintain a stronger heart.   In this episode, Dr. Beth Abramson MD is Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto joins us to talk about women and heart health. Dr. Abramson is the Paul Albrechtsen Professor in Cardiac Prevention and Women's Health in the Division of Cardiology at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto.   Tune in!

We're telling our truth in this episode and it wasn't easy! We're joined by Jowita Bydlawska, author of "Drunk Mom" to talk about women and alcohol. How do current 'mom memes' encourage us to drink and do we realize the damage we're doing to our bodies and brains?  The added downside of booze is that it adds nothing but grief to our menopause symptoms - Sleep, weight and health!  So what's the answer? Maybe a healthier relationship with our wine?  Talking openly? Tune in!

We didn't use to think so but after speaking with Kim Vopni - the Vagina Coach, we've learned so much about how things work 'down there' and why it might be 'common' but it is FAR from normal to pee your pants. Kim shares some really helpful information that will inspire you to take a hand mirror for a little tour. How are things functioning? How are they looking? What's healthy and what's not when it comes to symptoms around our pelvic floor? Tune in!

When you're having a hot flash, memory loss or sleepless nights does it ever feel like no one is listening? You're not alone. And partly because in the past, no one WAS listening. That might be because treating hormones can feel dangerous to doctors. Many don't have a lot of training in this area.  Lack of menopausal care is a huge disservice to women but let's shed a little light as to why that might be. We're talking to Dr. Susan Goldstein, MD CCFP FCFP NCMP is a Toronto based family physician and GP Psychotherapist with a special interest in women's health and menopause, Certified menopause practitioner and elected board member of the Canadian Menopause Society.  Not only does she answer our questions and address our frustrations with the gaps in our healthcare, but Dr. Goldstein also has the inside track on studies and changes that are on the horizon and will help all of us to feel more acknowledged and taken care of. She also shares 6 questions every woman should ask her doctor.Tune in!

Season 4 of the She2.0 podcast has sprung!  In the past 3 seasons we were really focused on symptoms, treatments, and options and while we'll continue to stay on top of that, we are also going to start talking more about critical issues such as accessibility and lack of awareness and education have been huge issues for women going through this critical stage.   In our upcoming season, we're starting to work towards helping women understand that how to ‘buyer beware' because we are a highly targeted market by brands and advertisers. We'll be addressing affordability and we're going to be challenging some current regulations by asking a lot of deep questions.   Some of the topics you can look forward to: Buyer beware: Personal devices and other menopause related products. What you need to know, red flags to look for and questions you should be asking before you purchase. Skin deep: How does our skin change through menopause and what treatments can help? Which ones are safe and which ones should you avoid? Menopause and ethnicity: Did you know that women in different ethnicities experience menopause differently both physically and culturally? We're exploring menopause around the world. 6 questions you should be asking your doctor and your doctor should be asking you. Inside out – getting up close and personal with your vagina (because we haven't said the word ‘vagina' enough in the past 2.5 years!)   So tune in!

It's hard to believe we're going into another year. We just hope the holidays are full of family time – IRL! No more Zoom! As we recorded our final episode, we had a chance to reminisce about some of our favourite episodes from the past year. What were yours? We'd love to hear from you! The holidays can be super stressful. Especially when your hormones are all over the place and making your mind feel like someone emptied the kitchen junk drawer on to a trampoline (we stole this from @moodswings_and_otherthings on Insta!). So, we've got some suggestions to help you keep your cool during those chaotic but festive moments! Follow us on Instagram @she2dot0 and stay tuned for a very exciting season 4 in 2022! Happy Holidays!

