Podcasts about Energized

Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a time of massive change.  Because it IS! And with physical and hormonal changes comes the need for a big upgrade to your exercise and wellness routine. That's why I've brought expert Brian Keane onto the podcast to offer insight on optimally evolving your healthy habits to move with you through this wonderful season of life.  We dive into why restriction or an all-or-nothing approach to exercise can completely backfire in perimenopause and what to focus on instead for strength, energy, and longevity.  Brian also shares the most overlooked opportunities for building sustainable, effective wellness habits in midlife.  If you're ready to lean into this powerful season of life with confidence (and less frustration), this episode is for you! Tune in now.  Brian Keane Brian Keane is a 3x bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, sports nutritionist, and the host of the top podcast, The Brian Keane Podcast. Brian has been a featured speaker at prominent wellness events, and was a Keynote speaker at Google HQ for their 2018 wellness event. Outside of business, he's completed some of the world's most grueling feats, including six consecutive marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230km trek through the Arctic, and multiple ultra-marathons—highlighted by a 100-mile race through the desert in Nevada. IN THIS EPISODE Why your nutrition and exercise routine must change in midlife  Adjusting your mindset for optimal strength and resilience  Top strength and exercise recommendations for midlife women  The benefit of consistency in fitness vs. an all-or-nothing approach  Some of the most overlooked opportunities for healthier fitness and nutrition habits in midlife Non-negotiable force-multipliers for a healthier you Why sleep is the best thing you can do for your health Debunking certain health and wellness myths seen in the media  QUOTES“You don't judge a tree for its leaves falling off in autumn– don't judge yourself for moving into a new season of life.” “We can sometimes fail to see that the small things make a massive difference, whereas in other areas of life, you will do small things with your partner, with your son, with your daughter, and you know that they compound– putting them to bed, reading the story, having that time, you know that these small little things add up to building up that relationship and making it stronger. But with exercise, it's very easy to take an all or nothing approach.” RESOURCES MENTIONED My Newest Book: The Perimenopause Revolution  https://peri-revolution.com/ Connect with Brian HERE! Brian on TikTok Brian on Instagram Brian on Facebook Brian Keane Fitness on YouTube  RELATED EPISODES  #546: How to Stay Lean, Energized and Strong By Working With Your Physiology, Not Against It with Dr. Stacy Sims 684: The 5-Minute Workout That Boosts Metabolism, Energy & Reverses Aging with Ulrich Dempfle 657: How to Prevent, Manage, and Even Reverse Osteoporosis Naturally: The Hormone-Bone Health Connection Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Doug Lucas  #616: Jump-Start Your Metabolism and Put Your Body into a Thermogenic Fat-Burning State with Stu Schaefer

At the end of a busy year, you're probably feeling like you've been running on empty while pouring into everyone else.  So in this reflective episode, I invite you to pause and look back on 2025 with honesty and compassion for yourself. Together, we address the exhaustion so many midlife women are carrying and create space for a much-needed reset after a full and demanding year.  You'll be guided through what truly worked in 2025, what you're ready to release, and what you want to consciously carry forward as you turn the page.  With a focus on discernment, alignment, and intention—hallmarks of the perimenopausal journey—this episode offers 12 powerful reflection questions to help you find clarity on all you've gone through this year.   Tune in to honor how far you've come and step into 2026 with renewed confidence and purpose! IN THIS EPISODE Taking what I've learned in 2025 into the new year  Discovering what you want to call on in 2026  The benefits of taking time for reflection activities  How to make the most of a dedicated reflection time  My 12 end-of-year reflection questions for your 2025 Highlighting what you would like to see more of in 2026 QUOTES“I feel like this is the season of slowing down or at least becoming a bit more discerning about what we're saying yes to and what we're saying no to.”  “I want to invite you into an end-of-year reflection practice, not the kind that's overwhelming or guilt-inducing. Just real simple questions that help us reconnect with what worked, what didn't, and who we want to be, and who we need to be in the next year to come because without reflection, we are destined to repeat.” “May 2026 be your most vibrant, energized, and aligned year yet– may you get all the wins, or at least one, right? Give me the wins!” RESOURCES MENTIONED My Newest Book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ ⁠Use code ENERGIZED and get $100 on your first CAROL Bike order https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE⁠ Join me on Instagram! RELATED EPISODES  #614: Thoughtful Reflection Questions to Set the Stage for Your Best Year with Dr. Mariza #625: Effective Tools to Calm Stress Deregulation and Create Peace in the Chaos with Katie Wells 699: Managing Anxiety and Identity in Midlife + Why You Need Community More Than Supplements with Rosie Acosta 697: Hold Nothing: How to Find Stillness, Strength, and Soulful Connection Through Life's Transitions with Elena Brower 

If you've ever wondered why tumors can shrink but cancer still comes back years later, or why inflammation, gut health, and detoxification matter more than most people realize, this episode will shift how you think about cancer at its root. In this conversation, I explore groundbreaking research on breast cancer stem cells, metastasis, and how specific plant extracts can selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. We talk about why conventional treatments often miss the most aggressive cells, and how supporting the body's biology may play a role in reducing recurrence. We also connect the dots between chronic stress, inflammation, environmental toxins, gut health, and immune resilience—factors that are especially important for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and hormone imbalance. What You'll Hear in This Episode • Why breast cancer stem cells are believed to drive metastasis and recurrence • How certain plant extracts can distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells • The role of inflammation, detoxification, and environmental stress in cancer progression • Why an integrated approach matters—even alongside conventional treatment This episode is about understanding the what and the why behind cancer—not fear, not hype, and not false promises. It's about knowledge, empowerment, and looking deeper than symptoms alone. If you're interested in prevention, long-term resilience, or understanding how gut health, inflammation, and the immune system influence cancer risk, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Hit Play to hear the full discussion. Where can you find more about Sylvie Beljanski: The Beljanski Foundation (cancer research nonprofit) - https://beljanski.orgFacebook - facebook.com/TheBeljanskiFoundation Instagram - instagram.com/beljanskifoundation Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community.

Episode Summary: One of the habits of Jesus that is often overlooked, but extremely powerful is his habit of regularly withdrawing to a secluded place to intercede for his loved ones. This episode investigates the biblical evidence for believing Satan cannot stand against prayer made in Jesus' name for the growth of kingdom righteousness in our own hearts and over the earth.  For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Pre-program a vibrant morning. Listen to these affirmations as you fall asleep to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle the day with energy. Unwind now with our positive sleep affirmations podcast. Our soothing affirmations relax the mind and prepare the body for rest. Hit play, and drift into Good Sleep... Listen to more positive sleep affirmations by subscribing to the audio podcast in your favorite podcast app:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-sleep-positive-affirmations/id1704608129⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3OuJvYoprqh7nPK44ZsdKE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And start your morning with Optimal Living Daily! Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimal-living-daily-mental-health-motivation/id1067688314⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1hygb4nGhNhlLn4pBnN00j?si=ca60dcfd758b44b4⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pre-program a vibrant morning. Listen to these affirmations as you fall asleep to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle the day with energy. Unwind now with our positive sleep affirmations podcast. Our soothing affirmations relax the mind and prepare the body for rest. Hit play, and drift into Good Sleep... Listen to more positive sleep affirmations by subscribing to the audio podcast in your favorite podcast app:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-sleep-positive-affirmations/id1704608129⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3OuJvYoprqh7nPK44ZsdKE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And start your morning with Optimal Living Daily! Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimal-living-daily-mental-health-motivation/id1067688314⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1hygb4nGhNhlLn4pBnN00j?si=ca60dcfd758b44b4⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to step into the new year feeling empowered instead of empty? The Joy Edit's final episode brings Coaches Pam, Zoe, and Haley together to reflect on what makes an alcohol-free New Year's Eve not just survivable, but genuinely joyful. Coach Zoe remembers her first sober midnight with burnt homemade pizza, fancy fizzy drinks, and the startling realization: "Oh, there you are"—that moment when the fog lifted and she could finally see herself clearly. These reflections become practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year as you learn why your brain sends alarm signals when you remove alcohol (it's unfamiliarity, not danger), how visualization trains your nervous system before the real moment arrives, and what it means to stay in your "green zone" where choices feel clear and peace feels possible. Coach Haley shares her journey from people-pleasing chameleon to someone who can finally show up as herself, revealing that the very connection she thought alcohol provided was actually stronger without it. You'll discover the upward spiral of grace leading to curiosity, practice writing an encouraging letter to future you, and learn why you don't have to hold the whole season together—just yourself, with grace. This episode covers: Brain science revealing why firsts feel intimidating (your mind defines safe as familiar) and practical tips for staying alcohol-free in the new year Coach Zoe's first alcohol-free New Year's memory: waking up clear on January 1st, watching frost melt, hearing that tiny voice say "This is what peace feels like" How visualization fires the same neurons as actually doing something, preparing your nervous system so the real celebration feels calm and confident The power of "tonight I choose..." commitments instead of overwhelming forever promises Why preparation isn't control—it's kindness, whether that means planning your favorite alcohol-free drinks, choosing your outfit, or texting a supportive friend Coach Haley's revelation that fitting in was never the goal; feeling at home within herself was what she'd been craving all along The upward spiral: grace leads to curiosity, curiosity creates positive emotion, & positive emotion makes lasting change possible Creating your "letter to future you" to honor what you did (not list what you didn't), celebrating growth that comes from presence, not perfection, & more.. Episode links: livealcoholexperiment.com Related Episodes: Social Drinking: How Do I Muster The Willpower Not To Drink? - Reader Question - E88 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-88-reader-question-social-drinking-how-do-i-muster-the-willpower-not-to-drink/ Do you serve wine when you host parties? - Reader Question - E542 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-542-reader-question-do-you-serve-when-you-host-parties/ Why do we desire alcohol for celebration? - Reader Question - E266 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-266-reader-question-why-do-we-desire-alcohol-for-celebration/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura's Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Feeling totally drained amidst the holiday chaos?  In this episode, I'll be sharing with you my five practical, no-fluff tips to help you boost your energy and stay grounded during one of the busiest seasons of the year.  Because here's the truth: burnout does not have to be your baseline, even when your plate is overflowing.  These simple, doable habits are designed to support your hormones, protect your sanity, and help you feel more present—starting right now.  Even better, they're meant to build momentum that carries you beyond the holidays and straight into 2026 feeling stronger and more energized than ever.  Tune in here for a refreshing reset and real-life strategies you can actually stick with this season and beyond! IN THIS EPISODE My top ways to avoid the holiday burnout  Energy boosting habits for a healthier holiday  Starting your morning routine with an evening routine  How to liven up your daily water intake Supporting yourself with metabolically healthy meals  How to easily bring joy through music and movement  Walking into your New Year with energy and intention  QUOTES “The next energy boosting habit number 5- this one is big because we could all use a little bit of this- is protect your energy. Like your life depends on it because it does, right?” “It's just one thing after the other. It's so exhausting. Even though you may be smiling, I bet sometimes you're not. And people pick up on that energy. Family picks up on that energy.” “The key is to remember that your energy is sacred. You have more power than you think to protect it. So if you take anything away from this episode, let it be this– you matter. Your well-being matters.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your Timeline order http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED RELATED EPISODES #682: The Simple Daily Habit That Balances Blood Sugar, Boosts Energy & Extends Longevity ​​#678: How to Turn Perimenopause Into Your Metabolic Window of Opportunity + My Simple Daily Protocol To Feel Amazing #452: 5 Simple Hacks to Avoid Feeling Stressed and Triggered During the Holidays #458: 3 Ways to Manage Glucose Spikes During the Holidays

HealthyEnergy is important. It fuels our day-to-day lives and helps us achieve just about everything! Today's Charm Words encourage us to make the most of our inner “battery.” To keep this source of power flowing, let's make sure we take care of our bodies by getting lots of rest and eating h foods. We can also make sure to do the things we enjoy, which helps us “power up!” So let's go ahead and seize our day. There's so much to do and see!

 Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 3 Houses Belsus bonds over pain. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Becca took a small sip of her drink. Her eyes flared lightly, but she didn't cough or choke. "Dave, tell me a story from when you were younger. Something stupid you once did." Dave's head fell back against the couch. "Oh boy. I didn't do any of the usual stupid stuff. Far too insular for that, no group of friends to drag me into wild, hilarious mistakes." Dave thought for a minute, trying to decide if he should tell this particular story. Or if he could. Hell, they were stuck living with him, they deserved to know. "Okay, so this happened in my second summer of college. I was tutoring a lot, and one lady in particular met with me at least once a week. Really nice person, pretty too. Her name was Kim Dawson. She'd gone all in on the late 80's media image of what pretty looked like; dyed blonde hair, boob implants, blue contact lenses. That helped her professionally of course; she worked as a stripper and did well enough to pay her tuition out of pocket, plus a small but nice rent house for her and her son." "You went to her house?" Dave nodded while swallowing the sip he'd just taken. "After the first several sessions, we got comfortable with each other, and it was helpful to her for me to come over on days she didn't have classes, especially if she had to go to work after our tutoring session." Dave paused for a moment, gathering the courage to continue. "So, about two months after we started working together, I'm at her house, sitting at her dinner table. It's a small round table to one side of her kitchen. Like I said, it's a small house, but good condition and she kept it well. Big enough for her and a six year old. Anyway, she gets up to take a brain break and decides she's going to change. She wasn't heading to work, and had come back from running errands, so she wanted to put on something more comfortable." Dave noted the ladies exchanging glances amongst themselves. "Just,; don't judge okay?" He paused again for a moment. "She left her bedroom door open, but the table was well away from the door, like a big angle away." Another look shared. "I didn't follow her with my eyes or anything, but she started talking to me through the open door, so naturally I turned my head towards the door. There was a mirror on the wall that I could see. Now, no, no she wasn't visible in the mirror. At least not from the angle and distance I was at." The looks passing among the ladies were both cryptic in the specifics and utterly obvious in the general meaning. "Oh, I forgot to mention that earlier we had discussed payment. She said this might have to be the last session for a while because she didn't think she could afford to pay. I had told her we could work something out." Three sets of eyebrows raised. "No, not like that. I just assured her I'd let her pay it out if she needed to. I was trying to be accommodating. She needed the help, she put in the work, I was just trying to be helpful." "Oh, baby." Jan said sympathetically. Dave winced. "So then she says she can't hear me well and asks me to come to the door to talk to her." He sighed. "I didn't. I told her I couldn't, I didn't want to violate her privacy. I don't think those were the actual words I used, but it was something like that." Dave couldn't even look at the others, just stared up at the ceiling. "She insists, says she strips to a G-string multiple times a night and she's already in a bra and shorts, she's just looking for a shirt, so it's no big deal." Another sigh. "Then she finally says she wants me to come back there; to; be with her. She; she said I could sleep with her in exchange for tutoring." "Oh my god, David you didn't did you?" Lupie asked. "No, no of course I didn't. And that was the problem. I couldn't. I felt frozen. What she was asking me to do was against everything I'd been taught about being a good guy. And I had nothing against her, but I'd been taught that all the guys at the strip club were abusing her, and I didn't want to do the same, so I stayed put and told her I couldn't do that to her, we can work something else out. After a bit more back and forth, she got pissed and told me to leave. My legs had been frozen the entire time, locked up. I finally managed to force myself up and walked out." All three ladies were absolutely silent. "That wasn't the end of it. After waiting a week, I tried calling a few times to see if she wanted a tutoring session. She never answered." More silence. "Two semesters later, I take organic chem, and one of my classmates and study partners is a friend of Kim's. I didn't know that at first, she waited until we had been working together awhile. She finally told me it was a ruse. Kim made enough in two or three nights to pay rent for a month, and another four covered all the groceries for a month. Mind you, this was early 90's so a lot of things were cheaper. Hell, gas was barely over a dollar a gallon. Kim had set it up to make a fantasy play and I blew it. According to Beth, Kim felt hurt. That was absolutely mind boggling to me. I just couldn't accept the idea that I could mean enough to a woman to hurt her in anyway, certainly not by not having sex with her." Becca shifted against him, turning toward him. "Yeah, I know. I'm an idiot." "You really had no idea?" Jan queried. "Not a bit. I just didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want to be the jackass. Turns out I was anyway." "David," Becca asked, "could I get some help with my math?" She kept her tone even, but her face belied her joke. "Oh hush." Becca worried about missing out on college, so Jan suggested she work through some of Dave's history and biography books as a substitute for a history course. The two were downstairs in the library, reading and talking. This left Lupie and Dave alone in bed. Both were certain it was not a mere coincidence. Lupie curled into Dave's side, her head resting on his chest. She wore a light camisole. He wore his usual; nothing. "David, I wanted to thank you for backing me up the other morning with Esme." "You're welcome. I just thought it was important she not get the idea she can play me against you." Lupie snuggled him tighter. "Still, I think it fair you know what she was about to say." "Only if you think it necessary." "It's a little embarrassing. I thought she was asleep. And I thought I was being quiet." Lupie paused, blushing. "Still it has been several years since I've,; um;” "Gotcha." "Yes, so, um, there have been times when I've; taken care of certain needs. And I was thinking of you. She must have been awake and heard me call your name." Lupie's head was buried as hard into his chest as possible without breaking ribs. "Well, now you don't have to imagine. You have me, and I have you." "You're not upset?" "More like flattered. And frustrated with myself. If I'd picked up on some signs, maybe;” "Let's not go down the 'what if' road David. You're right. We have each other now. We'll build from here." Dave tightened the hug for a moment. "You know, I passed by when you were on your computer earlier. It's kinda cool to see you work. You have this penetrating gaze, like you're dissecting everything you read, weighing each word in a balance and jettisoning the unworthy." "Hmm, must have been when I was working on that memo about handover protocols. Those details can give anyone a headache." Lupie kissed his jawline. "But I don't want to talk about work now. Just hold me, David." September 23, 2020. "What do you want to make for dinner tonight?" Dave asked as he and Janice entered the kitchen. "Not sure just yet. Tell you what, you check the fridge, I'll go into the pantry and check the shelves. Let's see what we come up with from what we see." "Okay." Dave started scanning the fridge shelves for ingredients when a thought occurred to him. The pantry was private. It had been a day or so for Jan. He walked over and opened the door. "Oh good, I was wondering if I'd have to play damsel in distress needing my big strong man to help me find something in this tight little space." "Well, I do have a probe made especially for tight spaces." He kissed her, balancing hunger with tenderness. Jan hummed into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around Dave's neck and pulled her body against his. "Umm-hmm, and that probe is so very good too." She nibbled lightly on his lower lip. Knowing they had little time, and Jan was up for a quickie, Dave took hold of her slacks and panties at the waist band and pulled them down to her knees. Jan emitted a delighted squeak. Her eyes shone with excitement as he stood and picked her up, carrying her to a bare patch of wall between shelves. He shoved his cargo shorts and boxers to his ankles, then hooked his hands under her thighs and lifted and folded her in one motion as he pressed her to the wall. She gasped and moaned, giving her approval and yielding herself to his power, confident that he would meet her needs as he saw to his own. Dave drove himself into her, the serum effects having made her fully wet already. He slid full length on the first thrust. She groaned happily, hungrily and gripped his shoulders. They were pressed for time, so he pounded into her hot wet tunnel with fervor. Such was her excitement that she reached her first climax in just a few minutes. Desperately trying to contain her enjoyment, Jan bit Dave's shoulder as he accelerated his thrusting, pounding more vigorously than he ever had, racing Jan to a second climax a minute before he burst inside her, kicking her over the orgasmic abyss a third time. Dave stopped, holding her in place as both panted for air. The enclosed pantry suddenly felt hot and muggy. His legs felt wobbly. He carefully lowered her legs to the ground, allowing himself to fall outside of her as he did so. Jan pouted for a moment, then dropped to her knees to clean off his cock. "Can't make a mess in here now can we?" She said with a wink. She pulled his shorts up before drawing her own pants into place. Then she sauntered out the door. Dave followed, but nearly ran into her when she stopped short two steps out the door. Lupie and Becca stood there, smirking and clapping. Jan blushed and turned, burying her face in Dave's chest. "Get over it girl, we're all gonna catch each other like that once in a while." Becca said. "I'll remind you of that when it's you," Lupie razzed. Dinner was only a little late, but it was good. Lupie winkingly attributed the good taste to the fact it was made with love. September 24, 2020. Dave looked into the kitchen and saw Lupie at the counter, her back to him, working away. He walked carefully up behind her and gently placed his hands on her hips. She started for a second, then settled into him, allowing her back to rest on his chest. She laid her work down and lay her head on his shoulder. "Hmm. This, this right here." Dave turned his head to hers and they shared a slow, soft kiss as he brought his hands around to her abdomen. They rocked slowly together, swaying to unheard music. What Dave had intended as a happy little moment escalated when Lupie started grinding her rear against his crotch. A moment later, she brought his hands up to her tits. Dave was caught between excitement and control. He very much wanted to paw at her lovely mounds. A wonderfully medium size, Lupie's tits were just barely less than a handful. About as pert as could be natural for a woman in her early thirties. She moaned as he groped. Lupie spun in his arms, kissed him, grabbed his hand, and took off to the bedroom. Dave kept up easily, grinning and laughing the whole way. He stopped her twice to pull her in for a kiss. Once the door closed, they each ripped off their own clothes and sprinted to the bed. Lupie pulled Dave on top of her, her legs apart, insistently rubbing her body against him. "Hungry much?" "What's going on is a tragedy of epic proportions, but I also feel more free than I have in ages. Since I was a teen. Now fuck your bitch in heat David." She snagged his head in her hands and kissed him passionately. Her legs wrapped around him, leaving him enough room to maneuver himself to her entrance. Her own thrusting and abundance of lubrication had him sinking deep into her the moment he lined himself up. She kept up her pelvic motions, timing them with Dave's thrusting. They fucked frantically, frenetically, neither pausing or relenting until Dave burst into Lupie, shooting several thick ropes into her warm, waiting depths. Lupie shuddered with his emissions, griping him tightly with her arms, legs, and inner muscles. They lay panting for a few moments and then looked at each other and laughed. September 25, 2020. Friday mid-morning found Dave on the couch, debating a point of fandom with Becca. "Picard was way wilder than Kirk. They just seem the other way around in contrast with their first officers." "That's crazy talk, Becca. Picard is the staid diplomat that negotiates treaties. Kirk is the bar-room brawler that fought every alien in the sector, or bedded them." "Kirk was the A-student that cheated on the big final exam but got a pass afterward since he was a teacher's pet. Picard was an athlete and got into a bar fight with Naussicans. And got stabbed through the heart." "How dare you speak so insultingly of Jean-Luc the great?" Dave mock-scowled. "Because he's good but not great." Becca giggled. "Blasphemy! I'll shall exorcise the demon from your mind young one!" "And just how to do you plan on doing that?" The grin was the same, but her eyes had picked up a hungry glimmer. Dave did not answer. He lunged at her, hands reaching for her ribs. And then he began tickling her. Becca let out an "Oh!" As Dave barreled into her, pressing her against the couch arm. As soon as he began tickling her, she let out a loud happy shriek, followed by a series of cackles. Dave relented briefly and she caught her breath. Becca gave him a quick kiss, then slipped from under him, heading for the stairs with a look over her shoulder. With a huge grin, Dave shot after her, catching her at the top of the stairs and tickling her again. Her legs gave out from under her during the pleasant bombardment on her sides. He scooped her up and carried her the rest of the way to the bedroom. He kicked the door shut, then walked over and tossed her on the bed before jumping atop her, kissing and groping. She responded in kind, hungry and happy. They started shedding clothes wildly, paying no heed to where they landed. Mutually nude, mutually aroused, hands roaming they rolled on the bed. Dave slipped his hands to her ribs again. Becca squealed in anticipation just as he began to tickle her. Laughing and cackling she wiggled about, half-heartedly trying to escape his grasp. In the commotion, Dave still managed to align himself with her entrance, and pushed himself partially inside. He stopped his assault on her ribs just as he penetrated. A cross between a gasp and a sigh ushered from Becca. Eyes closed, she grinned wildly. Dave drove himself slowly, methodically within her. She draped her hands around his back and her legs around his waist. A look of blissful contentment blazed forth from her. He coaxed her to climax three times before finally allowing himself to spill into her. Afterward, they lay spooning in bed, Dave's chest against Becca's back, his right arm draped over her side, hand resting on her tummy. Breathing, just being close. Until Dave heard soft sobs from her. "Becca?" "I'm sorry. It felt so great, and then I thought about telling my Aunt Teresa about how my life is changed, how good I feel in bed with you, having you in my life like this." She shuddered with grief. "She's; she's; I'll never get to talk with her again. She's the one; I could talk to. When mom was stuck on rote doctrine, Aunt Teresa talked to me. Even if she echoed mom's position, she talked to me. Now they're all just gone." Dave held her firmly, letting her cry, letting her know he was there with her. After several minutes of silence, he spoke. "We live in dark times, beloved. For now anyway, happiness comes in bursts, sadness in buckets." He paused to compose himself. "We cling together to weather the storm. Separately, we may all drown." She placed her hand on his, reassuring herself he was there, as she cried herself to sleep. She never noticed his tears falling in her hair. September 28, 2020. Dave opened the door, half-expecting a National Guardsman with a woman to add to his house. He wasn't wrong. The lady in question stood ready, with a bright smile. A telegenic smile. And Dave recognized her after a moment. "Holy crap. You're Shawna Cooper! How the hell did you wind up here?" "Well, according to Oracle, you were my best match at 93%" with that same rich, assuring voice he'd come to appreciate from the TV. "Wow, okay." Dave paused to sign the form. He hadn't paid too much attention the first two times so he scanned the document quickly. He burst out laughing. The soldier grinned. "Yeah, some chairborne ranger had a little fun with that one." Shawna looked at him funny. "Something I should know?" "I'll tell you inside, with the others. They should hear this too." Dave waved as the military truck pulled away, then lead Shawna into the living room. The rest of the house must have heard the door. All three ladies currently bonded to Dave were already in the living room. "Hello" said Shawna, cautiously attempting to engage the other women. "Hey aren't you; " "Shawna Cooper, Senior Meteorologist at WFAA. Although, I may get promoted to Chief Meteorologist soon." A short round of congratulations circulated for the next minute. "Wow, Dave, you're accumulating a real smorgasbord of women. A blonde, a Latina, an Asian woman, and now a black woman." Jan smirked. Dave shook his head and closed his eyes. Shawna chuckled. "If she hadn't said it, I would have." "I'm surrounded by smart alecks." "Each of whom was selected by a computer especially for you." Apparently, the new arrival wasn't giving a holiday on sass. The playful smile on her face was already enchanting Dave's heart. "God help me." "He did David, He sent you us." Lupie punctuated her statement with a quick kiss. The others laughed. "Okay, what was that at the door about the form?" Shawna inquired. "And something about an airborne ranger?" Dave smiled. "No, a chairborne ranger. It's the army version of a desk jockey. Someone that works an army office job, but probably has a bunch of military memorabilia. They think they're a badass, but they've never been in the field without a GP medium and a heater." "You served?" Jan asked. "No, but I had a good friend that was special forces. Taught me a lot." A grey cloud of uncertainty fell across Dave's face. He shook it off. "Anyway, desk jockeys handle the paperwork and sometimes make new forms. All government forms are identified by letters signifying the department that created it, followed by some numbers. The form I have to sign when y'all get dropped off must have been created by an army guy because it's Form DA-6969-R." After a two count, the meaning of the numbers sank in and everyone burst out laughing. "Hmm, now that's giving me ideas" purred Shawna, her eyes slightly hooded. "I try to give each of you some time to get used to me and the house before making that last leap." Lupie piped up, "But we do have precedent for no delay." Becca blushed. "Oh, poor baby," Shawna teased, "did the pretty little blonde jump your bones before you were ready?" "There were some extenuating circumstances, which you will learn in time. I'm sure it will be part of the family story as we go forward. We did know each other before she got vaxxed, so I had some comfort level that she wanted this without the serum effects." "Could I get a quick thumbnail description?" "I'm Dave's next door neighbor." Lupie pointed through the wall towards her house. "Becca was my babysitter," Becca gave a shy smile and a head nod "who was watching Esme, my daughter when the lockdowns hit. We all worked together, staying isolated to get through all this. When the CDC guy came, Becca and I asked Dave to request us. Jan," the lady mentioned waved her hand "was delivered the next morning to Dave's house as we were picked up to get the shot. Something bad happened at the vax center that I don't want to go in to fully at the moment, so Becca was adamant about not waiting when we arrived. Our tender loving man didn't get to be as tender with Becca's first time as he intended." "Sounds like I have a lot to catch up on later." A look of sorrow settled on Shawna. "I'm sorry to ask but where is Esme?" "Oh, she's upstairs reading. We didn't want her down here in case the conversation got a little; risqué." Lupie replied. "She's nine. According to the CDC people, she'll be safe when she reaches eleven. I didn't understand the full explanation, but the important part is she is safe and will remain safe from this thing." "Got it, so no mounting Dave on the couch." "Preferably not." Lupie's Cheshire cat grin matched Shawna's. "Then I think it's time we headed upstairs, tender loving man." In the bedroom, with the door firmly shut, Dave and Shawna stood before each other, gazing at each other's face, eyes roaming across the other's body. "Nervous?" Shawna asked. "Never been with a black woman before?" "My lifetime dance card is a little short, so yeah, still working through the nerves somewhat." Dave temporized. "And no, actually, I've never been with a black woman, but I suspect all the parts work the same." That made her laugh. "See, I can be a smart ass too. Actually, until the last week, I'd never been with a Latina, and Asian woman, or a blonde. Well, not a natural blonde. And I've dated a Latina, but it never went that far." Shawna kissed him. Dave gratefully accepted the interruption of his babbling and joined her. Lips gently merging, pressing. Slowly probing with tongues. Twirling against each other. Mutual tongue stroking turned to suckling on each other's tongue. Hands rubbed backs, pulling insistently. Her soft upper body sandwiched between them. His hands roamed to her sides, then to her bosom. Dave began unbuttoning her blouse. Shawna pulled Dave's t-shirt over his head. "Hmm, nice. Fit without being gross. I like a man that finds balance. Huh." Dave kissed Shawna's neck at the clavicle, suckling and licking. His hands finished with her buttons, he shucked her shirt over her shoulders and she shrugged to drop the shirt off. Cupping her bra-clad bosoms from below, Dave dove into Shawna's cleavage, reveling in the feel of her ample tits surrounding his face. "Yeah baby. Feast on these boobs. You lovin' the size or the taste baby? I'm different than the others in both respects." "Infinite diversity in infinite combination." Dave lifted his head to speak. He brought his hands around to the back to unclasp her lacy orange bra, but couldn't find the mechanism. He pulled his head back from her chest to focus his eyes. Shawna just chuckled as his hands came back to the front, in the center of her bra to release the imprisoned twins. Her hands roamed his back and tousled his hair as he dallied with her chest. With her bra tossed away, Dave took a nipple in his mouth and suckled. Shawna gasped and hummed appreciatively. Her hands moved down his sides, seeking his waist band. She caught hold of his shorts, hooked her fingers beneath them and his boxers, and shoved both to his ankles. One hand grasped his shaft, the other massaged his testicles. Dave groaned from the stimulation of her efforts. "Yeah baby, that's it. You and me, we're gonna give each other a lot of happy." Shawna cooed into his ear before nibbling on it. Dave switched his attention to the other nipple. One hand teased the wet nipple, while the other dropped to the waist band of her slacks. One handed, he unbuckled her belt and unsnapped her pants. He worked the zipper a few inches down one handed also, until they loosened. Then he tugged downward, revealing her lacy orange panties. Dave caught her under the curve of her rump in both hands and lifted her to his body. Shawna squeaked and then hummed her approval as he continued to nibble her neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist. In two steps, he had them at the edge of the bed. Dave crawled onto his knees on the bed and brought his hands under her shoulder blades before lowering their torsos to the bed. Dave hooked his fingers through the thigh straps of Shawna's panties and slipped them from her. Her naked essence now exposed, Dave brought his face to her core and inhaled deeply, reveling in the scent of an aroused woman. He pressed in, his lips and tongue investigating his new partner, caressing her most intimate area. "Hmm, baby that feels so nice, but I need you in me." Shawna tugged at Dave's head. "Dock that thing in the shuttle bay captain." Dave crawled up over top of her with a huge grin on his face. She was sloppy wet below, so he slid in easily as he moved up her body. They were instinctively in sync so that they aligned themselves without discussion or fumbling. Dave was aroused as well, of course, to the point he already had a few beads of precum at the tip of his cock. As he entered, Shawna's body stiffened, then shook. She let out a loud groan as all the air left her lungs. Dave held her until the shaking stopped. "Damn," she said when she caught her breath, "they weren't lyin'." Hunger dominated her features as a wicked smile spread over her face. She rolled them, still connected, taking the top spot. "Ride 'em cowgirl." Shawna laughed as she began rolling her hips, her body writhing sinuously with the motion. Her bounteous tits swayed rhythmically, hypnotically. Dave grasped them, curling his torso up to bring his mouth to her pec pillows and feasted greedily upon the supple flesh. Shawna moaned louder with the attention. Her hips moved faster, beginning to hop an inch or so with each swish of her hips. "Let's kick this to Warp 10 baby." Shawna braced her hands on Dave's shoulders, pushing him flat to the mattress. Using him as an anchor, she began lifting and lowering herself along his rod, riding him hard and fast. Immediately her vocalizations were louder, more primal. Dave could feel the tremors rising in her body just as his own arousal raced to the peak. Dave held off for several minutes before letting loose. As she received his load, Shawna's body shook like she had gripped a live electrical wire. Her torso collapsed on to him like a marionette with the strings cut. Dave heard her chant "Imprinting;” twice before the room started to spin and everything went black. September 29, 2020. When Dave awoke, he was alone in bed. For a moment, by the light level, he thought it had only been a few hours. Then he noticed the angle of the shadows and realized it wasn't later that afternoon, it was several hours past the following daybreak. On the plus side, he felt great. And,; something was wrong. He couldn't place it. No, was something right? It'd be easier to concentrate if Esme's giggles from the kitchen weren't punctuating his thoughts. He couldn't hear any words, but the background sounds sure made it seem like she was helping someone in the kitchen. What? How the hell could he hear them that far away? He hadn't heard that well since his early twenties. And Where The Hell Was His Tinnitus? Ho-lee shit. The high-pitched whine that filled his days and haunted his nights was gone. Shit, now it would be easier to hear women and kids again. Dave barely remembered to throw on shorts and a shirt before sprinting downstairs. He picked up Esme and spun her around. "I hear you! I hear you! All the way up in the bedroom and I could hear you!" He hugged her close. She giggled, once she realized he wasn't mad. Dave set her down and gave her a big kiss on her forehead. "You are officially my favorite stepdaughter." This apple didn't fall far from the tree. She narrowed her eyes and grinned. "I'm un-officially your only stepdaughter." "Still my favorite." He said, his voice receding with him. Dave went upstairs to his office. He had a Zoom call to make that he'd been putting off. "Hi, Uncle Dave." The deep brown eyes, framed by pale skin and equally brown hair of Olivia Barnes stared back at Dave from the screen. Her father's hawkish features softened by the influence of her mother's rounder ones. Except the skin around her eyes was reddened, and somewhat puffy. Dave feared he knew why his goddaughter had been crying. It had been more than a month since he'd heard from his best friends, Carter and Janelle Barnes. "Hey Livy Bean." Maybe his longtime nickname for her would be comforting, of a sort. She did brighten slightly. Like a slightly less dim twilight. "Sorry I haven't called in a while. Things have been changing a bit around here." "Oh, that's fine." She couldn't have sounded more like Eeyore if she tried. "I just; " Olivia was cut short by the playful screech of Esme rocketing into the room, obviously being pursued. She hid behind Dave's chair as Becca entered. "Hey, you two, settle down, I'm on a Zoom call." "Oh, sorry." Both said. "Dave?! What the hell are people doing in your house! Why aren't you quarantining!?" "Yeah, that's part of the busy." Dave looked to Becca and Esme, starting to leave. "Don't go just yet. I should introduce you. Liv, this is Esme, she's the daughter of Lupie, my next door neighbor. Becca was Esme's babysitter doing a long-term babysit when the lockdowns started. We quarantined in separate houses, but worked together to make sure we each had what we needed." They each waved as their names were mentioned. "I recognize the names from earlier conversations. So how are they in your house now Dave?" Energized by questions that needed answering, Olivia strangely seemed more alert than at the beginning of the call. Dave shooed Esme out, Becca following after her and shutting the door. "About two weeks ago now, a guy came to my door, telling me they had a vaccine for this virus. But it has some weird effects." "What kind of weird effects?" Olivia's redheaded roommate Melanie Ustanich popped her head into view. "Well, they can't give the vaccine to men at all. At least not directly." This is not the way he had intended this conversation to go, but here they were. "Women can take the vaccine, and then; transmit the immunity to a man." "How?" Melanie asked with a scowl. "Oh boy. That's were this gets surreal." Dave temporized. "Giving the vaccine directly to a man is 100% fatal. But, a woman can share her immunity with a man directly, through, um,; intercourse." "Okay, I'm calling bullshit." Melanie huffed out of frame. By her footstep sounds, she left the room Olivia was transmitting from. "That's crazy Uncle Dave." "Yeah, that's what I said. But then I red all the documentation, I took the survey. And I have four partners." "Four?" "The effects of the vaccine only partially transmit to the man, and have to be reinforced by frequent; contact. In order to keep a man; safe; he should have multiple partners." Dave winced. "Last I heard, the ultimate goal is twelve to fifteen women per man. And it's permanent. Once a woman gets the vaccine and; sleeps with a man, sleeping with any other man would be dangerous, even fatal." Dave paused while Olivia absorbed what he'd just said. "It's for a lifetime, Liv. Look, if you know someone you think you can make it work long-term with, you should find him and talk to him. The people doing the vaccination should be getting out to Stephenville in another week or so. Maybe you can find someone suitable by then." Dave squirmed in his seat. "I don't have to look anywhere Dave. I know who I'd want to bond with for the rest of my life. The same man I've yearned for; for years." "Good, you should call him immediately. And tell your roommate to think about who she'd want to partner with. And she might want to consider the same guy." With a small smirk Liv replied. "Not a bad idea. This guy likes redheads. But he has a blind spot though. Has trouble noticing when women like him. Especially younger women. He keeps passing it off as infatuation. 