Midlife Conversations with Natalie Jill: Fat Loss, Hormones & Health for Women Over 40

Welcome to Midlife Conversations. On this podcast Natalie Jill does what she does best - taking complicated information that is relevant to us (women entering Midlife) NOW, and breaking it down simply with actionable steps you can implement to level up your life in your BEST YEARS to come. I also regularly interview some of the most inspiring people living their best Midlife years. On this show, I cover topics about our shifting hormones, weight struggles, our mood and focus changes, raising teenagers, our relationships, career changes, beauty and more. If you are new here, Natalie Jill encourage's you to go back and listen from episode one, when this podcast was previously called “Listen UP” for the full transformative experience!

525: Most Thyroid Medications Fail: The Thyroid–Menopause Collision Destroying Women in Midlife with Dr. Amie Hornaman 05/12/2026

525: Most Thyroid Medications Fail: The Thyroid–Menopause Collision Destroying Women in Midlife with Dr. Amie Hornaman Save your seat in the free Thyroid and Hormone class If you are a woman in midlife who has been told everything is fine when you know in your body that something is NOT fine, this episode is going to change everything. I have Dr. Amie Hornaman, The Thyroid Fixer, back on the show, and we are going somewhere we have never gone before. One in eight women will develop a thyroid condition in her lifetime. Eighty-eight percent of us are metabolically unhealthy. And yet most doctors run ONE test, look at one number, tell us we are normal, and send us home with an antidepressant. Meanwhile we are gaining weight, losing our hair, can't sleep, can't think, can't lose a pound to save our lives, and being told it is just stress, just aging, just menopause. Today we are tearing that apart. Dr. Amie saw SEVEN doctors before she was finally diagnosed. She is now licensed to prescribe thyroid and bioidentical hormones in all 50 states and most of Canada. She built the Better Thyroid and Hormone Institute, hosts The Thyroid (and Hormone) Fixer Podcast, and has helped thousands of women globally finally get answers. We go DEEP on: Why the standard TSH-only test misses almost everyone, and the six tests you need to ask for by name THYROPAUSE: Dr. Amie's term for what happens when thyroid dysfunction collides with perimenopause and menopause (and why so many women are being treated for the wrong one) The T4-only medication trap: why Synthroid and levothyroxine fail an estimated 98% of patients Reverse T3, the silent saboteur that blocks your active thyroid hormone from getting into your cells Natural desiccated thyroid, the controversy, FDA scrutiny of animal-derived medications, and where Dr. Amie stands T2: the FORGOTTEN thyroid hormone with 30+ years of research that burns fat at the mitochondrial level, does not suppress your own thyroid, does not jack up your heart rate, does not require a prescription, and is showing up in studies as a potential anti-obesity treatment What Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are actually doing to your thyroid (and why some women lose ZERO weight on GLP-1s no matter how high they push the dose) The estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin connection: why you cannot fix the thyroid without addressing the whole hormonal system Antibody-support strategies: gluten elimination, black cumin seed oil, low-dose naltrexone, and thymosin alpha Iodine titration cautions, medical gaslighting, and what to say when your doctor refuses to run the full panel The Monday morning action plan: exactly what to do this week if you suspect your thyroid is the missing piece This is not a thyroid 101 episode. This is the conversation I wish every midlife woman was given the day her labs came back normal. You are not broken. You are not crazy. And you are not alone. Sign up for the free Thyroid and Hormone class Connect with Dr. Amie: Podcast: The Thyroid (and Hormone) Fixer Instagram: @dramiehornaman Book: https://thyroidfixbook.com/ Live lab-review class Better Thyroid and Hormone Institute: APPROXIMATE TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — The medical gaslighting that is keeping midlife women sick 06:00 — The full thyroid panel: the six tests to ask for by name 12:00 — Introducing THYROPAUSE: where thyroid meets menopause 20:00 — How estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol all impact your thyroid 28:00 — Why T4-only medication (Synthroid, levothyroxine) fails 98% of patients 34:00 — Natural desiccated thyroid, FDA scrutiny, and individualized dosing 40:00 — T2: the forgotten thyroid hormone that burns fat without touching your gland 48:00 — Who should consider T2 (and why it does not require a prescription) 52:00 — What Ozempic and the GLP-1s are actually doing to your thyroid 58:00 — How to protect your thyroid if you are currently on a GLP-1 62:00 — Lifestyle non-negotiables: morning sun, protein, resistance training, sleep, blood sugar 67:00 — Your Monday morning action plan if you suspect your thyroid is the missing piece Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Amie Hornaman Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/dramiehornaman Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: MITOQ: Take control of healthy aging and longevity. Get 10% off using code NATALIEJILL at checkout on BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www. Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/41145070

524: 95% of Women Are Nutritionally Depleted - No Wonder Women in Midlife Feel Terrible with Julie Sawaya 05/08/2026

