Is this healthy… or fat as sh*t?” Why That Might Be the Wrong Question Entirely. Have you ever paused mid-scroll, staring at some sort of ‘food hack’ on Instagram, and wondered, “Wait… is that actually good for me?”  In this episode, I peel back the layers of that deceptively simple question and challenge the rigid good vs. bad food mindset that so many of us carry. Through a relatable Costco story, surprising examples (yes, even kale can be ‘unhealthy’ for some people), and a new framework called the “Three Food Buckets,” I help reframe how we think about food, moving away from judgment and toward self-trust and context. This episode dives into the exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, second-guessing every bite, and feeling like one “wrong” food choice will derail everything. I walk you through how you’ve been trained to treat food like a morality test and why that thinking Read More . . .

Have you ever noticed how you can be completely on it in one area of your life, like nailing your eating habits and moving your body, while completely bulldozing your own rules in another? You know that getting enough sleep makes you feel amazing, yet you stay up for just ‘one more’ episode. Or you set a boundary around your phone use, only to immediately check Instagram the next morning. Why do we do this?  This episode of The Total Health and Midlife Podcast dives into the deeper reasons why we override our own boundaries, and spoiler alert, it’s not about willpower. If you’ve ever found yourself breaking the very rules you set for yourself, this episode is for you.   We like to tell ourselves that discipline and self-control are the answers, but if that were true, we wouldn’t keep repeating the same patterns. The real issue? Disconnection. When we Read More . . .

What if the very thing you use to unwind is actually keeping you stuck? Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with your heart racing and your mind spinning, wondering why you feel so anxious? Or maybe you notice a lingering unease throughout your day, a quiet hum of worry that you can’t quite place.  Most of us chalk it up to stress, hormones, or just the realities of midlife. But what if there’s another hidden factor that’s fueling your anxiety, one that’s so ingrained in our daily habits that we rarely question it? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on alcohol and anxiety, exploring how that evening glass of wine or celebratory cocktail might not be helping you relax as much as you think.   You don’t have to quit drinking, but what if you just paid attention? I share my personal journey of Read More . . .

What if the reason you’re struggling to follow through on your health goals isn’t a lack of willpower—but a lack of self-trust?  In this episode of the Total Health and Midlife Podcast, I sit down with Self-trust Coach and author, Dawn Ledet to unpack why we often fall off track with our wellness intentions. Dawn reveals that missed goals aren’t a sign of self-sabotage or failure; they’re simply feedback. Instead of beating ourselves up, we can rewire our inner dialogue, build trust in our decisions, and finally create lasting consistency in our habits. Dawn introduces her three-part framework for self-trust—making decisions, following through, and having your own back—while exposing the common mental traps that keep us stuck. She explains how our brains are wired to focus on past failures, distort our present, and predict future disappointment, making it easy to give up before we even begin.  But with simple shifts Read More . . .

We think that health is all about eating and exercising. But that’s not the whole story. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right,” eating well, exercising, and following all the health rules, but still not seeing the results you expect, this episode is for you. The truth is, diet and exercise are only part of the equation.  What’s often missing? Stress, sleep, rest, and recovery. These are the overlooked pillars of true health, especially in midlife when your body starts playing by a whole new set of rules. In today’s episode, we dive deep into why prioritizing rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for real, lasting health.   We live in a world that glorifies doing more, pushing harder, and ignoring the warning signs of burnout. But as women in midlife, we can’t afford to keep running on empty. When stress levels soar and sleep suffers, our bodies Read More . . .

Have you ever made progress with your health… and then, slowly, without realizing it, started letting the little things slide?  In this episode, I dive deep into a universal experience in health journeys: the quiet backslide that happens after success. I call it the “cocky syndrome,” that phase where we get a little too confident, start cutting corners, and convince ourselves it’s just balance or moderation. But when the momentum starts slipping and we don’t feel as good as we used to, we’re left confused, frustrated, and often blaming ourselves. I share a relatable personal story involving my piriformis pain, which only flares up when I slack on my short daily routine. I use it to highlight a powerful metaphor: Just like kids, our habits need supervision, structure, and eventually, gentle maintenance. What once needed full focus now requires ongoing care, not perfection, just consistent attention. This episode breaks down Read More . . .

What if the key to transformation isn’t about doing more but about being more? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Damon, a true expert in personal growth and transformation, to explore the deep shifts that lead to lasting change. Kim shares her journey of breaking through limitations, embracing authenticity, and stepping into a life of purpose. Her insights challenge the conventional approach to self-improvement, encouraging us to move beyond surface-level tactics and into profound, identity-based transformation.   Throughout our conversation, Kim reveals the mindset shifts and emotional breakthroughs that pave the way for real success. She dives into the hidden beliefs that hold people back and offers practical strategies to rewire thought patterns for growth. Whether you’re facing a career shift, personal roadblocks, or simply looking to elevate your life, Kim’s wisdom will resonate deeply.   Join us as we uncover the power of self-awareness, the courage to embrace change, Read More . . .