Menopause can be a challenging time for most women but we're happy to see more and more options than ever when it comes to managing our health and symptoms. From hormones to herbs, vitamins, and other holistic options, we are finally being given solutions. Prior to a few years ago, the treatment of menopause was very medical based. Our doctors were happy to write us a script for hormones, antidepressants, and sedatives. Only in the past 10 years or so have lifestyle measures and natural therapies become embraced, accepted, and utilized giving us more options based on our needs and our comfort level. Our guest today is Sherry Torkos, a holistically oriented pharmacist, health writer and a woman in menopause. Sherry takes us through the benefits of Red Clover and how Promensil uses it to help alleviate some of the worst of our menopause symptoms. Promensil is a safe and effective way to treat menopause symptoms. Not only does it help reduce vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, lack of concentration, but it also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis so commonly seen in menopausal women. Tune in!

How many times have we walked into our doctor's appointment only to forget what we wanted to ask? Heck, if you're in menopause, how many times have you walked into your own damn kitchen and forgotten what you were there for? Memory aside, women must take their health into their own hands when it comes to coping and dealing with peri/menopause. Why? Because we know first-hand that what you don't know can have a very negative impact on your health. We're talking to Sandra Love who has first-hand experience with a serious situation that resulted from lack of information from her own doctor. We'll let Sandra share her story, but it certainly reinforced the importance of advocating for our own health. Tune in!

As we hit the big 4-0, we start to notice subtle changes to our bodies, our skin, and our faces. Our lines and skin tone don't lie – even if we do!  Whether we're raging against aging or choosing to ‘age gracefully' we must admit, age is more than just a number to us. We've tried treatments, facials and lotions & potions but it really comes down to facial structure to really support our aging skin. Andrea Fairborn – R.H.N, has been in the wellness industry for over 20 years. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Holistic Facialist, Reiki practitioner and a Face Yoga and Pilates instructor. She's joining us to talk about the subtle and not so subtle changes we can experience by doing a little face yoga and an ancient practice called Gua Sha. It does take time and practice but for those who want a natural approach to tighter skin, you'll want to tune in. Our lines tell us something about our past and about what's happening in our body. It's important to understand that because they are a map to our health. But we don't want to erase our lines completely. We want to look healthy, not impossible.   Have a listen and if you're interested in learning more and experiencing how facial yoga and Gua Sha can work for you.

When we talk about menopause, we tend to focus on the symptoms. The things that physically impact us and can alter our day-to-day experience. However, what we don't tend to discuss is one of the less acknowledged ‘side effect' of menopause – grief. Like any other loss, we experience grief over the loss of our past selves, our ability to produce both children and collagen! We often give a nod to depression and anxiety that can come with this change in life, but we turn a blind eye to how this all makes us feel inside. We're talking with Terri Swan, Director of Compassion and Nurturing at Womb Cocoon. Terri Swan is an Advanced Online Grief Recovery Specialist. Terri acts a guide for women, to move them beyond loss and grief to a life of emotional completion and recovery. Terri will be discussing the impacts of grief, on menopause, our health and our relationships by lending insight to why it's important to acknowledge our grief at this point in our lives so we can heal and thrive. We admit the conversation made us a bit emotional. As women, we really to tend to push that ‘stuff' down and soldier on. It all catches up with us though and it's important to acknowledge it. Tune in!

Is Hormone Replacement Treatment HRT safe? Safe for everyone? Safe for you? It's a question many of us have asked ourselves and our doctors for years but have you ever felt confident with the answer? Back in 2002 the publication of a landmark study warned of the potential negative side-effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The report scared the hell out of women everywhere with the promise of serious health risks. And 19 years later, we're still on the fence about it. As we always say, knowledge is power and we wanted to learn what the deal is. Is HRT safe? Should we be scared? What are bio-identicals and natural HRT options? There's a lot to learn and we're starting with the basics because we know many of you, like ourselves have a lot of questions and concerns around this topic. Our She2.0 ‘doctor on call' Dr. Andrea Walsh joins us to talk about the 101 of HRT. We feel like she answers most of our questions but if you have questions of your own, reach out to us and we'll find you the answers! Tune in!