524: 95% of Women Are Nutritionally Depleted - No Wonder Women in Midlife Feel Terrible with Julie Sawaya If you are a woman in midlife who is exhausted, foggy, losing your hair, and being told it is just aging — this episode is going to change how you look at your body forever. I sat down with Julie Sawaya, the co-founder of Needed, and what I learned blew my mind. Julie is a trained nutritionist with a Stanford MBA. She was doing EVERYTHING right — farmer's market every Sunday, nutrition certifications, incredibly intentional about every bite. And then she tested herself. Almost every nutrient came back in the red zone. If two trained nutritionists were massively depleted, what is happening to the rest of us? Here is the kicker. The nutrition standard we are all measured against — the RDA — was created in 1941. For men. Going to war. Based on the minimum needed to keep troops from getting sick. That is the floor we are still being measured against in 2026. As women. In midlife. Going through one of the most nutritionally demanding phases of our lives. Ninety-five percent of women are nutritionally depleted. Ninety-seven percent of pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and are STILL depleted. And nobody is connecting the dots between pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause as one long depletion pipeline. We go DEEP on: The 1941 RDA standard, why it was built for wartime men, and why it is still failing women today The depletion pipeline: how pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause stack on top of each other and most women never get to refill the tank CHOLINE — the nutrient behind midlife brain fog that almost nobody is talking about (and the brand new April 2026 fMRI study showing a single dose improved working memory connectivity within three hours) Omega-3 and the midlife brain — why 89% of US adults are in the high cardiovascular risk range and why plant-based sources alone do not cut it Magnesium — the most Instagrammed supplement in the world right now, and why most women are taking the form their body literally cannot absorb The supplement trap: folic acid vs. methylfolate, magnesium oxide vs. glycinate, cyanocobalamin vs. methylcobalamin — and why 40% of us cannot even process the cheap forms because of an MTHFR variant Red flags and green flags to look for the next time you flip over a supplement bottle Why the protein RDA is laughably low for midlife women, and what we actually need to preserve muscle as estrogen declines The "repletion not restriction" reframe — why midlife is the time to add MORE of the right things, not eat less Your action plan for this week: how to get a nutrient panel, what to look at on your labels, and the food-first changes you can start tomorrow morning This is not a thyroid 101. This is not a supplement infomercial. This is the conversation I wish every midlife woman was given the day she started feeling like something was off. You are not broken. You are not crazy. You are not just aging. You may be running on accumulated nutritional debt that nobody told you to repay. That changes today. Use code NATALIEJILL for 20% off your first order at Connect with Julie Sawaya and Needed: Website: and use code NATALIEJILL for 20% off your first order Instagram: @needed Backed by 15,000+ practitioners worldwide Connect with Natalie: Instagram: @nataliejillfit Newsletter and resources: Midlife Conversations is the podcast made for midlife women who refuse to accept "you are just getting older" as an answer APPROXIMATE TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — The wake-up call: two trained nutritionists, both in the red zone 06:00 — Where the RDA actually came from (spoiler: 1941, wartime, men) 12:00 — The depletion pipeline: pregnancy to perimenopause as one continuum 18:00 — The forgotten gap between postpartum and perimenopause 25:00 — Choline: the nutrient behind midlife brain fog nobody is talking about 32:00 — Omega-3 and the midlife brain: why most women are not getting close 38:00 — Magnesium forms: why the cheap one in your multivitamin is barely doing anything 42:00 — The supplement trap: what is actually in your generic multivitamin 48:00 — Red flags and green flags on a supplement label 55:00 — Protein in midlife: why the RDA is wrong and what you actually need 62:00 — Repletion, not restriction: what an ideal midlife day of eating looks like 65:00 — Your action plan for this week Thank you to our show sponsors: QUANTUM UPGRADE: Try Quantum Upgrade completely free for 15 days—no credit card required. Use code NATALIEJILL at checkout on Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/41045850

523: Your Mouth Is Making You Sick: What Biological Dentistry Reveals About Root Canals, Cavitations, and Chronic Disease with Dr. Dominik Nischwitz 05/05/2026

523: Your Mouth Is Making You Sick: What Biological Dentistry Reveals About Root Canals, Cavitations, and Chronic Disease with Dr. Dominik Nischwitz What if everything you've been doing to heal your body has been quietly undermined by something inside your mouth? Natalie sits down with Dr. Dominik Nischwitz, widely regarded as the world's leading biological dentist, who has spent over two decades revealing the connection between dental health and chronic disease. People with gum disease face an 86% higher risk of stroke, a 36% higher risk of heart attack, and if tooth loss conditions are present, the risk of Alzheimer's triples. And almost nobody is connecting these dots. Dr. Dominik explains why root canals become silent, chronic infections that can burden the immune system for decades without causing pain. He goes deep into cavitations, the hidden jaw infections that form after nearly every wisdom tooth extraction, that most dentists don't know exist and can't diagnose even with the equipment they have. He talks about what metals in your mouth are actually doing in an EMF-saturated world, why fluoride toothpaste has been one of dentistry's biggest misdirections, and how the oral microbiome feeds the entire gut ecosystem. He also shares the two-phase treatment model that is changing lives: removing every source of chronic infection from the mouth in one strategic week, placing ceramic implants same-day, and letting the body heal before rebuilding aesthetics and function. Patients who had migraines for 32 years. Skin eczema gone within two weeks. Cortisol normalized almost overnight. If you have ever had a root canal, had your wisdom teeth removed, or have metal anywhere in your mouth, this episode is not optional. Listen now. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Dominik Nischwitz Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: COZY EARTH: Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to https://cozyearth.com/ and use code NATALIEJILL for an exclusive 20% off Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/41030315