'Just a crush'." "Well maybe you need to; " Dave stopped with his mouth hanging open, frozen. He had to remind himself to blink. "Dave, you ok? Do I need to turn you off, then turn you back on?" The sarcasm snapped him out of it. "Very funny Liv." He gathered his thoughts, or tried to. They kept scattering like cats at bath time. "I'm more than twice your age Olivia. I changed your diapers for god's sake! I helped raise you. You came to me when you were afraid to talk to your parents. Biologically it's not incest, but damn." "It's not the same David! Please; " a knock at the door interrupted them. Shawna slipped in. "Is everything okay in here?" She brought herself into the camera's field of view. "Uh, hi. I'm Olivia, David's goddaughter. Who are you?" "I'm his newest partner. I just imprinted yesterday." Shawna settled gently on Dave's thigh, keeping part of her weight on her feet. "Imprinted?" "That's what they call the binding process that happens when the vaccine serum mixes with a man's semen inside a woman's body." "Huh." Olivia looked pensive. Melanie had come back into view. Presumably, she'd been in hearing range for a minute or so. Olivia squinted at the screen, as if trying to pick out an important detail. "Anyone ever tell you that you look like the weather lady on channel 8?" "It's been known to happen." Shawna said coyly. "You may have noticed I wasn't on the air last night. And I won't be for two more nights. Vaccination leave. Some places give longer, but there's only so much staff at the station these days. I couldn't drop that much load on the rest of the weather room staff." "Oh wow. Wow. Just. Okay. This is a lot all at once." Behind Olivia, Melanie typed furiously on her phone. When the site she searched for came up she held the phone out, as if beside Olivia's laptop screen, her eyes scanning back and forth between the two. "No fucking way. Your uncle is banging the channel 8 weather chick?" Shawna's eyes narrowed. "I have a master's degree in meteorology. I have five years' experience storm chasing, another four years' experience at NSSL, and six years' experience at the station. I am a scientist as well as a broadcaster. I am not a weather chick. Hell, I have three scientific papers as the PI." Melanie looked cowed. "I'm sorry. I got a little caught up in the moment. You're right that was out of line." She paused. "Wait, you're a detective too? How does that work?" "No," Shawna said with a hand to the bridge of her nose, "PI is principal investigator; it's the polite term on a scientific team for the HMFC; head motherfucker in charge." Dave stroked her thigh, keeping his face blank. He wasn't going to laugh at her phrasing, nor admonish her harshness. "Yeah, now I need to dial it back. Sorry girls." "Don't. It's fine. Kinda funny actually." Melanie's face began receding from its earlier attempt to match her hair color. "I apologize for being brusque, but can we get back to the topic at hand?" Olivia pleaded. "David, have you ever noticed or wondered why all my relationships never lasted longer than three months?" "I just figured they weren't good enough for you." "Well, you're not wrong there. I measured them; all of them; against you and they came up wanting." "I would have thought a better comparison would be your dad. I mean, let's face it, he's a much more manly guy than me." Dave hoped he'd kept the bitter tone out of his voice. No one showed any hint it registered with them. "I never wanted to fuck dad." Olivia stared at him like she could bore holes in the screen. "Damn girl." Shawna chuckled. Melanie turned her head to Liv with her eyes wide. "When I first heard about how babies were really made and what those parts of me were for, I thought about doing that with you. When I started feeling the desire to have sex, you were the one I wanted to be with. All of you said it was just a girlish crush. I tried dating other guys. I threw myself into relationships with, nice guys, good men, but none of them were you." She paused to catch her breath. Her argument was turning into an emotional plea. "I can't give you my virginity David, but I can give you all of me forever." "Olivia, I; I just; " "David, how about you let us girls talk for a bit. After all, she's been an important part of your life for many years. I'm your brand new partner. I'm sure she has some juicy stories to tell." Shawna winked at the screen. Dave nodded and left. Dave spent some time in the greenhouse, tending the plants and 'smelling the green'. A few grow beds had separated at the corner so he repaired them. He checked the time to find it had been almost two hours since he'd left Shawna on the Zoom call with Olivia. He went back in to discover the ladies all gathered in the library. They shooed him out the moment he opened the door. "Yeah, they wouldn't let me in either. I finished my last book and wanted a new one, but they have some important discussion going on, so here I sit, rotting my brain with TV," Esme said, with air quotes for emphasis. "You could always choose a documentary instead of anime." "You could always eat a tofu burger instead of red meat." Esme giggled. "Blasphemy." Dave said, ascending the stairs. That brought a full chuckle from his nine-year old housemate. Dave sat at his computer, working out a reasonable set of instructions for a physics lab students could do from home, with materials they already had. It was maddening to think they'd gotten a sizable grant only two years ago for some great equipment, which would now sit unused in a storeroom because everything was moving online. His focus was broken by Esme's voice. "Hey Dave, they're in the living room waiting for you. I'll be reading in my room." "Thank you, my sweet Esmeralda." Esme rolled her eyes, but accepted the hug. Entering the living room, Dave found all four of his partners smiling, but serious. In just a moment's read of the resolve written there, he knew which way this was going to go. Huh. Maybe he was getting better at this. He chose a seat that could easily view everyone else's and lowered himself. Then he realized, they probably chose their spots so he'd be in this spot. "So, what's up?" Lupie spoke up. "We think you should accept Olivia, David. Her roommate Melanie is interested, and we think you should accept her as well." "I spoke with both of them for about an hour and a half, David." Shawna added. "Olivia's earnest in her feelings for you. I work beside media types, onscreen talent and production executives. I have a good feel for when someone's bs ing me. If Olivia isn't in love with you, she's very close to that. My bet is, she madly in love with you. She'd be unhappy anywhere else." Dave stared at Shawna. That last bit hit home. Olivia's happiness meant a lot to him. He suspected that last sentence was calculated, not just a lucky shot. He swallowed once and looked away. "You don't understand. I've known this girl since before she was born. I changed her diapers. She's stayed over at my house. I helped her understand boys as she got older. I've watched over her while camping or at the pool. Hell, I've seen her in bikinis since the time she started developing tits and I've never allowed myself to think of her in; lascivious terms." "Do you think she's pretty?" Jan prompted. "Absolutely. She's as lovely as her mother." A very quiet ripple ran through the room. Dave realized he'd left an opening for another tale. One he did not want to get into. "And that's just the wrapping paper. She's got a hell of a lot more than her looks going for her." All the ladies grinned. "David, do you hear yourself?" Lupie prodded. "Not just what you've said, but how you say it?" "Yes, she is dear to me. I'd do anything for her." "Then do the one thing she needs you to do right now. Love her as a woman. Allow your love for her to grow to encompass the physical." Dave breathed heavily. A whole host of emotions welled up within him. "I held her in my hands; hand; when she was only a few hours old. I cleaned her boo-boos when she fell off her bike." He chuckled through tears. "You've given her unconditional love her whole life, David. Is it any wonder she fell in love with you?" "I just worry I'd be betraying their trust." "Who?" Shawna asked. "Carter and Janelle. Livy's parents." "So ask them." Shawna suggested. Dave replied with a pained expression. "I haven't heard from them in over a month. And when we started the Zoom call, Olivia's eyes were red and puffy." A sobering silence held the room in its grasp. "David, wouldn't that mean you're all she's got left?" Lupie asked tenderly. "Yes." Dave sighed. Well, he did know walking in how this would go. "Okay. Okay. I'll contact the vax center and see what it takes to put in a request." "And you need to include Melanie, Olivia's roommate in the request." Shawna added. "I know nothing about her." "We took the time to talk. Olivia told her enough about you she said she would be willing." "That's an awfully thin data set for a life altering decision that you can't take back!" Dave objected. "David," Lupie said in her most soothing tone, "when you requested Becca and me, we still got a sheet of information about you, our match percentage in Oracle, and the chance to say no. If we said no, we'd be given a list of ten other men with their data and match percentages." "This is a lot to take in." Dave paused. "You said a bio and a match percentage?" "Yes." "And she can refuse?" "Yes. "Okay. Hell, I like redheads anyway." Dave smirked. "And she's doing something in computers. That could be very handy. And if she can share a small off-campus house with Livy, she's probably reasonably compatible anyway." "So we're resolved on this?" Becca asked. She'd been quiet during most of the conversation, although she nodded in agreement with some of the points made by the other women. "Yes, Becca, I'll request both of them. I'll call them tomorrow to confirm, then I'll call the vax center." "David, when we finished the call today, I made sure to get a clear answer from each of them." Shawna said. "Go ahead and call the vax center first, then call them to let them know the request is in." Dave stared at her for a moment. "On something like this, I want to ask them myself. Hell, there's a chance with a night to think it over, they may have decided this is a bad idea. But I will call them a second time after I call the vax center." Becca "Um, Dave, so, a friend of mine from school has been talking to me." October 3, 2020. When Dave opened the door he was greeted by an enthusiastic "Woof!" and two paws immediately planted on his chest. "Roscoe!" Dave rubbed the large Rottweiler's flanks and dipped his head to kiss Roscoe's forehead, then quickly back to dodge the dog's tongue. "Oh look, you brought Livy and her roommate with you. Good boy." Dave signed the form, thanked the soldier, and led the ladies and Roscoe into the living room where most of the house waited. Roscoe spotted Esme and bolted to her. She let out a squeak, then giggled as he licked her face. "Roscoe, down! Heel!" The happy canine trotted back to sit beside Olivia's feet as she sat on one end of the couch. "He sure is friendly. I thought Rotts are supposed to be mean, like guard dogs." Becca said. "If you train 'em mean, or abuse 'em sure. Or if they are seriously inbred. You treat 'em like family they will love on you like nobody's business. And rip the head off anyone that hurts the family. So, Esme, you play with Roscoe anytime you want. He'll love it. He's great with kids." Lupie grinned appreciatively at Livy's suggestion. She'd clearly understood Livy's implied meaning of acclimating Roscoe to see Esme as family for the purpose of defending her. "Yeah, when we go to the park for walks, it can be a real job to keep him from running and frolicking with the kiddos." Melanie chimed in. "So where's Shawna?" Liv asked. "Work. Her new partner leave was up. She has the five and six o'clock broadcast, so she won't be back until this evening." "And she's the only one Mel and I have met, so to speak." Liv said dryly. Her big toothy grin capturing attention of everyone. "Although, I've heard bits and pieces about Lupie and Esme over the past few years." Olivia introduced herself, telling everyone she had been a junior studying horticulture at Tarleton State University when lockdowns started. She's into shooting and hunting, and lots of outdoor activities. Becca looked pensive. "Oh, but don't worry," Liv assured her, "I'm usually down for group games and such. I take it your more of an indoor person?" "Mostly. I mean, I like going to the pool, and sometimes the park." Becca's spoke in soft tones. "Great. You show me some games you like, and I'll show you how fun hiking and camping can be. Maybe even teach you how to shoot." "You can do that? I mean, teach me?" "Liv manages to hit the target once in a while." Dave chuckled. "Hey, I'm a better shot than you! I've taken a deer, first shot, every season I've gone out." "I was teasing Liv." Dave temporized. "I'm still working to wrap my head around; this." "Well for me this is the realization of a dream I couldn't let go of and didn't think I'd get." The room fell quiet for a moment. "Oh, one thing about Roscoe, I almost forgot. He has some hearing loss. He's still got some hearing and a great sense of smell, so he won't get jittery when surprised as long as there aren't any unfamiliar scents." "So give him time to sniff us and adjust for a few days before walking up behind him?" Jan smiled. "Sure. That would work. And if he does get spooked, just hold still and let him sniff. By the end of today, he might not register everyone here as family, but he will understand you're all accepted by Dave and me." Another moment of quiet, and all eyes turned to Melanie. "Oh, hi. I'm Melanie Ustanich. I'm Olivia's roommate. I was a senior last year at Tarleton. I'm working on a four plus one degree in cybersecurity and network administration." Melanie's green eyes and hair balanced between coopery and auburn accented the face set in a perpetual impish smile to tell of the Irish part of her ancestry. "Four plus one?" Becca asked. "It means I began working on my master's while I was still an undergraduate. Instead of four years for a bachelor's and then two or three years for a master's, I get both done in five years." "Oh cool." "It should have helped me get into the workforce faster with less student loan debt." Melanie rolled her eyes. "I think we're going to find the financial sector changes a lot with what's going on." Lupie supplied. "Hi, I'm Lupie, Dave's neighbor; well used to be. I also used to be an investment advisor until our firm shutdown." "Oh wow. So like stocks and bonds and shit?" Lupie nodded in reply. "Do any day trading?" "Yeah, it's been handy. The market tanked, but if you know what you're doing you can still manage something positive out of it." "Good to know. And thanks about the loan info. That's something I've been worrying about. Not in school means I have to start paying my loans, but I have no job so I can't, and there's no one answering the phone lines to set up a deferment." "I thought President Pelosi suspended all debt payments and interest accrual until Congress could get together and pass something permanent." "I wish." "I'll check into that later today. You shouldn't have to worry about debts in all this mess." "Thank you, that would be a huge relief if true." "So, Tarleton isn't holding any classes?" Jan asked. "Not this semester. They said they might hold some online classes in the spring, but wouldn't commit to it. They emptied the dorms too, but Liv and I had an off-campus apartment and a trickle of income to cover the basics. We still cut into some savings. The landlord was happy to still have some income, so she cut our rent in half since; May? June?" "June." "Yeah, so that helped." Everyone talked a bit about interests, hobbies, and happenings but eventually the suitcases loomed large and we decided it was time to get Olivia and Melanie's things put away in a dresser like they lived here. They each carried their own up the stairs, only using the roller wheels as they got to the upstairs hallway. "What happened here? Why is the wall patched? Dave?" Olivia curious expression evaporated when she looked at Dave. His face twisted in pain. His heart exploded with repressed mourning. "Eddie." That one word, spoken in anguish, struck Olivia like a poleax. She fell towards Dave in faltering steps as he thumped backwards against the wall and slid down, coming to rest in a wailing mess, his precious Livy Bean clinging to him, sobbing her heart out. Janice looked bewildered. Melanie furrowed her brow. "Liv has a friend named Eddie. They even tried dating, but decided to just stay friends. Really good friends." Lupie came flying up the stairs, having heard the heart-rending cry from below. "What happened?" Melanie and Jan both shrugged, trying to catch up still. "We don't know," Janice replied, "Olivia asked why the wall had been patched. Dave looked like his heart was being ripped out and said 'Eddie' and collapsed. Olivia collapsed with him." Lupie's eyes watered and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, David." She squatted beside the weeping pair and placed a hand on Dave's shoulder. The other three looked at each other, mildly frustrated. More mourning and no explanation. Lupie glanced up at the confused trio. "Eddie is David's son." Chapter 5: Healing Begins. October 3, 2020. House Belsus was in mourning. Lupie and Jan got an arm under Dave's armpits and lifted him up, guiding him to the bedroom once he got his feet under him. Becca and Melanie did the same for Olivia. Together, the quartet removed the shoes and socks of the weeping pair and draped a blanket over them. Roscoe trailed behind the troupe, whimpering and trying desperately to get in close to Olivia. He planted himself firmly against her in the bed once she was positioned. The pent-up pain manifested itself in force. Edward, Carter, Janelle. Three faces Dave and Livy would never see again. Three laughs they would never hear again. Three hearts they would never touch or be touched by again. It was just too much to hold in any longer. As he wept, Dave could hear a rustling sound off to the side of the room. He knew one of the women of the household was sitting there, ready if he or Livy needed anything. It was one small reassurance as images of a happy little towheaded boy played through his mind. The boy he barely got to see after the divorce. More images of the angry young man, full of his mother's twisted commentary, coming to him, beginning to realize he may have been lied to. That may be the most painful memory. After years of trying to be a dad, and being rebuffed, his boy had sought him out. They'd rebuilt slowly from there, starting on Edward's fifteenth birthday. Eight years. Eight years he'd had with his son as he grew from his mid-teens into a young, twenty-three year old man. A damn good man. And now he was gone. A memory, frozen in time. Forever young, static and unchanging. Never to find love. Never getting to be a father himself. Eddie would have been a great dad. No more Carter either. His friend from college. The man that taught him the value of being prepared. Guided him to take a martial arts class. Taught him how to use a gun. Taken him hunting and fishing. Without that time with Carter, he never would have been able to take Eddie fishing in those early years before his ex began denying visitation. And sweet Janelle. That lovely face seemed so soft. Most would think she'd never keep up with Carter's active outdoorsy life. They were wrong. She would much rather do nearly anything in the city or suburbs, but the guy she'd fallen for was an avid hiker and camper. She took to it with a borrowed passion that never relented. Janelle did everything with so much energy you'd think she could power a city with her smile and peppy personality. She managed to stay just this side of sickening bubbly though. Thanks to his newly healed hearing, Dave picked up the telltale sounds of two people working in the kitchen. Dinner? How long had he lain here, whimpering like a little bitch? It was time to get up. Dave tightened his hug on Olivia briefly, then released her and went to the bathroom to wash up and take care of needs. And wash from the elbows down. Roscoe had taken to nuzzling and licking his hands and arms in an attempt to soothe. When he returned, Lupie sat on the bed speaking soothingly to a quiet Olivia. Roscoe's head briefly turned from Olivia to give Dave a baleful look as he re-entered the room. A quick whisper brought Olivia's head up and around, rolling slightly to see Dave. She sat up and rose shakily to meet him. He hugged her again, and they each steadied themselves to stave off another crying jag. Liv slipped around Dave to enter the bathroom. Lupie met him where he stood. She placed her arms loosely around his neck, bringing their foreheads together. "I love you, David. I wish you had shared this with me earlier, but I understand why it hurt too much to address." She kissed him softly on the chin, then looked into his eyes. "I'm here for you David. Even if all you can handle is a hug, I'm here for you." She hugged him tightly. Olivia emerged, her face cleansed of tear streaks and make up. She chose not to apply new makeup. Why bother when she's liable to start crying again? Her loose black blouse and the large ruffle attached to the neck showed creases and wrinkles from lying in bed. Her work-style jeans showed no such effects, having been made to take more punishment than lying in bed could dish out. As they passed Esme's room enroute to the stairs, they heard a shout of "Dave!" just before 80 pounds of love bug smacked into the man so named and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Esme had met Eddie a few times, had a few memories of him. More than that, she wanted to console Dave in his grief. He was a figure in her young life and he was hurting. The outpouring was almost enough to set Dave off crying again, but he choked it back. Lupie gave Esme a short time to show her support, then shooed her back to her room with a hug and a kiss. "Did you get something to eat mija?" "Yes, mama. And I have a few good books in my room. I'm good for awhile." The trio continued to the stairs and emerged into the living room. Becca sat on the couch fidgeting, not really watching an anime. When she looked up, she immediately rushed to Dave and hugged him fiercely. Their height difference left her cheek bone pressed against the top of his sternum, the top of her head nestled under his chin. Dave stroked her back softly. "All those times you comforted me about my family, and you never once mentioned Eddie was gone?" She said as she pulled her head back, looking up into his eyes. Her arms remained firmly encircled around his chest, not budging a millimeter. "If I wasn't hurting for you so much, I'd be peeved at you." "Wow, didn't take you long to start talking like a wife." "Better believe it buster." "Yes dear." Her eyes laughed as she pulled him down for a comforting kiss. Their eyes stayed locked for a moment after they broke the kiss. Shawna, Janice, and Melanie slipped in from the dining room after each dropped off an item from the kitchen. Shawna still wore her on-air clothes. Today it was a stylish, breezy blouse in a vibrant shade of orange that contrasted beautifully with her dark skin. A long, loose, tan skirt below it reached to mid-calf at its lowest point, the bottom cut at an angle that exposed her right knee when she walked. She typically wore short heels at work, but had already ditched them somewhere downstairs, her feet bare but for her sheer pantyhose. Without her heels, she was barely an inch shorter than Dave, the tallest among his household. She came straight to him and wrapped him up in a warm hug. In his ear she whispered, "Anytime you need me baby, whatever it is you need, just tell me." Dave nodded and she peeled away. Jan came to him next, gently leading Mel along with her. Jan gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, her eyes conveying her sorrow and support as eloquently as words or a hug. "I knew you may not be hungry David, but if you are so inclined, I asked Mel to make bruschetta for the grazing meal we've prepared." A week or so ago, Jan's culinary journey had turned to a discussion of favorite appetizers and finger foods. Dave's number one favorite was bruschetta. "Hey now, I just made the olive tapenade and the tomato topping, you assembled it, including toasting the bread." Melanie took Dave by the hand and led him to the table decked out with several offerings, from of course, bruschetta, to deviled eggs, pigs in blankets, and a charcuterie board assembled from things Dave knew they'd had on hand this morning. Except for the bowl of fresh rolls beside it. The aroma of fresh bread permeated the air. "It looks and smells wonderful. Thank you." He gave them each a soft kiss on the cheek. He stepped back to the living room. "Shawna, I take it you are also partly to thank for tonight's spread?" "Oh, they were well along in the making when I got in from work. I just slapped some canned dough around some smokies and baked 'em." He kissed the top of her head and hugged her from behind as she sat in one of the soft chairs. "Thank you." She patted his arm lightly before he pulled away. Not hungry, but wanting to show appreciation for Jan's thoughtfulness, Dave went back to the table and snagged a piece of bruschetta before returning to the living room. The only empty spot was on the couch, with Becca on one side, Olivia on the other and Mel between the arm and Olivia. Dave settled in before taking a bite. "Oh, wow. This is great ladies." Dave said after savoring for a moment. "And Jan, before you try to turn all of it aside to Mel, proper presentation is important. Besides, the toast is perfect. Just the right amount of olive oil, nicely crisp with just a little give. Those are important parts of getting bruschetta right. And; I really appreciate the thought and the effort." "Thank you," Jan beamed. The others took turns getting plates in pairs while everyone engaged in chit chat. To be continued in part 4, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Tenderoni Hotline #12: Hello, my love, and welcome back to the Tenderoni Hotline. Today's episode is a true gift, a clarifying, empowering, and deeply nerdy deep dive into all things perimenopause, hormones, and how to actually get the support you deserve.I'm joined by my dear friend and longtime women's health advocate, Mariza Snyder, for a conversation that every midlife woman (and every clinician who serves them) needs to hear. Mariza is an author and speaker with over 17 years of experience, and the brilliant mind behind the Energized podcast.Together, we break down the science behind perimenopause, bust some harmful myths, and get into the nitty-gritty about progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, HRT, and beyond. We also talk about how to advocate for yourself at the doctor's office, why lab work isn't everything, and how to navigate this hormonal transition with confidence, clarity, and compassion.Mariza shares from both her clinical expertise and personal story, and offers powerful tools to help you feel more like yourself again, rested, resourced, and rooted in your truth.This episode is rich with real talk, science-backed wisdom, and loving reminders that your symptoms are real and your care should match your lived experience. Whether you're in your mid-30s or well into your 50s, this one is essential listening.So get cozy, grab your journal, and let's get nerdy in the best way.More From Mariza:- Learn about Mariza's book, The Perimenopause Revolution, here: http://drmariza.com/book - The Perimenopause Toolkit Bonus Page: https://peri-revolution.com/- Thriving in Perimenopause Survival Guide: https://drmariza.com/perimenopausesurvival- Learn more about Mariza at drmariza.comGot a question for the Tenderoni Hotline? Send it to me at: podcast@beatrizalbina.comOrder your copy of End Emotional Outsouring here: https://beatrizalbina.com/book/Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/beatrizvictoriaalbinanp/?hl=en