Ever started strong with your health habits, only to fall off track and feel like a failure? What if I told you that relapse isn’t proof you’ve failed… it’s actually, part of the process?  In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I’m breaking down the biggest mindset shift that separates those who succeed from those who stay stuck. You’ll learn why slip-ups happen, how to stop them from turning into full-blown backslides, and the one question that will completely change how you handle setbacks. If you’ve ever thought you just need more willpower to stay consistent, this episode will change everything.  Tune in now, because the goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to keep going. What You’ll Learn from this Episode Listen to the Full Episode: Featured on the Show: Full Episode Transcript: How many times have you told yourself this time I’m going to stick with Read More . . .

Are you struggling with hot flashes, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or low energy? What if I told you that the solution isn’t about pushing harder but training smarter? In this episode, I’m diving into how the right kind of exercise, especially strength training, can help ease menopause symptoms, boost energy, and keep you feeling strong and capable as you age. And the best part? You don’t need long, grueling workouts to see results.   For years, we were told that the key to fitness was spending hours sweating it out at the gym. But in midlife, that approach doesn’t just stop working, it actually works against us. I’ll break down why traditional exercise methods often fail women over 40 and how stress from overtraining can make symptoms worse. Instead, I’ll share a more effective strategy: short, strength-based workouts that build muscle, protect bone density, and improve metabolism, all in just Read More . . .

Midlife is a time of transformation, not crisis. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by emotions you can’t quite name or struggled with fatigue despite doing “all the right things,” you’re not alone.  In my conversation with Soul Alignment Coach Sarah Sparks, we explored the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Sarah’s ‘HEALED’ process—a six-step journey designed to release emotional burdens and reconnect with your true self—offers a powerful way to find clarity, ease, and renewed energy.  One of the most powerful insights Sarah shared is that healing isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong; it’s about embracing who we truly are. So often, we fight against change, trying to push through discomfort instead of listening to what our emotions and bodies are telling us.  But what if midlife is an invitation to pause, realign, and step into a more authentic, peaceful version of ourselves? Through emotional release and Read More . . .

What if I told you that hitting a plateau isn’t a sign of failure, but actually proof that your body is working exactly as it should? If you’ve ever felt stuck—doing everything “right” but seeing no progress—you’re not alone. Plateaus are a natural part of any weight loss journey, yet most people aren’t prepared for them. Instead of panicking or making drastic changes, what if you could anticipate them and navigate through them with confidence?   In this episode, we uncover why plateaus happen, what they really mean for your progress, and the most effective ways to push through without resorting to extremes. You’ll learn how to track progress beyond the scale, why your body adapts over time, and how to set yourself up for success ‘before’ a plateau even happens. Plus, I share a real-life client story of how she overcame a six-week stall by trusting the process—without cutting more Read More . . .

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly falling short of your health goals—like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to make lasting changes? What if the problem isn’t you, but the approach you’re taking?  In today’s episode, we’re tackling the mindset shifts that could completely transform your health journey. If you’ve ever been stuck in the cycle of high hopes followed by disappointment, this conversation is for you. We’re diving into why the relentless ‘shoulds’ in your head are doing more harm than good, and how accepting where you are right now might actually be the key to moving forward. We’ve been conditioned to believe that success comes from pushing harder, setting aggressive goals, and never letting ourselves ‘slip up.’ But what if that’s the very thing keeping us stuck? In this episode, I’m sharing a game-changing perspective on why unrealistic expectations set us up for Read More . . .

Have you ever walked into a messy kitchen or a cluttered bedroom and felt an invisible weight settle on your shoulders? The truth is, your environment isn’t just a backdrop to your life—it’s a powerful force shaping your habits, energy, and health.  In this episode, I uncover how clutter impacts your mental clarity, emotional well-being, and even your ability to maintain healthy routines. From messy counters making meal prep feel overwhelming to a cluttered table derailing mindful eating, you’ll hear how your space might be holding you back in ways you never realized. Through relatable client stories and actionable insights, this episode reveals the hidden link between your physical surroundings and your overall health. You’ll learn how clearing even one small area—like a corner of your kitchen or a cluttered nightstand—can spark a ripple effect of positive change, making healthier habits feel more accessible and inviting. Plus, you’ll hear practical Read More . . .