522: The Protein Lie Midlife Women Have Been Told (And What to Do Instead) with Angelo Keely 05/01/2026

522: The Protein Lie Midlife Women Have Been Told (And What to Do Instead) with Angelo Keely What if the protein you've been so carefully tracking is giving you a fraction of the muscle-building benefit you think it is? That question stopped me in my tracks, and I think it's going to stop you too. I brought Angelo Keely back to the show for exactly this conversation. Angelo is the CEO and co-founder of Kion, and he works alongside the top scientists in protein and amino acid research. Our last episode together changed how I think about protein entirely, and this one went deeper. Here's what we get into: your protein needs don't decrease as you age, they actually go up, and most of us don't know why. Angelo explains what's happening at the cellular level when you eat protein, why a smaller amount of steak eaten alone can outperform a much larger portion eaten with your vegetables, and what that means for how you're fueling your body every single day. He also breaks down why BCAAs are largely a waste of money (and might actually be working against you), what the research actually says about creatine for women (it does not make your muscles bigger, and the bloating fear is mostly myth), and how to think about leucine, essential amino acids, and what to look for on a supplement label so you're not getting ripped off. If you're on a GLP-1, dieting, or just trying to hold onto muscle as you age, the section on caloric deficits and amino acid needs alone is worth the entire listen. The research Angelo shares from Department of Defense-funded studies will completely reframe how you think about cutting calories and preserving muscle at the same time. This one is practical, science-backed, and genuinely eye-opening. Angelo is one of the clearest voices in nutrition science when it comes to cutting through the noise, and I always leave our conversations with something I can actually use. Visit for 20% off your order! Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About KION Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: COZY EARTH: Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to and use code NATALIEJILL for an exclusive 20% off Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40989255

521: The Truth About Statins, LDL, and Heart Disease Risk That Most Cardiologists Won't Tell You with Dr. Philip Ovadia 04/28/2026

521: The Truth About Statins, LDL, and Heart Disease Risk That Most Cardiologists Won't Tell You with Dr. Philip Ovadia What if the cholesterol medication your doctor insists could save your life is actually increasing your risk of the very disease it's supposed to prevent? A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon who has personally performed over 3,000 open-heart surgeries joins us this week with a message he says most cardiologists will not say out loud: the majority of his patients should never have ended up on his table. Dr. Philip Ovadia lost nearly 100 pounds while operating on other people's hearts, reversed his own prediabetes, and spent the last decade asking a question his colleagues are not comfortable with: what is actually causing heart disease? This episode goes deep. You will learn why your LDL number tells you almost nothing meaningful without particle size testing, why statins lower the wrong kind of cholesterol, and why insulin resistance is a far bigger driver of heart events than anything showing up on a standard lipid panel. Dr. Ovadia also walks through the most important heart tests most women have never had, including the coronary artery calcium scan he calls "the mammogram for your heart," and gives his take on every medication in the conversation from statins to Zetia to Repatha. If you have ever left a cardiology appointment more confused and scared than when you walked in, this one is for you. Learn More About Dr. Philip Ovadia Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Preorder Stay Off My Kitchen Table ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https:// Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40959980

520: S-Equol - The Natural Estrogen Support System Most Women Abandoned for No Reason with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell 04/24/2026

520: S-Equol - The Natural Estrogen Support System Most Women Abandoned for No Reason with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell What if the belly fat, the exhaustion, and the 3 a.m. wake-ups were never about willpower or effort at all? In this episode, Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, a neuroscientist with 25 years of nutrition and cellular health research behind her, breaks down exactly what is happening inside the body during midlife and why the same habits that worked at 35 stop working at 45. Dr. Mitchell is currently the Chief Science Officer at MitoQ, a cellular health company with over $60 million in research, and she brings a level of scientific depth to this conversation that is genuinely rare. What unfolds is not the standard hormone health conversation. Dr. Mitchell explains the critical difference between the two estrogen receptor types, why visceral belly fat is actually a metabolic warning sign and not just a cosmetic frustration, and the truth behind decades of fear-mongering around soy. She also introduces a compound called S-equol that most women have never heard of, despite research showing it may outperform soy isoflavones for menopausal symptoms, joint pain, blood sugar, bone density, and brain health. The catch? Only 20 to 30 percent of Western women can produce it naturally, and the rest need to approach it differently. The conversation goes deeper into mitochondria, aging, oxidative stress, and why protecting your cellular energy production may be one of the most important things you can do in midlife. Natalie also opens up about her own experience with cortisol, soy, and the mom guilt she carried for 18 years over a decision she now knows was completely fine. This one is packed. Whether you are on HRT, avoiding it, or somewhere in the middle, there is something in this episode that will change how you understand your own body. Learn More About Dr. Siobhan Mitchell Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Visit and use code NATALIEJILL to save Thank you to our show sponsors: TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https:// COZY EARTH: Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to and use my code NATALIEJILL for an exclusive 20% off Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40934580

519: The Menopause Gut: What Your Doctor Never Told You About Hormones, Your Estrobolome, and Midlife Health with Cynthia Thurlow 04/21/2026