Perimenopause and menopause can bring surprising changes to your brain—making multitasking even harder and emotional overwhelm way more real. That's why in this episode, women's health expert Dr. Aviva Romm joins us to break down what's really happening cognitively in midlife and how these shifts can be a normal, navigable transition.  Together, we're debunking common perimenopause myths and unpacking how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and daily lifestyle choices can dramatically support your brain power and emotional resilience.  Dr. Romm shares her top practical tools that will help you feel clear, focused, and confident as your body evolves in midlife.  Ready to thrive—not just survive—through midlife and beyond? Tune in now and discover how to support your brain and body so you can step into this next chapter feeling your best! Aviva Romm, MD Dr. Aviva Romm is a Yale-trained family physician, midwife, and herbalist who's been a leading voice in women's, maternal, and environmental health for over 35 years. She's the author of nine books, including the landmark Botanical Medicine for Women's Health, the New York Times bestseller Hormone Intelligence, and the forthcoming Force of Nature, a groundbreaking guide to perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Romm sees patients in New York, Massachusetts, and via telehealth. She also runs acclaimed online health programs and hosts the popular podcast On Health with Aviva Romm, empowering women worldwide. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating symptoms and changes in perimenopause  The cognitive emotional overwhelm that happens for women  Recognizing the common causes of midlife cognitive issues  The importance of advocating for yourself with your doctor   The massive benefits of sleep for cognitive functioning  Why you should focus on strength training in perimenopause  Creating your own community for perimenopause support  Debunking the myths and misinformation in the media around perimenopause and menopause  QUOTES“So often sleep is disrupted by perimenopause and menopause. What a lot of women don't realize is you can be having hot flashes but not consciously registering you're having hot flashes. So a lot of women are being woken up by hot flashes they didn't realize they were having.” ”We desperately need more practitioners who can answer those questions for women, whether it's a more natural, holistic approach that does or doesn't include hormone therapy, antidepressants, or any of the other things. Because the other problem is that these doctors are often doling out pharmaceuticals for sleep.” ”We now know that the impact of declining estrogen and progesterone on the brain [and] on the nervous system absolutely has an impact on anxiety, depression, and sleep.”  RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Dr. Aviva Romm's Website Dr. Aviva Romm on Instagram Dr. Aviva Romm's Podcast: On Health  RELATED EPISODES  701: Mood Swings, Brain Fog & Exhaustion: The Hormone Conversation You Deserve with Dr. Carrie Jones 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn't the end — it's the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self 689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What's Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause 673: From Fatigued to Energized: Reclaiming Sleep in Midlife With Evidence-Based Solutions

Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist with Crow Wing Energized, and Faith Hamson, Marketing Specialist with CWE, stop by to talk about upcoming community health initiatives... including the Movement Challenge, the ReThink Your Drink campaign, and diabetes prevention classes available in the area.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Merry Way to Move: Staying Fit and Energized All Holiday LongSculanda shares ways to sleigh the season: easy fitness habits to stay active during the holidays.Send us a textSupport the show

Do you feel like your belly fat has a mind of its own no matter how clean you eat or how much you exercise? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Smith, a former endocrinologist turned functional medicine expert, to uncover the surprising link between inflammation, insulin resistance, and stubborn abdominal fat especially for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife metabolism changes. We explore how chronic stress, poor sleep, gut inflammation, and cortisol work together to slow your metabolism, drive weight gain, and trigger that frustrating feeling of being "stuck." You'll learn why checking fasting insulin is one of the most overlooked keys to understanding your energy, belly fat, and hormone balance, and how gut health plays a hidden but massive role in fat storage and inflammation. What You'll Learn in This Episode • The real reason you're gaining weight around your midsection—and it's not just about calories or willpower. • Why high insulin levels can silently drive inflammation, fatigue, and hormone imbalance even when your glucose looks normal. • How gut inflammation and leaky gut can make your body more insulin-resistant and prone to belly fat. • Simple, free ways to lower inflammation, reset your metabolism, and finally lose weight where it won't budge. If you've been doing "everything right" but still battling belly fat, fatigue, and bloating, it's not your fault. The missing piece is understanding how your hormones, gut, and metabolism interact through insulin and inflammation. This conversation gives you the insight to finally work with your body—not against it—to restore balance, energy, and metabolic health. Where you can find out more about Dr. Cassie: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community.

Dr. Mariza Snyder is an educator, best-selling author and wellness advocate.  She is passionate about helping women over 40 feel like themselves again. More than a decade ago, she was chronically sick, feeling wired and tired, and experiencing a sensation of constant overwhelm from the combination of both work and going to graduate school to become a practitioner. Like many women she knew, she was being held captive by crazy unbalanced hormones and overwhelmed with life.  She realized that she needed to change her lifestyle if she wanted to feel like her old self again. On that journey she reclaimed her life and her body and now she helps others to do the same using proven protocols to increase energy, lose weight and improve mood. She is also the host of the Energized podcast and her new book ' The Perimenopause revolution – reclaim your hormones, metabolism and energy is available now.   Timestamps (may vary by 2-4 minutes based on your podcast platform)  02:15 Introduction to Dr. Marisa Snyder and Her Journey 03:09 Understanding Blood Sugar and Hormonal Changes 08:15 Addressing Insulin Resistance in Perimenopause 15:26 Movement as a Key to Metabolic Health 17:12 Perimenopause: A Second Puberty 24:25 Neuroendocrine Transition and Its Impact 26:11 The Importance of Community and Connection 27:49 Navigating Mental Exhaustion and Acceptance 29:56 Understanding Inflammation and Its Impact 31:09 Personalized Nutrition and Inflammatory Triggers 35:48 The Challenge of Ultra-Processed Foods 37:46 The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy 39:43 Common Mistakes with Hormone Replacement Therapy 49:48 The Neuro-Endocrine Transition in Perimenopause   Perimenopause program https://briankeanefitness.com/phb-program (Website) https://drmariza.com/   (Instagram) www.instagram.com/drmariza/   (Facebook) www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder   (Youtube) www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder   (Book) The Perimenopause Revolution https://www.easons.com/the-perimenopause-revolution-mariza-snyder-9781401997403?srsltid=AfmBOopndGrXbRVPJqXkRm418wVSnY7VqolpDhcsBVCA5Top6JDAd07D  

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Leaders who come from their inspired Calling often feel drained, tired, and worn out. They're doing BIG Work every day, so it kind of makes sense… right? NO, wait! Mellissa has noticed something powerful: if it's draining you, it means there's a mismatch. Maybe your focus needs to be updated. Maybe you never found the perfect-fit offering. Maybe your audience isn't quite right. We see it all the time with the intuitive leaders we serve, when they adjust what they offer, to whom, and how, everything changes. Suddenly they feel energized by their work, their impact grows, and their revenue increases… even as they start doing LESS. Just because you're magically gifted, empathic, or intuitive doesn't mean you shouldn't be strategic with your magic. Your gifts can create more results than "normies" ever could.    In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ Why sensitive, empathic leaders often burn out ✅ How to work in deeper alignment so your work energizes you ✅ Why intuitive offerings shouldn't be priced by the hour ✅ The mindset shift that allows empaths to receive higher fees ✅ How pricing impacts client results (more than you think)   More Resources:

Feel like you're just not yourself mentally in midlife? Trust me, you are absolutely not crazy for wondering what's going on in your brain.  In this episode, hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones joins me to unpack the very real brain changes and hormone fluctuations that make midlife feel like a rollercoaster. Dr. Carrie brings refreshing honesty about giving herself grace on the days when her brain simply says “no” and how that compassion is essential for all of us navigating this season of life.  We dive into the midlife “reckoning,” when so many women realize it's time to reevaluate who they are, what they want, and say goodbye to what no longer serves them.  Together, we explore why midlife can leave you feeling out of whack, how hormones drive these shifts, and what you can do to support your brain with more clarity and ease.  Tune in to feel validated and empowered as you move through this transformative stage of life! Carrie Jones ND, FABNE, MPH Dr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health and was one of the first to become board-certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology. She was the first Medical Director for the DUTCH Test and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. Now, she's the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations and Head of Medical Education at Metabolic Mentor University. IN THIS EPISODE  Addressing common brain-related perimenopause symptoms  How bringing on hormones can ease midlife symptoms Top lifestyle interventions for perimenopause and menopause  How hormone changes in midlife impact routine and efficiency  The odd perimenopause symptoms no one talks about How Dr. Jones manages patient care differently as a Naturopath How to confidently find an expert you can address symptoms with  Easy ways to add exercise and strength to your daily routine  QUOTES“We still have good days and bad days and things we cannot control. And because I can't control the rollercoaster that my inherent hormones are on, and I can't control necessarily what the neurons in my brain are doing… I actually give myself a lot of grace.” “Even for as educated as I am, I'm not alone. There are a lot of women struggling, and there are a lot of women struggling a lot more than me, unfortunately.” “$26 billion are lost on women in perimenopause and early menopause due to absenteeism and loss in productivity because they just don't feel like they can do it. Their brain feels like it's on the fritz.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Dr. Carrie Jones' Website Dr. Carrie Jones on Instagram  Dr Carrie Jones' Podcast: Hello Hormones RELATED EPISODES  689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 680: You Are Not Broken: Why Women Need Testosterone to Feel Strong, Sexy & Energized with Dr. Kelly Casperson 668: Your Brain on Perimenopause: The Hidden Neurological Transition No One Warns You About #547: What You Need to Know About the OPill and Hormone Changes in Perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones

Health and Fitness with ErinThis week on Energy Shift with Erin, Certified Master Health Coach Erin McDonald shares simple, real-life ways to support your immune system during cold and flu season. So you can get sick less often, recover faster, and feel more like yourself.​

Send us a textIs your calendar full of holiday chaos and client deadlines, but you're the one burning the midnight oil? A yes in December = resentment in January.In this Thursday rant, Dawn Andrews drops a boundary-setting truth bomb every female founder needs before year-end burnout hits. If your Slack is full of time-off requests and your inbox is brimming with client deliverables, this episode shows you how to stop playing Santa and start leading like a CEO. Learn how to use AI to draft warm, clear boundary scripts that don't make you sound like the Grinch — and walk into Q1 energized, not resentful.Download The Feedback Fix — Get the free script-filled guide that shows you how to say what you mean without sounding harsh. Perfect for holiday boundary-setting, team feedback, and boss moves that actually land.Key TakeawaysYes in December = Resentment in January — Boundaries aren't mean; they're strategic and essential for sustainable leadership.The 3 Boundary Buckets — Know your non-negotiables, your flex zones, and your intentional gifts.Real Scenarios, Real Scripts — Dawn shares 3 holiday-season dilemmas and gives you the exact AI prompts to handle them with clarity and compassion.Train Your AI to Talk Like You — Use AI as your boundary translator, not your boss. It works with your voice, not against it.Leadership Is Not a Popularity Contest — Your team will respect you more when you're clear and consistent, not just "cool." Resources & LinksThe Feedback Fix (Free Download) — Scripts to help you set boundaries and give feedback that sticks.AI for Founders Community — A safe space to test prompts and talk boundaries without burnout.Related EpisodesEp 108 — 3 AI Systems That Help Female Founders Manage Time, Clients, and Business During the Holidays → A perfect companion episode if you're juggling end-of-year chaos and wondering where AI can take real work off your plate.Ep 102 — 3 Standard Operating Procedures Every Founder Should Build in 30 Minutes (Using AI to Write Your SOPs) → If you're ready to stop reinventing the wheel every December, this one shows you how to use AI to streamline team ops.Want to increase revenue and impact? Listen to “She's That Founder” for insights on business strategy and female leadership to scale your business. Each episode offers advice on effective communication, team building, and management. Learn to master routines and systems to boost productivity and prevent burnout. Our delegation tips and business consulting will advance your executive leadership skills and presence.

80% of migraine sufferers are women. And I hear way too many women say their doctors brush off their complaints of headaches and migraines, giving no real, lasting solutions.  So that ends here!  I've invited the brilliant Dr. Meg Mill on the podcast to unpack the real connection between hormones, histamine, and headaches, especially as it relates to midlife hormonal changes.  You'll learn the first practical steps—like: balancing blood sugar reducing oxidative stress spotting symptom patterns simplifying food eliminations and choosing the right supplements  —to finally get ahead of chronic migraines. This conversation is all about giving you the clarity, tools, and confidence to support your body instead of suffering in silence.  Tune in to discover the migraine solutions every woman deserves! Dr. Meg Mill Dr. Meg Mill is a leading women's health expert, Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience. She's the creator of the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Method, a proprietary root-cause framework that empowers women to rebalance their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their energy and confidence. Through her virtual Functional Medicine practice and membership community, the Women's Wellness Collective, Dr. Meg has guided hundreds of women to lasting relief. A bestselling author and host of the top-rated podcast A Little Bit Healthier, she's a sought-after speaker and summit host.  IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Meg Mill's experience with people suffering from headaches  Avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to headache management  Understanding a variety of potential migraine triggers  The hormonal component to headaches and migraines  The connection between insulin resistance and headaches  Managing system-wide inflammation to help ease headaches  Specific foods that can contribute to migraines  How to get more support if you're suffering from migraines  QUOTES ”Sometimes it's looking at your hormones in the way you're metabolizing. You may actually have low estrogen… so what we need to look at is how you metabolize your estrogen.”  “The more we can keep our blood sugar balanced throughout the day and night, the better [it is] for migraines.”   “If you can take away any message from this conversation, it's that there's hope and there ARE things you can do [for migraines].” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Meg Mill's FREE GUIDE: Say Goodbye to Headaches Naturally https://go.megmill.com/headaches Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your Timeline order http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED Dr. Meg Mill's Website Dr. Meg Mill on Instagram Dr. Meg Mill's Podcast: A Little Bit Healthier RELATED EPISODES  642: The Metabolic Root Cause of Migraines & Powerful Diet and Lifestyle Interventions For Brain Health with Dr. Elena Gross 656: The Dangers Of NOT Prescribing Bioidentical HRT + Migraines, Testosterone and Mitigating Inflammation with Dr. Louise Newson 594: What I Did This Past Year to Heal My Brain and Lower Systemic Inflammation #648: This Changes Everything: The Perimenopause Revolution Every Woman Needs Now

If you're a busy woman who wants more energy, more peace, and more consistency — without adding more to your plate — this episode is for you. Inside this episode, you'll learn: ✨ How prayer + gratitude set the tone for your whole day ✨ The water/food-before-coffee trick for steady energy ✨ Why daily movement matters (even if it's 10 minutes) ✨ The mindset that keeps inconsistency from spiraling ✨ How a simple nighttime ritual can change everything If you want to feel grounded, energized, and more confident in your routines — start with these five hacks. They're doable, sustainable, and created for busy women just like you. Her Weight Loss Coaching The most supportive, personalized way to build a healthy life that actually fits your life. No extreme diets, no punishment, no chaos — just smart, sustainable habits tailored to you. Walk away from your first call with clarity, confidence, and a plan you can actually follow.