Have you ever hit snooze on your alarm, promising yourself you’ll walk later, only for later to never happen? Or told yourself, ‘It’s just one chocolate-covered almond,’ only to feel a pang of guilt afterward? These tiny moments of negotiation with yourself can leave you wondering: am I being kind to myself, or just letting myself off the hook?  In today’s episode, we’re diving into that tricky gray area where reasons meet excuses. How do you tell the difference between a choice that genuinely serves you and one that holds you back from your health goals? Join me as I tackle one of the most common questions I hear: how do I balance self-compassion with accountability? We’ll explore how to make thoughtful decisions in moments of stress, fatigue, or temptation that align with your long-term health goals—and leave you feeling confident instead of regretful. With relatable examples, actionable tips, and Read More . . .

Have you ever wondered if the food you eat could be making your menopause symptoms worse? In this episode, I explore a topic that impacts every woman navigating midlife: how nutrition can either ease or intensify menopause symptoms. From sudden hot flashes to sleepless nights and stubborn weight gain, I share how simple changes to your diet can help you feel more in control. And no, it’s not about giving up your favorite foods or following restrictive plans—it’s about tuning in to your body’s needs and making shifts that actually work. I opened up about my own journey through perimenopause, where I faced the frustrating reality that all the health rules I’d followed for years suddenly stopped working. Like so many women, I experienced brain fog, joint pain, and energy crashes that made me feel like a stranger in my own body. Through trial and error, I learned how to Read More . . .

What’s the secret to building wealth without sacrificing the joys of life?  In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I sit down with Germaine Foley, a Certified Life and Money Coach, to uncover the mindset shifts and actionable strategies that help women break free from financial stress. Germaine shares her deeply personal story of paying off over $200,000 in debt while still enjoying life’s luxuries, like travel and dining out. We dive into how aligning your spending with your values can create a more fulfilling and sustainable path to financial security. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or overwhelmed by debt, Germaine’s “Do Both Method,” offers a fresh perspective. Together, we discuss how to create financial systems that allow for both saving and living, ensuring you don’t wait until retirement to enjoy life. Germaine’s warmth, honesty, and practical insights will leave you inspired to rethink your Read More . . .

Have you ever felt like your body has suddenly turned into a puzzle you can’t solve? Despite eating “right” and exercising, the weight creeps on, energy levels plummet, and frustration boils over.  In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on why so many women feel blindsided by the changes in midlife, and why your body isn’t broken—it’s just changing. You’ll learn why the health strategies that worked in your 20s and 30s no longer apply, and how embracing lifestyle adjustments tailored to this phase of life can help you feel stronger, more vibrant, and back in control. Through personal stories and practical advice, this episode explores the emotional toll of midlife changes and demystifies the confusion around menopause. Discover how shifts in hormones affect everything from your metabolism to your mood, why “pushing harder” can backfire, and how tuning into your body’s signals can transform your approach to health. Read More . . .

“Why didn’t anyone tell me about menopause?” If you’ve ever found yourself blindsided by symptoms like brain fog, hot flashes, or weight gain, you’re not alone. For generations, women have faced this transformative stage with little guidance and a lot of stigma.  In this episode, I pull back the curtain on menopause, diving deep into the reasons it’s so overwhelming and misunderstood. From the myths that silence us to the ripple effects on our health, energy, and emotions, we’re uncovering it all. This isn’t just about coping; it’s about seeing this stage as an opportunity for transformation. If you’ve felt stuck or confused about what’s happening to your body, this episode is your guide to finding clarity, empowerment, and hope. By the end, you’ll see that menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can be a moment to reclaim control of your health and step into a vibrant new chapter.  Read More . . .

Have you ever wondered if the latest weight-loss miracle drugs are the answer to finally achieving the body and peace of mind you’ve been chasing—or if they might come with unexpected strings attached? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast, I explore the hype surrounding GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which promise rapid weight loss. I unpack their appeal, from quieting food noise to delivering quick results, while highlighting the bigger picture often overlooked: what happens when you stop taking them, the emotional toll of weight regain, and the risks of relying on external fixes without addressing deeper issues.  Sharing my personal story of extreme dieting and bodybuilding, I reflect on how chasing thinness left her unfulfilled and underscores that true health and confidence go beyond the scale. Whether you’re considering these medications or seeking a sustainable approach, I emphasize the importance of cultivating self-compassion, sustainable Read More . . .

Did you know the way you manage your money could mirror how you care for your health? In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I sit down with Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner and former Registered Dietitian, to explore the fascinating connection between financial habits and physical well-being.  Marie shares how behaviors we learned in childhood influence our choices today and how rewriting those narratives can lead to greater balance and confidence. We discuss why financial wellness and physical health are deeply intertwined, offering practical tips to take charge of both.  From uncovering your “money personality” to understanding how stress impacts your finances and health, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and tools you can use to start making positive changes. Whether you’re looking to feel more empowered in managing your money or inspired to create a healthier lifestyle, this conversation will leave you with Read More . . .