519: The Menopause Gut: What Your Doctor Never Told You About Hormones, Your Estrobolome, and Midlife Health with Cynthia Thurlow What if the bloating, brain fog, sleepless nights, and stubborn weight you've been blaming on menopause are actually a gut problem in disguise? Nurse practitioner Cynthia Thurlow has 25 years of clinical experience, a TEDx talk with over 15 million views, and the number four nutrition podcast in the country. But it wasn't until a near-death experience in 2018 — a ruptured appendix, 13 days in the hospital, and a perimenopause nobody had caught — that she truly understood what declining estrogen does to a woman's gut, immune system, and entire body. That experience became the foundation of her new book, The Menopause Gut, and this conversation goes deep. We cover the estrobolome (the estrogen processing center inside your microbiome that almost no one has told you about), why your ovaries age two to five times faster than every other organ in your body, the gut-bone connection and what fiber actually has to do with bone loss, why 90 to 95 percent of serotonin is made in the gut and what that means for mood and depression in midlife, how HRT really works and who deserves to be having that conversation, and what the practical menopause gut plan actually looks like in real life. 🔗 Episode Links: Which Midlife Gut Type Are You? Pre-Order Cynthia’s Book The Menopause Gut at Learn More About Cynthia Thurlow Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: QUANTUM: Try Quantum Upgrade completely free for 15 days—no credit card required. Use code NATALIEJILL at checkout on COZY EARTH: Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to and use my code NATALIEJILL for an exclusive 20% off. MITOQ: Take control of healthy aging and longevity. Get 10% off using code NATALIEJILL at checkout on Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40784270

518: Why Most People Stay Broke (And What They Were Never Taught About Money) with Hannah Hammond 04/14/2026

518: Why Most People Stay Broke (And What They Were Never Taught About Money) with Hannah Hammond What if everything you were taught about building wealth was designed to keep you exactly where you are? Hannah Hammond became a self-made millionaire before 30, not because she had a head start, but because she stumbled onto a completely different framework for money at age 13 and refused to let go of it. In this episode, she breaks down the asset vs. liability distinction that most of us were never taught, why your house probably isn't building your wealth the way you think it is, and how compound interest can still work powerfully in your favor no matter where you're starting from in midlife. Hannah also opens up about something few people talk about: hitting rock bottom emotionally in her early 20s despite her early financial knowledge, and the internal shift that changed everything. She shares the exact morning routine she uses to protect her "peak state," why your energetic state determines your outcomes, and the AI prompt that could replace a $50,000 coach for getting started. This one is for every woman who has worked hard, done the "right" things, and still feels like real financial freedom is just out of reach. Learn More About Hannah Hammond Instagram ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors: BEAM: Level up your health with BEAM Minerals HERE and use code NATALIEJILL to save! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40721940

517: Is Biohacking the New Diet Culture? What Midlife Women Need to Know About Peptides, Hormones, and Body Image with Karen Martel 04/07/2026

517: Is Biohacking the New Diet Culture? What Midlife Women Need to Know About Peptides, Hormones, and Body Image with Karen Martel What if the thing you thought was finally going to free you from a lifetime of food obsession is actually feeding the very cycle you have been trying to escape? This week on Midlife Conversations, I sat down with hormone expert and host of The Hormone Solution podcast, Karen Martel, for one of the most unexpectedly layered conversations I have had in a long time. Karen grew up with a mother who ran a Nutrisystem weight loss center, which meant that food restriction and body scrutiny were not just things she observed but the constant backdrop of her entire childhood. That early environment contributed to years of disordered eating that followed her well into adulthood. Today Karen helps midlife women navigate the intersection of hormones, weight, and the deeply ingrained beliefs most of us are still carrying from decades of diet culture. But this episode is not just a retrospective on the 80s and 90s fat-free era. It is about where those beliefs have quietly resurfaced in the current conversation around biohacking, GLP-1 peptides, and optimization culture. We get into the complicated reality of GLP-1 medications: the genuine relief they can bring to women who have spent their entire lives consumed by food noise, and the very real risks when they are used without proper guidance, including muscle loss, bone loss, nutrient deficiency, and what happens when access suddenly disappears. Karen also shares something she considers one of the most underaddressed pieces of this conversation: why optimizing your hormones before or alongside peptide use can change everything. This one challenged some of my own firmly held positions. I think it will do the same for you. Learn More About Karen Martel Instagram ➜ Website ➜ and Thank you to our show sponsors: TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40696400

516: The Hidden Reason Your Home Is Keeping You Stuck in Midlife with Feng Shui Expert Marie Diamond 03/31/2026

516: The Hidden Reason Your Home Is Keeping You Stuck in Midlife with Feng Shui Expert Marie Diamond What if the reason you cannot sleep, cannot relax, and cannot seem to get unstuck in midlife has nothing to do with your hormones, your diet, or your effort... and everything to do with the four walls around you? This conversation with Marie Diamond stopped me in my tracks. Marie is one of the world's most recognized feng shui masters, a featured teacher in The Secret, and someone who has spent decades helping people understand how their physical environments are quietly shaping their subconscious minds, their brain waves, their stress levels, and their ability to attract health, love, and abundance. And no, this is not woo. There are actual studies. Brain wave testing. Research out of the University of Beijing. Kinesiology measurements. The science is catching up to what Marie has been teaching for decades. We get into the specific feng shui mistakes most midlife women are making in their bedrooms (one of them might be why your passion and sleep quality have both quietly disappeared). We talk about why walking through your garage every morning is setting you up for a certain kind of day, what the scattered coins in your car are saying about your relationship with money, and why that picture hanging in your relationship corner might be telling a story you never meant to tell. Marie also walks us through her personal energy number system, something I tried live on this episode for myself, and it explained something about my connection to water and where I thrive that I had felt my whole life but never had language for. Whether you have always been curious about feng shui or you think it sounds a little out there, I promise this conversation will leave you looking at your home completely differently. And probably moving some furniture tonight. Episode Links: Your Home Is a Vision Board Book Free Marie Diamond App Learn More About Marie Diamond Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/mariediamondofficial Website ➜ Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40342820