Dr. Mariza Snyder is a true powerhouse and trusted voice in women's hormone and metabolic health, with more than 17 years of experience as a practitioner, author, and sought-after speaker. For nearly two decades, she has been passionately dedicated to supporting midlife women, both in her clinical work and through her top-rated podcast, Energized with Dr. Mariza, which has surpassed 13 million downloads worldwide. With a passionate online community of over 400,000 followers and an incredible 8 million monthly views, Dr. Mariza has introduced evidence-backed solutions to more than 387,000 women, empowering them with practical, science-based guidance for perimenopause, hormone balance, and metabolic health. Her expertise is matched by her humility and compassion—she meets women where they are and offers clear, actionable steps toward feeling like themselves again. Her highly anticipated upcoming book, The Perimenopause Revolution (Hay House, October 2025), is set to become the ultimate resource for women ready to take charge of their health during the perimenopause journey. The book centers on hope, resilience, and tangible tools—mirroring the same empowering philosophy of small, consistent steps that restore confidence and vitality. Dr. Mariza is also a frequently featured expert in major media outlets including Oprah Daily, Dr. Oz, Fox News Health, and MindBodyGreen, where her practical and compassionate perspective continues to influence millions. A dynamic educator and advocate, Dr. Mariza is actively changing the narrative around midlife, breaking long-held myths, and ensuring women have the tools, science, and support they need to truly thrive. Her message aligns perfectly with the mission of helping women become the genius of their own hormones. To learn more and explore her evidence-based resources, visit drmariza.com. ALERT, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. For just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, We Heart Nutrition, a company we love for clean, effective supplements that support whole-body hormone health. Visit www.weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Here's your invitation to slow down, tune in, and truly support yourself through the midlife transition.  Because all the changes in menopause, emotionally and physically, can seriously rock your identity.  That's why I've invited mindfulness expert Rosie Acosta on the podcast to explore the intersection of mindfulness and menopause, and how being in a community with other women can make this season of life feel less isolating and so much more empowering.  Rosie shares how anxiety can become a messenger to your body rather than an enemy, and offers simple breathing techniques so you can feel grounded anytime, anywhere.  Together, we redefine what womanhood and wellness look like in midlife and beyond—more connected and more intentional than ever. Listen now to feel seen and inspired on your midlife journey! Rosie Acosta Rosie Acosta is a mindfulness teacher at Headspace and author of You Are Radically Loved: A Healing Journey to Self-Love. With over 20 years of study and a decade of teaching, she's led transformative retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings worldwide. A devoted advocate for equity and intergenerational healing, she volunteers with the Re-Evolution Prison Project and is earning her Master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine. She's also the host of The Radically Well Podcast.  IN THIS EPISODE What relationships and community in midlife should look like  How to use mindfulness to support changes in menopause  Mindful ways to manage anxiety rather than fighting against it The uptick in early perimenopause and autoimmune disorders  Using mindfulness to shift the menopause narrative   What radical love looks like for a woman in midlife  Embracing change and your evolving identity in menopause  About Rosie's Book: You Are Radically Loved QUOTES “As a perimenopause expert, it's like a moving target. Something that worked one day might not work the next. I think if I had to give the people listening right now just one technique that works, it's learning how to use your breath to ground, to create safety even if it's just for a couple of minutes.” “I think the more that we have conversations like this, the more normalized it will become, and the more normalized having these conversations will become. It gives us the empowerment and the invitation to ask questions, to ask our doctors to do the right types of tests, to get different opinions, to explore.” “Radical love to me means embracing the whole of who you are.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order Rosie's book: YOU ARE RADICALLY LOVED https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Radically-Loved-Self-Love/dp/0593330153 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get $100 off on your first CAROL Bike order https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE Rosie on Instagram Rosie Acosta on Substack Check out Rosie's Podcast: The Radically Well Podcast  RELATED EPISODES #629: Unlocking Emotional Resilience with Awareness, Lifestyle and Tools to Regulate Your Stress Triggers with Dr. Drew Ramsey #692: Why Emotional Healing is Hormone Healing-The New Path to Midlife Empowerment with Ashley Turner  #565: How to Live in a State of Ease and Flow vs. Overwhelm and Resentment + Reclaiming Your Aliveness with Alexi Panos #598: Break the Cycle of Burnout, Anxiety, and Fear by Tapping into Heart Coherence with Kimberly Snyder

Ever been told your labs are "normal," but you're still dealing with crushing fatigue, brain fog, weird digestive issues, or stubborn weight loss resistance—and secretly wondered if it's all in your head? In this episode, I unpack why that experience is heartbreakingly common for women and how a system built on male bodies has failed to truly understand female hormone balance, metabolism, and gut health. I share how, for most of medical history, women were treated as "small men" in research. Drug trials, diagnostic criteria, and lab ranges were based on male physiology, while our cycles, hormones, and unique digestive health patterns were labeled "too variable." That gap is still affecting you today—whether you're in perimenopause, struggling with IBS and bloating, or dragging yourself through the day with low energy and brain fog. Key Points in This Episode • How women were systematically excluded from research—and what that means for your labs, medications, and "normal" ranges when you don't feel normal at all. • The lingering legacy of "hysteria" and why women's symptoms—fatigue, pain, gut issues, anxiety—still get dismissed, minimized, or blamed on stress. • What actually happens in your brain, nervous system, hormones, and gut when you're not believed, and how that can worsen IBS, inflammation, and metabolic symptoms. • Seven practical practices to reclaim your voice in the medical system—how to document patterns, ask better questions, use stronger language, and keep going until you find someone who listens. This conversation is about giving you context for why you've felt dismissed—and tools so you stop doubting yourself. If you're tired of being told "everything looks fine" while your energy, hormone balance, gut health, and metabolism clearly say otherwise, this episode will help you see that your body isn't the problem. Hit play and let's start changing how you show up for your health. Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community.

Selling doesn't have to feel slimy. Open source doesn't have to feel risky. And leadership doesn't have to drain you. Dan Lorenc, CEO and founder of ChainGuard, has built a company - and a culture - around those beliefs. In this episode of North Start Leadership Podcast, Dan and Lindsay dig into what it means to build a “safe source for open source,” how to lead with authenticity, and why sometimes the best way to serve customers is to take work off their plate entirely. You'll hear them discuss: Why Dan, an engineer at heart, fell in love with sales once he realized it could be about solving real problems for people The hidden risks of open source software, and how ChainGuard is tackling them head on The difference between building another “smoke alarm” tool versus creating a fireproof foundation How Dan keeps his team aligned and motivated in a fully remote environment Why repetition is one of the most underrated leadership tools The company values that guide ChainGuard, including the reminder to take the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously Resources Dan Lorenc on the Chainguard | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

OVERVIEW: If you've been feeling off lately—bloated, tired, unmotivated, or stuck in that frustrating cycle of doing “everything right” but not seeing results—this episode is for you. As we head into the busiest season of the year, it's easy to let healthy habits slide, eat on autopilot, and wake up each morning feeling more drained than the last. But the truth is, you don't need to wait until January to feel better. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how you can: Reignite your energy — even if you're running on fumes Reduce bloating without cutting carbs or restricting food Reset your metabolism in just one week Feel more confident in your body without extremes We'll talk about why short, structured resets work so well for women 35+, especially when your hormones, metabolism, and stress levels are shifting. You'll learn what's keeping your body stuck—and what to do this week to turn things around. If you're ready to stop feeling sluggish and start feeling strong, confident, and in control again, this is your episode. My 7-Day Reset — a simple, science-based plan designed to help you reduce bloat, boost energy, and feel your best before the holidays.Normally part of my $475 coaching framework, it's available this week only for $47 during my special Black Friday event.

In midlife, I see TONS of women who are “doing all the right things”—eating clean, exercising harder, even restricting more—yet still are seeing the scale creep up. That's why I've invited Sarah Kennedy on the podcast, who's the founder and CEO of Calocurb– a natural, non-prescription hunger control treatment option.  We're unpacking why hunger can feel louder and more relentless than ever for women in midlife. Sarah breaks down how shifting hormones, chronic stress, poor sleep, and dwindling bandwidth all fuel food noise, cravings, and that constant tug-of-war with your appetite.  You'll learn why willpower is not the problem—and why your biology deserves more compassion… not more restriction.  Most importantly, Sarah shares practical, science-backed ways to calm midlife cravings and support your changing metabolism with more ease. Tune in here and finally make a change that shows you results!  Sarah Kennedy Sarah Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Calocurb, a revolutionary weight-management product based in New Zealand. Calocurb now sells in five international markets and continues to grow rapidly. Sarah, formerly with Fonterra, held senior roles including Vice President International Farming in China and Managing Director of Dairy Nutrition and RD1 retail stores. Prior to joining Fonterra, she spent over 20 years in dietary and animal nutrition. A veterinarian by training, Sarah completed the Sloan Fellowship in Global Leadership and Innovation at MIT. IN THIS EPISODE How Calocurb can help curb your hunger, especially in midlife The physiology behind midlife hunger changes  How Calocurb works and why it's different than synthetic GLP-1s  The benefits of taking Calocurb in midlife  Taking Calocurb safely alongside HRT and other supplements   Dose timing and the best way to take Calocurb for results  Fitting Calocurb into a broader wellness routine for women  Get started with Calocurb with a 10% discount!  QUOTES “When you reduce your calories by 25%, your hunger actually doubles over four months. So the brain is telling you to go out and look for food, and your body thinks you are going into a famine. So it's upping and upping and upping… this is why 99% of diets fail.” “I've been on it 6-7 years now. I don't take it twice a day, only take it once. But I can honestly say to you, I'm at peace with food… I think many, many people will find that.” “This has been revolutionary in the fact that we now understand what is happening in our body and what is driving this hunger and craving.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Calocurb: USE CODE DRMARIZA for 10% off your purchase! https://www.calocurb.com/drmarizasnyder Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Calcurb on Facebook Calocurb on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #621: The Truth About Metabolic Health, Hormones and GLP-1s with Tyna Moore #558: The Science Behind Ozempic and Important Facts About GLP-1 Agonists + Hormone Replacement For Women 40+ with Dr. Tyna Moore #613: Effective Tools for Curbing Your Appetite in Midlife and Optimizing Your Blood Sugar with Nagina Sethi Abdullah #601: The Food You Eat Will Impact Your Menopause Journey + Foods to Ease Menopause and Promote Longevity with Dr. Federica Amati 696: Why Diets Stop Working in Midlife—and What Actually Helps Instead with Lara Frendjian

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Hemingway shares how Gut Health is one of the Most Powerful Tools we can Access to Increase our Energy, Fitness and Overall Well-being and Health; Hippocrates said, "All Disease Begins in the Gut," and Dr. Thomas shares, "All Health and Healing Begins in the Gut."Have a Listen and SHARE with a friend!**JOIN DR. HEMINGWAY LIVE in-person at ALIGN AWAKEN!  Event in San Diego Jan 22-25, 2026!*ACCESS my FREE workshop, "Younger, Stronger, for Longer!"  How to turn back your biological age 10-20 years so you can do the things you want to do that you no longer thought possible due to your age.  Perform at your best and live your best life!*And, in my new Performance, and Longevity medical practice we specialize in turning back your biological age and OPTIMIZING HORMONES so you can feel a decade or more younger so you can do the things you want to do that you thought were no longer possible due to your age.  Join the waitlist here!*SHARE with a Friend and please drop a Review:)*Don't wait to Prioritize your health, Start Today with the Simple and Powerful Steps detailed in my Best-selling book.*GET DIRECT ACCESS to DR. HEMINGWAY in these AMAZING COURSES!**Free resource: 'The truth about GLP-1s and their alternatives' - https://drthomashemingway.myflodesk.com/n1yyjkcb68Mahalo and Aloha andTo your health,

Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Why I Recommend Carbs at Night in Menopause Next Episode - The ONE Thing Your Menopause Fitness Routine Is Missing More Like This: Six Powerful Ways To Keep Your Perimenopause Brain Sharp Kill Cravings and Boost Energy with Essential Oils with Dr Mariza Snyder Resources: Don't know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra. Leave this session with insight into exactly what to do right now to make small changes, smart decisions about your exercise time and energy. Understand how sleep relates to your hormones, muscle mass and weight loss with Flipping 50 Sleep Yourself Strong. For my brain, I use Qualia supplements! It elevates my health, energy, and performance at the cellular level. The perimenopause brain health window is the topic today and the guest is Dr Mariza Snyder. We are sharing deep intel from her most recent book, The Perimenopause Revolution. Among other things I ask her about why the brain is such a hinge on which the big door of mental health and dementia swings for women… and what we can do about it.  By the end, you'll understand how to make the most of your perimenopause brain health window. My Guest: Dr. Mariza Snyder is a powerhouse advocate for midlife women, leveraging 17+ years as a practitioner, author, and speaker to spark a massive movement for women in perimenopause and beyond. With her top-rated Energized with Dr. Mariza podcast (13 million downloads) and a passionate social media audience of over 400K and 8 million monthly views, she's a trusted guide—offering science-backed solutions for perimenopause and metabolic health. Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:01:34] Your recent book, The Perimenopause Revolution, reframes midlife. What inspired you personally to write it and what you hope women will take away? [00:09:38] How do overlooked neuroendocrine shifts in perimenopause affect the brain—and why does this brain change matter? [00:13:38] What are neurotransmitters? [00:17:20] What are some of the most effective strategies women can use during perimenopause to protect their brain health and support long-term cognitive function? [00:23:43] How can women in their 20s-30s prepare for perimenopause [00:25:42] What is the decade when proactive prevention truly begins?

Episode Highlights With KatieHow stress impacts sleep, digestion, and energy.The science behind magnesium's calming effects. Why enzymes are crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.How to use magnesium and enzymes together for better holiday energy and comfort.Resources MentionedBiOptimizers Magnesium and Enzymes - Use code WELLNESSMAMA for 25% off

Feel like you're eating as clean as you can but still not seeing results?  In midlife, this can be a constant battle for us as women.  So in this episode, nutrition expert Lara Frendjian breaks down what it really takes to master your metabolism after 40—and why it's so much more empowering than the diet rules we grew up with.  Lara reminds us that how we eat isn't punishment but a profound way of nourishing and loving our bodies through every season of life.  We dive into the key nutrition shifts that help you feel more energized, clear-headed, and strong, along with the lifestyle strategies that can supercharge your metabolic health.  If you've felt “off” or less vibrant lately, Lara's simple, science-backed guidance will help you feel more alive in your body than you have in years.  Tune in to learn how to support your metabolism with confidence through midlife and beyond!  Lara Frendjian Lara Frendjian is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Life Coach, and the creator of Metabolic Mastery for Women Over 40, a program that simplifies weight loss by addressing the root stress-causing hormonal and metabolic imbalances. She hosts the podcast Master Your Metabolism After 40, where she empowers women to shed stubborn weight, boost energy, and feel like themselves again during peri- and post menopause. Lara's secret to lasting weight loss after 40 is working with your body to restore health, energy, and confidence—not blindly following outdated "eat less, move more" advice.  IN THIS EPISODE Most surprising things about perimenopause  The importance of root cause healing and optimizing gut health  Addressing nutrient deficiencies in midlife  How to easily create healthy, balanced meals even on busy days  Why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day  Adjusting our diets for metabolic changes in perimenopause  Simple lifestyle shifts for weight loss and enhanced energy  Looking at your own health data through labs and monitoring  QUOTES“I needed a different approach, and that's when everything shifted for me. I really got into understanding how nutritional imbalances translated into hormonal imbalances because our hormones do shift.”  “We can't produce good energy if we don't have the right nutrients igniting the functions or if we have a lot of oxidative stress and the body doesn't have the capacity to clear it, and your cells are sluggish, heavy, and weighed down.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Lara's Podcast: Master Your Metabolism after 40 Laura's Website: Nutrition Her Way Laura on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #616: Jump-Start Your Metabolism and Put Your Body into a Thermogenic Fat-Burning State with Stu Schaefer #535: How To Effectively Reset Your Metabolism, Lose Weight and Upgrade Your Hormones #531: How to Create Metabolism-Loving Meals that Can Fix your Blood Sugar and Ward Off Chronic Disease #682: The Simple Daily Habit That Balances Blood Sugar, Boosts Energy & Extends Longevity