Some topics that are really close to our heart and Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of them. Not just because of the relief it can offer women going through peri/menopause but because of its approach to women and the change in general. It is far more optimistic, embracing, and unapologetic than our North American perspective and we find that hopeful and reassuring. Angela Warburton R.TCMP, R.Ac is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Using holistic and natural medicine, she helps restore balance to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to help women understand the subtle (or not so subtle) signs and symptoms of their body and emotions so they can live their most radiant life through menopause and beyond. We also have chat about ‘the second spring' being a time for women to look forward to as they step into their greatest power. It came as a surprise to us that different cultures view and experience menopause differently.

Hey Samual Jackson! We have no problem going to sleep. It's staying asleep that we struggle with. In fact, sleep is one of the most common problems women experience with perimenopause. A lack of sleep triggers a series of other issues like stress, anxiety, fatigue amongst other things. How's a gal supposed to function?  We figure helping you sleep is a great way to kick of Season 3 of the podcast. In this episode we're talking to Kerry Roberts, RPh, BSc. (Hons) Pharm, NCMP (NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner) Brant Arts, IDA Pharmacy. Kerry works with women going through the transition and helps them to understand their bodies and learn more about their options. Because there are options – plenty of them!  Not only do we explore the options, but Kerry also gives us some interesting and scary advice about pharmaceutical sleep aids. Everyone should know this, and we're shocked that we've never heard this before.  So tune in! 

The sun is shining, the patios are open and we're finally vaccinated! This calls for a celebration! So, we're going to be wrapping up the podcast for the summer as we swap our sweats for swimsuits and try to disconnect and enjoy some down time. We have learned so much over the past year. Our experts have shared some invaluable information that has not only changed the way we view menopause, it's helped us conquer a few of the symptoms as well. Our conversations have been a game-changer to our health and our minds. Our minds were blown by the courage and strength of our ‘real women, real stories' guests who weren't afraid to tell us about their own journey and struggles. We are in awe by the amazing community we're building.We even had the world's bravest man join us! You'll want to listen to that episode! In this final episode, we reflect on some of the amazing women we've met, advice that changed our world and topics we're excited to explore when our podcast heats up again in September.   Keep following us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube because even though we won't be podcasting, we're keeping the conversation, advice and tips going over the summer months. Flip flops on and bottoms up, everyone!  

This is our second chat with Dr. Kristy Prouse, MD FRCSC (OB/Gyn); Chief Medical Officer of the Institute for Hormonal Health and we're really excited about this one. Why? Because we know YOU'RE going to be excited about it too. We're always talking about the effects of aging on our bits and parts but the one thing we can not talk enough about is… why we don't have to suffer. For most women we talk to, urinal incontinence is a big one. Guess what? In France they don't even have a word for ‘kegel'. There's a reason for that but you'll have to tune in later for that info. An astounding 5 out of 10 women don't even seek help because they don't know help exists. It does and we're here to chat with Dr. Prouse about the options and we've tried a few ourselves so we'll be reporting on those treatments and why you no longer have to pee when you sneeze. So get ready to enjoy a romp on the trampoline this summer because help is on its way!

When we talk about menopause, estrogen always seems to steal the limelight. We know that our bodies aren't producing as much of it and we know the signs. But is estrogen taking all the credit? In this episode, Dr. Kristy Prouse, MD, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of The Institute of Hormonal Health joins us to talk about what's really keeping us up at night! 

One of the most common symptoms of menopause is memory loss. We can't find our keys, remember what we were just going to say, forget the word to describe that thingamajiggy we need. It starts off slowly but as we start to lose our nouns, we start to really worry that we might be headed for disaster. Recently in the news we'd read that there has been talk about a connection between menopause and Alzheimer's Disease. Naturally we FREAKED OUT! We thought this was a phase, not a predictor for a pretty scary future. So we did what anyone would, we sought out Dr. Gillian Einstein, faculty member in the Department of Psychology and the Founder of the Collaborative Specialization in Women's Health at the University of Toronto. Dr. Einstein studies women's brain health and aging. So while the media has been a little fear-mongering on this topic, it's not to be entirely dismissed. However, after listening to this podcast, you'll probably sleep better.