515: The Hidden Reason You're Anxious, Wired, and Can't Sleep: EMF, Your Brain, and an 80% Stress Reduction Breakthrough with Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling 03/27/2026

515: The Hidden Reason You're Anxious, Wired, and Can't Sleep: EMF, Your Brain, and an 80% Stress Reduction Breakthrough with Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling Are you doing everything right and still waking up at 3am, running on anxiety, and feeling like your nervous system just won't calm down? What if the problem isn't your hormones, your diet, or your mindset... and it's something invisible that's been in your home the entire time? In this episode, we sit down with Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling, founder of Quantum Upgrade and Leela Quantum Tech and a former Vice President at T-Mobile. Philipp knows more about what electromagnetic fields are doing to your body than almost anyone on the planet, and what he shares in this conversation will make you look at your Wi-Fi router, your phone, and your electric car very differently. We dig into why the EMF soup we live in every single day is quietly driving up stress hormones, disrupting sleep, and throwing the brain's nervous system into a state of low-grade fight-or-flight... and what a Nobel Prize-winning physics concept called quantum entanglement has to do with reversing it. Using the most advanced EEG technology in the world, researchers measured what happens the moment Quantum Upgrade is switched on. Stress markers in the brain dropped by 80%. Calm brain activity increased by 13 times. Not 13 percent. Thirteen times. The conversation goes deep into blood studies showing reversal of early-stage clotting within minutes, a six-month parasitic load study with results that stunned investigators, and wound healing research so significant it converted its own skeptic. Natalie also opens up about what she quietly noticed in her own body after using Quantum Upgrade for several weeks without fully realizing it was working. If you have tried everything for your sleep, your anxiety, and your energy and still feel like something is missing, this episode is the piece you have been waiting for. Try Quantum Upgrade completely free for 15 days—no credit card required. Use code NATALIEJILL at checkout on Learn More About Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/quantumupgrade.io Website ➜ [code NATALIEJILL for a free 15 day trial] Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40252580

514: The Silent Thief: Why Your Bones Are Collapsing Without You Knowing It with Dr. Doug Lucas 03/24/2026

514: The Silent Thief: Why Your Bones Are Collapsing Without You Knowing It with Dr. Doug Lucas What if the most dangerous thing happening to your body right now has no pain, no warning, and no symptoms at all? One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Most have no idea it is even happening until the fracture changes everything. And for many, that fracture is not just a broken bone. It is the beginning of a cascade that can cost them their independence, their mobility, and in too many cases, their life. In this episode, Dr. Doug Lucas, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon turned bone health and hormone specialist. Dr. Lucas spent years fixing broken bones in the operating room, where he witnessed firsthand how brittle and chalky bone can get long before anyone thinks to check. Now he is on a mission to educate women before it gets to that point. This conversation goes deep into why bone loss accelerates dramatically in the years around menopause, why waiting until 65 to screen is dangerously too late, and how the conventional medical system has essentially no true bone health specialists. You will learn what a DEXA scan actually tells you versus what it misses, what bone turnover markers are and why they matter, and how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even FSH all play a role in what your bones are silently trying to tell you. Dr. Lucas also tackles the questions every midlife woman is asking: Does calcium supplementation actually help? What kind of exercise truly builds bone versus just slowing loss? Are weighted vests, rebounders, and vibration plates worth it? What is the truth about bone drugs like Fosamax and Prolia? And what should women on GLP-1s know about their bone health right now? Whether you have already been told you have low bone density, or you are just starting to think about this, this episode will change how you look at your body, your hormones, and your long-term independence. Do not skip this one. Learn More About Dr. Doug Lucas Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! SUNLIGHTEN: Sleep better. Recover faster. Stress less. Get Sunlighten infrared saunas HERE and use code NATALIEJILL to save up to $1,400! Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40380550

513: The Circadian Rhythm and Hormone Connection with Sarah Kleiner 03/17/2026

513: The Circadian Rhythm and Hormone Connection with Sarah Kleiner What if your hormone imbalance has nothing to do with your hormones and everything to do with the light in your house? Health detective and certified quantum biology practitioner Sarah Kleiner joins us to break down one of the most underconversed topics in women's midlife health: how your light environment is directly disrupting your hormones, your metabolism, your thyroid, your gut, and your sleep... and what you can actually do about it today. Sarah shares her deeply personal journey through irregular cycles, two miscarriages, two failed IVF rounds, and eventually a successful pregnancy at 43, all made possible by rebuilding her health from the circadian rhythm up. She explains why going carnivore helped and then hurt her, how artificial light at night is functionally the same as not sleeping, and why estrogen dominance might actually be a lighting problem. We also dig into the nuanced conversation around HRT: the peer pressure to do it, the risks of doing it without understanding your detox pathways and genetics, and why both "HRT causes cancer" and "HRT doesn't cause cancer" are incomplete statements. Sarah's philosophy? Fix the terrain first, then make an informed decision. If you have ever felt like you are doing everything right and still not feeling well, this episode will give you a new lens to look through and a clear place to start. Learn More About Sarah Kleiner Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40302940