Hormone replacement therapy education is all the talk these days. But how do you cut through all the noise and get the right care for you?  Expert in the field, Dr. Sarah Daccarett joins the podcast to get straight to the point about how the CORRECT hormone replacement methods can do more than just symptom management. We want you to feel GOOD in midlife, not just symptom-free. A lot of providers aren't knowledgeable or confident enough in HRT options, leaving you with a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. And sadly, this causes thousands of women to be totally underdosed.  But Dr. Sarah offers something different that can potentially give some standardization for you. You can get predictable products and services at her company, Inner Balance. With a clinical team to check in with, and less HRT side effects than other formulations, Inner Balance is a safe and massively effective option for managing your midlife hormone symptoms.  Tune in here and learn how to get maximum benefit from hormone replacement therapy to live your brightest life! Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD  After treating thousands of women who felt ignored with their symptoms or who were totally misdiagnosed, Dr. Sarah realized the healthcare system wasn't built for women, so she built something new. She's the CEO and founder of Inner Balance- a medical approach to female biology that works with women's bodies. It's your science-backed and compassionate solution to hormonal health, with the mission to close the gender gap in healthcare for good.  IN THIS EPISODE Why midlife women don't get the hormone help they deserve The massive gap in knowledge around hormone replacement  The difference between hormone treatment for men and women  The importance of paying attention to your hormone dosing Understanding lab markers for hormone levels  The neuroprotective benefits of hormone replacement  Why so many women are underdosed with hormones  About Dr. Sarah Daccarett's company, Inner Balance  QUOTES “It's because women need to understand that this convoluted messaging they're getting is suppressing them. It's keeping them misinformed and it's keeping them from living probably their fullest potential.” “A take home message for anybody listening is that it's not just the hormones that matter. It's the way you're trying to get them into the body. Unfortunately, we're all having to turn into hormone experts because doctors are not figuring it out for us, so we're doing it ourselves.” “Women, if you want to treat estrogen dominance, you should make sure that your estrogen is actually [high] enough that all these chemicals can't bind. Then you have enough progesterone to counterbalance it. So the treatment is not to lower estrogen, but to actually take it and then you'll feel better.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution  https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your Timeline order http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED Inner Balance Website: InnerBalance.com Inner Balance on Instagram Dr. Sarah on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #605: Breaking the HRT Confusion: The Truth Behind Hormone Replacement Therapy for Perimenopausal Women with Karen Martel 579: Hormone Replacement Options and Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #647: Hormone Optimization Therapy (HOT) Isn't Your Mom's HRT + It's One Of The Best Strategies For Longevity with Dr. Amy Killen 680: You Are Not Broken: Why Women Need Testosterone to Feel Strong, Sexy & Energized with Dr. Kelly Casperson 

Get an inside look at one woman's health journey when she decided now was the time to OWN her health and not live with pain, brain fog and exhaustion any longer.  My guest today shares how her daily chronic pain, brain fog and fatigue was affecting every part of her life including her relationships. Listen in as my amazing client, Jenny James, shares her testimony of how working together helped her body recover and heal. Jenny shares how she went from being so exhausted that her bed became her cocoon to waking feeling rested and no longer needing an afternoon nap! She gives a little tough love and encouragement as she asks, do you have a desire to do what it takes to feel better and be well? In body, mind and spirit? It can all be in harmony… when you OWN your health and pour into yourself as you desire to be WELL. I pray this client testimonial brings you great encouragement and HOPE today! XO, Michelle  Get rid of your stress induced fatigue, brain fog and belly fat in 12 weeks without dieting, deprivation and disappointment! So you can wake feeling refreshed, have a clear mind for your day and have the energy to be fully present with your family in the evening. Book your  Fatigue Freedom Breakthrough Call today!   Online Supplement Dispensary Info: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/michelle-mccoywellness ***Join our community, Fight FATIGUE over 40 with FAITH & Holistic Health, to be supported, encouraged and educated as you take back your health WITH God at the center. **Catch the Treasured Wellness Podcast on https://christianmix106.com/   AND YouTube   ***DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Contact your own physician for any medical concerns you have. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Treasured Wellness, LLC, guests or contributors be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Feeling stuck in weight loss resistance in midlife, even though you're walking, eating "pretty healthy," and doing all the things? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, a former physical therapist turned yoga teacher, trainer, and health coach, to talk about what your metabolism actually needs after 40—and why more cardio is rarely the answer. We get honest about busy schedules, back pain, fear of lifting heavier weights, and that nagging feeling that you "should" be doing more, all while your energy and motivation are slipping. We break down the real difference between steps, cardio, and strength training, and how midlife changes in muscle mass, hormones, and stress tolerance mean your body needs a smarter, more strategic approach. If you've been worried about injury, confused by conflicting advice online, or frustrated that your efforts aren't showing up on the scale, this conversation will help you understand what to focus on next—without an all-or-nothing mindset. Key Points (full details inside the episode) Why daily movement and short, consistent strength sessions beat long, draining cardio for midlife metabolism and long-term health. How muscle loss after 40 affects weight loss resistance, bone health, and injury risk—and the simple way to start rebuilding strength at home. The mistake of over-exercising and under-eating, and how too much stress on the body can work against your hormones and keep the weight on. What a "strong core" really is (hint: it's not just abs) and how it protects your back, posture, and everyday movement as you age. If you're a midlife woman wanting better metabolism, less weight loss resistance, and a stronger, more resilient body without punishing workouts, this episode will give you a clear "why" behind lifting, yoga, walking, and choosing the right kind of movement for your season of life. Hit play to get clarity, encouragement, and practical insight you can finally use. Where can you find more about Michele Riechman: https://www.micheleriechman.com/about-michele-riechman https://www.instagram.com/micheleriechman/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/micheleleefitness Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community.

If you've been doing everything right—eating clean, exercising, and taking your supplements—but still feel tired, bloated, or off, this episode is going to change the way you think about your health.  I'm joined by the incredible Kim Rogers, better known online as the “Worm Queen,” who's pulling back the curtain on the hidden world of parasites and why so many of us are unknowingly affected by them.  With 20+ years in Western medicine and a powerful personal healing story through Lyme, mold, and parasite infections, Kim brings both science and passion to this eye-opening conversation.  You'll learn why regular parasite cleansing can be a total game-changer for your energy, digestion, skin, and overall vitality.  All of us should be doing a parasite cleanse– it's safe, effective, and an incredible way to be proactive about our health.  Tune in to this episode and feel empowered to take your healing into your own hands! Kim Rogers  Kim worked in western medicine for over 20 years, ran 25 healthcare colleges, was a professor, author, and holds 2 healthcare degrees– all while dealing with her own chronic illnesses. In July, 2021 Kim came across a video on Tiktok talking about parasite cleansing. She gave it a try, and because it was so successful, she saw a need to help others heal. She started her company RogersHood in December 2021 making ParaFy Parasite cleanse kit to help others cleanse their bodies of unwanted parasites, candida, heavy metals, and toxins. Her mission is to help improve testing for environmental toxins for everyone! IN THIS EPISODE How Kim Rogers became an expert in understanding parasites  Why parasite testing seems to be ignored in the USA  Looking at how your body responds during a parasite cleanse  Why it's hard to detect parasites The actual process of parasite cleansing  The benefits of a 30-day cleanse program  About the ParaFy cleanse and other products from RogersHood QUOTES“The herbs that we used are specifically because they're gentle and we should all be cleansing. We should all be doing this just as a proactive way, not so much as a reactive one… It's really a sad thing, the state we're seeing chronic illness at.”  “60 million people in the United States have parasites that have been tested. That's through an approved lab to give us that number.” “I'm trying to teach and show people how to be sovereign over your own health and body so that you have a little more control. Chronically ill people, one of the biggest things is that I lost control over sovereignty with my own body over an illness, and over other people around me telling me what's wrong with me, and I really want to give that control back to people.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get $100 on your first CAROL Bike order https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE Use code THRIVE15 and get 15% off on your Berkeley Life order https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/Vxvdja RogersHood Website → Order the ParaFy Parasite cleanse kit HERE! Kim Rogers on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #512: How Do Our Daily Exposure to Toxins Impact Our Hormones and What We Can Do About It with Dr. Wendie Trubow #455: Environmental and Everyday Toxins That Cause Hormone Deregulation with Dr. Tom O'Bryan #654: Gut Health, Hormones, and Strength: The Real Power Trio in Perimenopause with Dr. Christine Maren #635: The Connection Between Your Gut, Inflammation, Mood, and How to Start Healing Your Microbiome with Tina Anderson

What if the fastest path to your goals starts with protecting your energy? We sit down with functional medicine nutritionist and educator Andrea Nakayama to unpack how high achievers can set a self-care floor, work with their biology, and lead with more clarity and calm. Andrea's story—building a global education company while navigating profound personal loss—reveals why sleep, boundaries, and joy aren't luxuries. They're leadership tools.We explore how to define your non-negotiables so they actually live on your calendar, not just your wish list. Andrea breaks down the hormone science behind the late-night “second wind,” why it sabotages sleep quality, and how to catch your natural evening curve for better recovery. We talk practical micro-practices that fit real schedules: 10-minute resets, afternoon self-checks, and routines that flex without collapsing into all-or-nothing thinking. Her “road, bike lane, poison ivy” model helps you stay consistent while avoiding extremes that trigger stress and setbacks.For big goals, we trade hustle myths for smarter pacing. Think Everest, not elevator—base camps to acclimate your systems, stepwise upgrades, and permission to learn on the way up. Andrea's five P model—passion, permission, purpose, persistence, perseverance—replaces perfectionism with momentum you can sustain. Along the way, we connect bioindividuality, circadian rhythm, and nervous system care to everyday leadership decisions so your effort translates into durable results.If you want to finish strong and start stronger, this conversation gives you the playbook: protect sleep, schedule what refuels you, and let joy be part of the plan. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs permission to slow down, and leave a review to tell us your top non-negotiable for the season. In this podcast you will learn how to:• define energy, relationships, and impact as daily anchors• non-negotiables for leaders: sleep, digestion, blood sugar• setting a self-care floor and saying no with confidence• calendar design with micro check-ins and wiggle room• shift out of all-or-nothing mindsets• cortisol, circadian rhythms, and second winds• evening unplugging and nervous system care• the five P model: passion, permission, purpose, persistence, perseverance• add joy as a core success metricHighlights:0:00Slowing Down To Succeed0:21Framing Elite Achievement4:08Making Self-Care Non-Negotiable8:02Defining Your Self-Care Floor12:04Calendar Design And Wiggle Room15:57Beyond Perfectionism And The Bike Lane20:38Base Camps, Not Summits In A Day25:53Circadian Rhythm And Second Winds30:00Night Unplugging And Nervous System33:28Micro-Practices For Recovery37:42Weekends, Boundaries, And RefuelingInterested in 1:1 Coaching?Kristin partners with high-performing financial advisors, leaders, and business owners who are ready to lead with more clarity, focus, and intention.Clients often come to her with a strong vision, but they aren't sure how to close the gap between where they are now and where they want to go. Many are navigating a season of growth, stepping into expanded leadership, or realizing they've outgrown their current systems and ways of working.They know they're capable of more and want a strategic thought partner to help them get there, someone who will ask the tough questions, create space to think deeply, and offer a proven process for turning ambition into meaningful progress.If this sounds like the kind of partnership you've been craving, email meet@kristinburke.com to learn more and connect.Connect with Kristin

Ready to boost your energy and future-proof your health? In this episode, I'm joined by expert neuroscientist Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, who breaks down why your mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside your cells—are the secret to healthy aging.  She explains how the perimenopause and menopause transition is not just hormonal, but a neuroendocrine shift that impacts your brain, mood, energy, AND vitality.  And even if you're doing your best to bring on lifestyle recommendations for optimizing mitochondrial health, odds are you still need more support than just that in midlife. So, that's where the supplement MitoQ comes into play.  As MitoQ's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mitchell reveals how this advanced antioxidant works deep inside your cells to enhance mitochondrial function, boosting mental clarity and long-term longevity.  Tune in and discover how to fuel your energy, elevate your mood, and embrace midlife feeling stronger than ever! Dr. Siobhan Mitchell  Siobhan Mitchell is the chief scientific officer of MitoQ. She completed her PhD at SUNY Albany and a post-doctoral fellowship on brain aging at the University of Washington. Siobhan has held roles at the three largest food companies in the world (Unilever, Nestle, and Pepsico), leading trials worldwide, which researched the effects of nutrition on cognitive decline, mood, and performance. She was also senior director at Noom, where she directed a team investigating chronic disease management, weight loss, and mental health digital programs using cognitive behavior therapy methods. IN THIS EPISODE Why mitochondria are a key contributing factor to aging  Preventing menopause symptoms in relation to brain changes  Research on estrogen levels in menopause for longevity  Lifestyle changes for enhanced cognitive functioning  The impact stress has on your mitochondrial function  How to notice if your mitochondria aren't working well  How MitoQ supplementation boosts cell vitality and longevity  Ways to measure your mitochondrial function  QUOTES“You get these overactive mitochondria that are also producing energy and oxidative stress at much higher levels, and these oxidative stress mechanisms can also bring on faster aging through inflammation and things like that.” “[MitoQ] is basically helping protect your mitochondria from excessive oxidative stress. It gets into the mitochondria better than any other supplement on the market because it was especially engineered to have this tag that allows it to get into the mitochondria up to [about] 90%.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://drmariza.com/book Use code DRMARIZA and get 15% off your order of Silverbiotics https://silverbiotics.com/discount/drmariza Use code: ENERGIZED for 10% off your order of MitoQ HERE! http://mitoq.com MitoQ on Instagram Siobhan on X  RELATED EPISODES  #688: Unlock Cellular Energy and Longevity with Urolithin A + Mitochondrial Optimization with  Jen Scheinman  #653: Mitochondria, Menopause & Metabolism: The Cellular Secret to More Energy After 40 with Dr. Felice Gersh #663: From Wired and Tired to Calm and Energized: The GABA-Mitochondria Connection + How to Fix It at the Cellular Level with Dr. Scott Sherr #623: Red Light Therapy for Upgrading Your Mitochondria, Cellular Energy, Skin and Brain Health with Jonathan Otto #690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn't the end — it's the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, host Heather Pettey introduces Heike Yates, a midlife fitness expert with over 35 years of experience, an Iron Man triathlete, ultra marathon runner, author, and podcast host.   Heike shares her journey from Germany to the United States, her love for travel, and how she evolved her fitness career to focus on midlife women. The discussion covers maintaining fitness and health through midlife changes, including the importance of nutrition, stress management, and listening to one's body.   Heike emphasizes the need for realistic, sustainable changes in fitness routines and shares insights from her book and podcast, 'Pursue Your Spark.' The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, like Heike adjusting her fitness regime due to arthritis and the importance of a supportive and positive community.   Contact Heike Yates Website Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcA Podcast - Pursue Your Spark: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursue-your-spark-midlife-fitness-nutrition-mindset/id1231586317 Book - Pursue Your Spark   Snag your My Midlife Moxie Journal Digital Version My Midlife Moxie Journal   Join The Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie   Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: hpetteyoffice@gmail.com Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching Speaker Request Here Instagram @HeatherPettey_ Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn: Linkedin Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie Website: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!   *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues. *As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay for any item. The cost to you remains exactly the same, but using these links helps support our community and the resources we provide.           00:00 Introduction to Midlife Fitness 00:38 Welcome to Life Coach VFF Show 01:41 Meet Haika Yates: Midlife Fitness Expert 03:33 Haika's Journey from Germany to the US 06:18 The Evolution of Haika's Fitness Journey 08:37 Realistic Fitness Goals for Midlife Women 11:56 Implementing Sustainable Fitness Changes 15:51 Haika's Personal Fitness and Nutrition Strategies 17:19 Embracing New Activities Beyond Running 17:46 Finding Joy in New Hobbies 18:30 Empowering Clients with Choices 18:46 Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Adjustments 19:07 Managing Health Conditions Through Exercise 20:21 Listening to Your Body's Needs 21:36 Dealing with Stress and Energy Levels 25:09 Daily Routine and Intermittent Fasting 30:08 Importance of Nutrient Variety 30:41 Eliminating Negative Influences 31:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts    

Ever feel like you're losing yourself in midlife?  In this powerful episode, I'm sitting down with expert Ashley Turner to explore the deeper meaning behind midlife hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause.  Ashley helps you discover how perimenopause can be a profound reckoning, discussing how this stage of life invites us to shift from ego-driven goals toward greater purpose and compassion for others… and more importantly, for yourself.  Ashley beautifully reframes midlife as not an ending, but a spiritual awakening — a chance to realign with who we are and what we value.  We also dive into how embracing this change can spark healing, empowerment, and advocacy for ourselves and others.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to step into your next chapter with grace and intention. Ashley Turner Ashley Turner is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Psychedelic Therapist, renowned yoga–meditation teacher, writer, facilitator, speaker, and 7-figure entrepreneur. Her mission is to serve women – especially those in midlife and menopause. She helps visionary leaders tap into their confidence and amplify their wisdom, vision, and voice by embodying their full feminine power. Her own personal midlife struggles led her to found her Metamorphosis: Midlife & Menopause Mentorship and The Haven Membership. Ashley has been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, Shape, Self, Women's Health, Yoga Journal, Health, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Sounds True, and many more. IN THIS EPISODE Recognizing the symptoms of perimenopause  Ashley's work supporting women mentally and emotionally  How hormones can help some but not ALL symptoms  Why being intentional about your choices matters more in midlife  Lifestyle habits for optimal physical and mental health  How we can shift the culture around perimenopause awareness  How to cultivate your sense of community in midlife  How Perimenoapuse can be one of your greatest teachers  QUOTES “Once I got on the hormones, that was extremely helpful and it totally saved my life, and I love them… [but] it didn't solve all my problems. There's still a huge developmental phase that we're going through as women. People going through menopause, huge transitions in our sense of self, our ambition, our drive, who we are, our identity, of course sexuality, and that's a lot to manage on top of everything else that's happening in life.” “For a lot of women, it's taking 4 to 6 appointments for doctors to connect the dots between what they're going through and it being perimenopause and menopause. And what that does is it delays care, it delays treatment, and it delays a woman's quality of life.”  “I think telling the stories and sharing really authentically and vulnerably and transparently is such an important piece of this because we heal together. We are changing culture. We are weaving a new sisterhood, a new ethos. We also have to educate our partners, our children, our work environments, and really shape shift the culture.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book The Perimenopause Revolution https://drmariza.com/book Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your Timeline order  http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED Ashley Turner The Haven Community  Metamorphosis: Master Menopause and Midlife  Ashley Turner on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn't the end — it's the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self 689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 685: End Emotional Outsourcing: Break Free from Codependency, Perfectionism & People-Pleasing with Beatriz Albina #629: Unlocking Emotional Resilience with Awareness, Lifestyle and Tools to Regulate Your Stress Triggers with Dr. Drew Ramsey

Quick 10 Min Morning Meditation Start Your Day Anxiety Free & EnergizedStart your day Anxiety-Free & Energized! This Quick 10 Min Morning Meditation helps you set positive intentions and boost focus immediately.Ready to start your day anxiety-free & energized? This Quick 10 Min Morning Meditation is the perfect morning routine for high energy and mental clarity. Stop preventing morning anxiety before it even starts and learn how to set powerful intentions for the day ahead.Join me, Martin for a targeted, energizing practice designed to prime your mind for success. We'll use specific awakening breathwork and focused visualization to give you an instant calm and clarity boost, ensuring you face the day with confidence and peace.Why This 10-Minute Morning Practice Works A powerful awakening breathwork technique to give you a quick burst of energy.Prevent morning anxiety with intentional grounding techniques.Tools to boost your mood and focus before work or school.A visualization exercise to set intentions for the day and navigate challenges with ease.Your perfect anxiety coping skill to ensure an anxiety-free start, every time.Use this session as your daily habit to build long-term anxiety resilience. You deserve to feel focused, calm, and capable from the moment you wake up!

Are you doing "everything right"—eating clean, working out, and still battling fatigue, weight loss resistance, and relentless cravings? You're not alone. As women in perimenopause and menopause, shifting hormone balance can slow metabolism, alter hunger cues, and make it nearly impossible to lose weight the way we used to. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kennedy, CEO of Calocurb, to talk about a groundbreaking natural alternative to popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. We unpack how your body's own gut-brain connection can be reactivated using a 100% natural compound derived from hops, how GLP-1 hormones regulate hunger and satiety, and why this may be one of the most exciting breakthroughs for sustainable weight management—especially for women struggling with perimenopausal weight gain, fatigue, and digestive issues. What You'll Learn • The truth about GLP-1 hormones — what they do in your body, and how they naturally control appetite and fullness. • Why synthetic injectables like Ozempic can cause side effects — and how they differ from your body's own GLP-1 response. • The surprising power of bitter compounds — how natural plant extracts like Amarasate activate GLP-1, reduce cravings, and support a healthy gut-brain axis. • Why this approach is ideal for perimenopausal and menopausal women — discover how hormonal shifts, stress, and low energy change hunger and metabolism, and how to rebalance them naturally. • A simple timing strategy — when to take Calocurb to reduce nighttime cravings, support fasting, and eat less without feeling deprived. If you've been frustrated by weight loss resistance, low energy, or the feeling that your metabolism has "stopped working," this episode will show you why it's not your fault—and how to work with your body instead of against it. We'll walk through the science, the clinical research, and real-world strategies to help you reclaim your energy, rebalance your hormones, and restore your confidence without relying on synthetic solutions. Where you can find out more about Calocurb: www.calocurb.com use code MEG10 to save 10% https://www.facebook.com/calocurbGLOBAL/https://www.instagram.com/calocurb www.calocurb.com Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community.

Dealing with menopause symptoms is rough enough, but navigating a cancer diagnosis at the same time causes even more stress and anxiety.  As a holistic-focused physician going through menopause, a diagnosis of breast cancer put a bump in the road for Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, leading to concerns about how she would navigate her own journey.  It can be hard to feel heard by your physician, and advocating for things like holistic healing options, lab testing, and hormone replacement therapy can become an endless battle. But as a women's empowerment advocate and a public educator, Dr. Suzanne is here today to help YOU advocate for your needs and to speak up about your situation because you deserve to be heard.  Hearing Dr. Suzanne's story can help you get through any tough times you're facing. Especially for the breast cancer community– there are ways you can manage your longevity and your health now going forward for the better. Check out this podcast to find out how!  Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD  Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz earned her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She frequently appears as an expert in women's health and integrative medicine in print, online, and on TV, where she's the Chief Medical Correspondent for the Drew Barrymore Show. She's the author of MENOPAUSE BOOTCAMP: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age.  IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Suzanne's perimenopause and menopause journey  Opening up about a breast cancer diagnosis Recognizing symptoms of perimenopause vs. other health issues  Non-negotiables for women's health in our 40s and beyond  Hormone therapy options in midlife  Advocating for yourself with your primary physician  Adaptogenic herbs that are helpful in midlife  Stress, sleep, and cardiometabolic tips for optimal health  Grassroots and community building via the Menopause Bootcamp Facilitator Certification  RESOURCES MENTIONEDUse code ENERGIZED and get $100 off on your CAROL Bike purchase https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE Menopause Bootcamp Certification Course  Get 20% off with Code: Energized20 Get Dr. Suzanne's book HERE: Menopause Bootcamp  Dr. Suzanne's Website Dr. Suzanne's Socials:  Facebook Instagram  TikTok YouTube  RELATED EPISODES  #590: Dispelling Myths About Breast Cancer And Mammograms + Navigating Hrt After Breast Cancer With Dr. Jenn Simmons 579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing For Women In Midlife + Self Advocacy For Optimal Health With Esther Blum #547: What You Need To Know About The Opill And Hormone Changes In Perimenopause With Dr. Carrie Jones #404: Do Women Need To Wait Till Menopause To Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum

Feeling stuck in perimenopause?  Navigating perimenopause can feel overwhelming, especially when women's health is so often treated like men's.  But it's time to change that!  We're so used to these deep-seated societal beliefs about women in midlife– putting us at a disadvantage when it comes to whole body health and disease prevention, especially as we age. So if you're struggling to get answers in perimenopause from your doctors, I'm here to connect the dots and empower you with knowledge.  In this episode, we break down women's healthcare, common perimenopause symptoms, and how to recognize the early signs of hormonal shifts. Plus, I'm sharing a sneak peek into my upcoming book, The Perimenopause Revolution, coming this fall! Tune in here to get the perimenopause answers you've been looking for.  IN THIS EPISODE The need to differentiate women's health from men's health  Common changes and symptoms of perimenopause Addressing perimenopause: where do you start? Menstrual cycle changes and hormone fluctuations Defining changes in biomarkers during perimenopause Lifestyle tweaks and habits for ultimate hormonal health  About my book release this fall: The Perimenopause Revolution  QUOTES “I believe it's an average of 6 to 7 doctor visits before they get any help at all or that they are recognized as being in perimenopause at all.” “Many women are plagued with confusion over issues like these, and they're having a difficult time connecting the dots because they're being told otherwise. Yet, when it comes to perimenopause, in order to understand what's not normal, you must first know your own baseline.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your first TIMELINE order http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED Order my book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Thriving in Perimenopause: Your Ultimate Survival Guide http://drmariza.com/perimenopausesurvival RELATED EPISODES  #572: How To Know You Are In Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated With Declining Hormones #600: We Need To Address Why Women Don't Feel Like Themselves Anymore In Perimenopause With Dr. Mariza 586: What You Can Do In Perimenopause To Optimize Your Energy, Resilience And Brain Power With Dr. Mariza #620: What You Need To Know About Premature Menopause, Perimenopause, Hrt And Your Options With Dr. Salome Masghati

Perimenopause doesn't have to be the beginning of the end! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, functional medicine practitioner, hormone expert, and author, to talk about the hidden truth about perimenopause that no one is talking about. Our conversation will redefine your perspective on this season of life, so you can embrace the aging process with more confidence and less fear and loneliness. We dive into what perimenopause is, major signs & symptoms to look out for, and the biggest misconceptions we've been told. Most importantly, we break down how you can support your body, hormones, and mental health in order to take back your power during this pivotal era.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Say hello to Dr. Mariza Snyder, functional medicine practitioner & hormone expert! 03:10 Reframing perimenopause as a pivotal awakening moment. 06:20 What is perimenopause and its symptoms? 13:15 How can women empower themselves through perimenopause? 17:30 Ways to support your body, hormones, and mental health during perimenopause. 23:55 Debunking the biggest misconceptions around perimenopause. 27:35 Why is community essential for the perimenopausal woman? 31:30 The connection between fitness and perimenopause. 36:20 What makes The Perimenopause Revolution the ultimate perimenopause guidebook? 39:15 The one question about perimenopause we NEED to ask ourselves. 42:50 Celebrating Mariza's Powerhouse moment of getting clear on her message.   RESOURCES + LINKS Get your copy of The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! Check out the Energized with Dr. Mariza Podcast HERE! Join the waitlist for the 2026 Powerhouse Women Event HERE Apply for the Fall 2025 Expanders Retreat HERE   FOLLOW Dr. Mariza: @drmariza Powerhouse Women: @powerhouse_women Lindsey: @lindseymarieofficial Visit the Powerhouse Women website: powerhousewomen.co Join the PW Community Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/powerhousewomencommunity

Sadly, so many women are left totally in the dark about the massive hormonal transition that goes on during perimenopause. That's why I'm here to set the record straight and answer every question you have so you can feel your most confident self in midlife and beyond.  In this episode, I'm celebrating the release of my brand-new book, The Perimenopause Revolution — a guide designed to empower you with the knowledge you need in perimenopause to help you confidently advocate for yourself! This book is for the high achiever doing everything “right” but still running on empty, and for the caretaker whose body is begging her to finally listen.  Together, we're rewriting the story of midlife — one rooted in strength, clarity, and self-connection.  Remember, perimenopause isn't the beginning of the end — it's the beginning of a more energized, more powerful, and more alive YOU than ever before! IN THIS EPISODE Symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause  Why so many women are left in the dark about perimenopause  Releasing my brand new book: The Perimenopause Revolution!  How to get FREE VIP access to my Perimenopause Solution event  Gaining confidence and resilience in midlife and beyond  What you can expect in my book: The Perimenopause Revolution  QUOTES“Hands down, one of the biggest, most overlooked areas of women's health is the transition to menopause, known as perimenopause. And until we normalize the systemic changes that occur in every organ system in the body, we won't be able to fully optimize women's health.” “With this book, I want to validate your experience and respond to your most frequently asked questions with straightforward science-backed solutions that work. I also want to flip the script on fear.” “I have left no stone unturned. I want you to know that you're going to have everything you need, a full blueprint and roadmap to thrive.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Claim your FREE pass to The Perimenopause Solution event https://hayh.site/pr_bl_ap-snyder_a_snyder ENERGIZED podcast on YouTube RELATED EPISODES  689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What's Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause  678: How to Turn Perimenopause Into Your Metabolic Window of Opportunity + My Simple Daily Protocol To Feel Amazing 655: The Hidden Truth About Perimenopause That No One's Talking About (And Why It Changes Everything About How You Age)

What if you could improve your mitochondria, oxygen efficiency, and recovery in just 20 minutes a day—by breathing energized water? This episode explores one of the most surprising breakthroughs in biohacking and how it can help you live longer, think clearer, and perform better. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey talks with Rowena Gates, co-founder of NanoVi, a therapeutic device backed by biophysics research that supports protein repair and mitochondrial communication. Her work reveals how structured water inside your cells drives neuroplasticity, cellular regeneration, and stress resilience—offering a new pathway to recovery, energy, and longevity. You'll learn how structured water affects mitochondrial efficiency, how it compares to recovery methods like cold therapy and fasting, and why improved VO₂ max may correlate with a longer lifespan. Dave and Rowena also explore how NanoVi stacks with supplements, nootropics, ketosis, and functional medicine to enhance brain optimization, metabolism, and human performance. You'll Learn: • How structured water boosts mitochondrial function and VO₂ max • The difference between hydration and energized cellular water • What happens to your brain and heart rate variability in 20 minutes of NanoVi use • The link between water structure, protein repair, and recovery • How biohackers combine NanoVi with fasting, cold therapy, and sleep optimization for faster results • Why stronger mitochondrial communication can extend lifespan and upgrade cognitive function They explore how structured water, mitochondrial repair, and recovery science intersect to create a smarter approach to health and longevity. You'll also learn how optimizing cellular communication, oxygen efficiency, and stress resilience can accelerate healing, improve focus, and extend lifespan. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, human performance, and longevity, and for those who want to understand how functional biology and mitochondrial science are redefining recovery, energy, and aging. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: NanoVi, Structured water, Energized water, Biohacking, Dave Asprey, Mitochondrial repair, Mitochondrial communication, Human performance, Longevity, Recovery science, Oxidative stress, Protein repair, Redox signaling, Cellular hydration, Functional medicine, VO₂ max, Neuroplasticity, Brain optimization, Cellular energy, Stress resilience, Cold therapy, Fasting, Sleep optimization, Breathwork, Nootropics, Metabolism, Oxygen efficiency, ATP production, Cellular regeneration, Anti-aging, Smarter Not Harder **To level up your mitochondria with a NanoVi: visit https://eng3corp.com/dave/ ** Resources: • Business of Biohacking Summit | Register to attend October 20-23 in Austin, TX https://businessofbiohacking.com/ • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: 0:00 — Trailer 1:25 — Introduction to NanoVi 4:01 — How to Use NanoVi 6:23 — Understanding Ordered Water 9:16 — Scientific Evidence & Studies 13:02 — Pricing & Accessibility 15:02 — Mitochondrial Function & MiScreen Results 19:55 — Brain Function & Cognitive Benefits 23:47 — How Ordered Water Works 27:34 — Cellular Communication & Fascia 30:14 — Heart Rate Variability & Stress Reduction 34:54 — Athletic Performance & Recovery 38:52 — Mental Health & Sleep Benefits 42:00 — Supplement Stacking 45:50 — Deep Sleep & Parasympathetic State 48:48 — Chronic Conditions & Fatigue 51:54 — Meditation & Brain Training 55:42 — Brain Injury & Resilience 59:36 — Conclusion & Where to Get It See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.