512: Why You Lost the Spark: Polarity, Attraction, and Midlife Love with Mat Boggs 03/10/2026

512: Why You Lost the Spark: Polarity, Attraction, and Midlife Love with Mat Boggs Grab Mat's book 'Cracking the Man Code' at where he has loaded up over $300 in bonuses for our listeners. What if the reason you keep losing the spark has nothing to do with your partner and everything to do with an energy you have been running on autopilot for years? In this conversation, relationship expert and author Mat Boggs, talks about something I do not think gets enough airtime: why so many midlife women find themselves feeling disconnected from their partners or stuck in a cycle of crashed relationships, and what is actually going on beneath the surface. Mat's story is one of the most honest ones I have heard from a man on this subject. He once ranked second-to-last in a voting exercise where 50 women evaluated 50 men on nothing but the energy they had been showing up with for four days. That crushing feedback became the launching pad for everything he now teaches about love, attraction, and authentic connection. We got into the concept of polarity, which is the interplay between masculine and feminine energy, and how so many of us who thrive in our masculine at work unknowingly bring that same energy home and kill the attraction in our closest relationships. We talked about what actually makes a woman magnetic at any age (hint: it is not about the number on the scale or the gray in your hair). And we went deep on what to do if your relationship has started feeling like a roommate situation. Mat also shared the appreciation practice that has transformed marriages, a practical three-step method for holding your standards without pushing someone away, and why the pressure of asking 'is this the one?' might be the very thing keeping you stuck. This one is for every woman who has ever wondered why love feels harder than it should, and who is ready to hear that the answer might already be inside her. • Grab Mat's book 'Cracking the Man Code' at where he has loaded up over $300 in bonuses for our listeners. • Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Mat Boggs Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/mathewboggs Website ➜ http://crackingthemancode.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors! KION: Visit for 20% off your order of essential amino acids Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40136490

511: Reversing Bone Loss in Midlife with Zora Benhamou 03/03/2026

511: Reversing Bone Loss in Midlife with Zora Benhamou What if you did absolutely everything right: the hormones, the biohacking, the exercise, the nutrition…and STILL ended up needing hip replacement surgery at 54? That is exactly what happened to gerontologist Zora Benhamou, founder of the Hack My Age podcast, and her story is one of the most important and relevant bone health conversations we have had on this show to date. In this conversation, Zora breaks down the critical difference between osteoporosis (bone density loss) and osteoarthritis (joint degeneration) that too many women (and even many doctors) get completely wrong. She walks through the risk factors that set her up for surgery despite a lifetime of doing things right, what an early warning sign of osteoarthritis actually feels like in your body, and why the DEXA scan your doctor ordered may only be telling you part of the story. We are discussing the REMS scan, a newer ultrasound technology that measures bone quality and strength rather than just density, and she shares the jaw-dropping story of her husband whose results would have landed him on medication he did not need. She covers the science of what forces bones actually require to rebuild, why jumping off a step beats the treadmill, how hormones and bone health are connected, and what protein and minerals actually have to do with fracture prevention. This is also a conversation about bone loss fear and why understanding the full picture is far more powerful than a single scan result. Key take away: bone loss is not a life sentence. Osteoporosis is reversible. And midlife is exactly the right time to take action. Learn More About Zora Benhamou Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! QUANTUM UPGRADE: Try Quantum Upgrade completely free for 15 days—no credit card required. Use code NATALIEJILL at checkout on https://quantumupgrade.io/ TIMELINE: Timeline is offering up to 39% off your order of Mitopure! Go to Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40286310

510: How to Make Every Day Feel Like a Vacation (Without Leaving Home) with Jessie Schwartzburg 02/27/2026

510: How to Make Every Day Feel Like a Vacation (Without Leaving Home) with Jessie Schwartzburg What if the secret to a life that actually feels full has nothing to do with where you are and everything to do with how you show up? With world-class event coordinator and experience designer Jessie Schwartzburg, we unpack why so many midlife women feel like life is flying by and what you can do about it starting today. Jessie has spent decades creating unforgettable moments for high-profile clients and bucket-list travel groups, and her approach to designing days worth remembering is something every woman in midlife needs to hear. We explore why our brains create such vivid memories during new experiences, how small intentional touches can transform an ordinary moment into something people talk about for years, and what it actually takes to stop feeling like life is passing you by. Jessie also breaks down her personal formula for structuring any day or any trip around the four things she believes are the secret to a long, vibrant life: movement, learning, adventure, and connection. You will walk away with practical, immediately actionable ideas, from planning a memorable birthday lunch to finally booking that group trip you have been putting off. This one is a genuine reset for how you are choosing to spend your time in midlife. 🔗 Episode Links: Love Language Test Your Best Life Events Chalene Johnson’s Camp Be More Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Jessie Schwartzburg Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40228530

509: Why Your Body Responds to What You Believe - The Science of Aging Better with Allison Maslan 02/24/2026

509: Why Your Body Responds to What You Believe - The Science of Aging Better with Allison Maslan What if the reason you still feel off (despite trying every diet, supplement, routine, and hormone protocol) is that nobody has ever treated your body as the energy system it actually is? In this conversation, Allison Maslan, who is a classically trained homeopath, founder of Pinnacle Global Network, and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author dives into a conversation that goes far beyond conventional health advice. Allison spent 20 years running her own homeopathic practice, treated thousands of patients, and founded the first homeopathic college in Southern California. She's also in her early 60s, flies trapeze, and is proof that your most powerful chapter can start in midlife. We unpack what homeopathy actually is and why it's been written out of mainstream American medicine, how it can support women navigating menopause and perimenopause (especially those who can't or don't want to use hormones), the science of why your brain literally cannot tell the difference between a vivid visualization and reality, the 1980s study that proved men in their 70s and 80s can physically reverse aging through mindset alone, and Allison's exact Vision Crafting process – the morning ritual she uses to manifest everything from her dream home to business breakthroughs. This episode is for the woman who is tired of only playing defense with her health and is ready to start playing offense with her life with real, science-backed mechanics of how your brain shapes your body and what you can do with that tomorrow morning. 🔗 Episode Links: If you want to get Allison’s full Vision Crafting process, meditation, and book bundle special go to: Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Allison Maslan Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/allisonmaslan Website ➜ & Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40152105

508: Why Nutrition Became Political (And How It's Destroying Your Health) with Keri Glassman 02/17/2026

508: Why Nutrition Became Political (And How It's Destroying Your Health) with Keri Glassman What if everything the government told you to eat for 30 years was literally backwards? If you're over 45 and you've been confused by decades of conflicting nutrition advice, this conversation is for you. You've been told to eat fat-free and then full-fat. You've been told carbs are evil and then that you need them. The food pyramid told us to load up on bread, pasta, and rice while keeping fat to a bare minimum. We followed that advice. And we got fatter, sicker, and more inflamed than ever. Now the entire framework has been flipped upside down. This isn't your fault. The recommendations actually were wrong, and they're finally correcting course. Nutrition has somehow become political. The real reason the old food pyramid was designed the way it was has nothing to do with what's actually healthy for your body. Spoiler alert: it was about fear of fat, preventing deficiency, and keeping people fed cheaply. Optimization? That wasn't even on the radar. In this episode, Natalie sits down with registered dietitian Keri Glassman to break down the 2025 dietary guidelines, how the government's shift from "preventing disease" to "supporting optimal health" changes literally everything about nutrition that we’ve seen for decades, the specifics that the new guidelines finally got right (and the nuances they still missed), the seed oil debate and what actually matters, how GP1’s are becoming genuinely life-changing for some women, and why the glamorization of eating disorders on social media connected to these drugs is deeply concerning…and more! But understanding what changed is only half the battle. The bigger conversation is about learning to trust your own body's signals, understanding that your nutrition needs over 45 are different than at 25, and finding what actually works for YOUR individual situation instead of following yet another set of rules. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Keri Glassman Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www. Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/40042360

507: Your Cancer Diagnosis Isn't Your Fault (And Why That Matters): A Stage 4 Cancer Survivor's Truth About Energy and Healing with Maria Kang 02/10/2026

507: Your Cancer Diagnosis Isn't Your Fault (And Why That Matters): A Stage 4 Cancer Survivor's Truth About Energy and Healing with Maria Kang Your CANCER Diagnosis Isn't Your Fault (And Why That Matters): A Stage 4 Cancer Survivor's Truth About Energy and Healing with Maria Kang What if everything you think you know about cancer and healing is actually backwards? Maria Kang has lived a life that defies conventional narratives. She's the "No Excuses Mom" who challenged the fitness industry…and then she got stage 4 cancer while doing everything "right." But instead of following the standard playbook, she made a choice that shocked everyone around her and in that, discovered that cancer wasn't her enemy - it was her greatest teacher. This is not your typical cancer survival story. In this conversation, Maria walks us through her journey from the moment of diagnosis through the stunning realization that cancer, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness emerge from an energetic state of chronic self-betrayal. She shares why she resisted chemotherapy, what happened when the tumor shrank after gratitude practice, why cancer returned, and what truly shifted when she finally surrendered. More importantly, she reveals what this teaches every woman about people-pleasing, boundaries, inner authority, and the cost of abandoning yourself. Whether or not you're facing a cancer diagnosis, this episode will change how you listen to your body. Maria's recent book, Sacred Becoming, documents her full transformation. And what Natalie discovered while reading it is that this isn't just a cancer story, it's a blueprint for remembering who you actually are underneath all the conditioning. Midlife women are in a health crisis not just about food or fitness. It's about chronic disconnection from your own inner knowing. It's about people-pleasing patterns that literally make your body sick. It's about forgotten boundaries and abandoned dreams. Maria's story shows what happens when those patterns escalate to cancer. And more importantly, it shows what becomes possible when you finally listen to your body and remember who you actually are. Episode Links: Maria’s new book: Sacred Becoming Past Episode - 401: The GIFT of Cancer with Maria Kang Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Maria Kang Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Book ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! QUANTUM UPGRADE: Try Quantum Upgrade completely free for 15 days—no credit card required. Use code NATALIEJILL at checkout on TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https:// Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39909305

506: Is Red Light Therapy Real or Just Hype? What 6,000 Studies (and Your Circadian Rhythm) Reveal with Ari Whitten 02/03/2026

506: Is Red Light Therapy Real or Just Hype? What 6,000 Studies (and Your Circadian Rhythm) Reveal with Ari Whitten Get Ari Whitten’s Book here: What if the most effective anti-aging tool isn't some skincare in your cabinet but is something that has been scientifically proven for 30 years, studied across 6,000 peer-reviewed research papers, and yet nobody told you about it? What if the reason you haven't heard about it isn't because it doesn't work, but because the science moved faster than the system? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Ari Whitten, one of the world's leading experts in photobiomodulation and red light therapy. Ari and I have known each other for nearly two decades. What he's discovered about light, cellular energy, aging, and mitochondrial health has genuinely transformed how I approach my own health. That's why I'm bringing him back to share this information with you. We're diving deep into topics that matter: Is red light therapy actually scientifically proven, or is it just the latest wellness trend? (Spoiler: 6,000 peer-reviewed studies, 30+ years of research, and now mainstream adoption says it's proven.) How does red light actually work at the cellular level? (Hint: it's not magic, it's mitochondrial biology.) Why are dermatologists still recommending sun avoidance when red light from the sun is protective? (And how do you know which wavelengths actually age you?) Which devices actually work, which ones are a waste of money, and how do you know the difference? (Device selection matters more than most people realize.) How can red light therapy support anti-aging, energy, recovery, sleep, and brain function all at the same time? (It's not separate benefits, it's connected cellular biology.) Why don't doctors talk about this if the science is solid? (The answer reveals a lot about how medicine actually works.) How does diet work synergistically with red light therapy for skin health? (Your vegetables are doing more for sun protection than you realize.) Your body hasn't evolved to live under artificial lights all day and then in bright LED light all night. It's evolved to sync with the sun. But the sun's effects on your health depend on understanding which wavelengths you're getting and what they actually do. Red light therapy isn't a new invention. It's 30 years of proven science finally becoming mainstream. When you align your light exposure with natural cycles, strategically use red light therapy for specific goals, and support your skin with proper nutrition, you're not just optimizing. You're addressing one of the most fundamental inputs to human health that most people completely overlook. The science isn't new…public understanding of it is just catching up. 🔴 My favorite red light panel here (use code NATALIEJILL to save): 🔴 My favorite red light mask here (use code NATALIEJILL to save): Get Ari Whitten’s Book: The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy at Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Ari Whitten Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39895925

505: Part Two - Why You Need Estrogen Even If You're "Estrogen Dominant" with Dr. Betty Murray 01/27/2026

505: Part Two - Why You Need Estrogen Even If You're "Estrogen Dominant" with Dr. Betty Murray To work with Dr. Betty and her team go here What if the hormone advice you're following is actually making everything worse? In part two of this conversation, Dr. Betty Murray returns to expose the dangerous myths keeping midlife women stuck in hormone chaos. This conversation goes deep into the truth about estrogen dominance versus estrogen deficiency, why your testosterone dose might be creating more problems than it solves, and the critical difference between total and free hormone levels that most doctors completely miss. We're talking about the three stages of the menopause transition and what's actually happening to your hormones during each phase. Dr. Murray explains why that single lab test your doctor ordered probably tells you almost nothing useful, especially if you're in perimenopause when your hormones are doing "the bungee cord" - jumping from 600 one day to 40 the next. You'll discover why cycling progesterone might be making your life unnecessarily complicated and destroying your sleep, how environmental toxins are sitting in your estrogen receptors right now if you're not on adequate hormone replacement, and the real truth about soy that has nothing to do with the wellness industry scare tactics. This episode also tackles the GLP-1 medication controversy head-on. Dr. Murray shares why these drugs are being dangerously misused for rapid weight loss when they could be valuable longevity tools at lower doses, and why the real problem isn't the medication itself but the eating disorder culture we're creating around it. Plus, we dive into peptides: what they actually are, why they're exploding in the longevity space, and why taking them without proper guidance could shut down your body's natural hormone production. If you've been told your hormones are "fine" while feeling anything but fine, or if you're on hormone therapy but still struggling with symptoms, this conversation will change how you understand and advocate for your hormone health. Listen to the full episode to discover exactly what your body needs to thrive in midlife. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Betty Murray Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drbettymurray Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! BEAM: Level up your health with BEAM Minerals at and use code NATALIEJILL to save! SUNLIGHTEN: Sleep better. Recover faster. Stress less. Get Sunlighten infrared saunas HERE and use code NATALIEJILL to save up to $1,400! Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39696875

504: Part One - The Real Reason Hormone Replacement Therapy Fails (and How to Fix It) with Dr. Betty Murray 01/20/2026

504: Part One - The Real Reason Hormone Replacement Therapy Fails (and How to Fix It) with Dr. Betty Murray To work with Dr. Betty and her team go here What if the hormone replacement therapy you're taking is recycling in your body and creating the exact problems you're trying to solve? Most doctors test your hormone levels and prescribe accordingly. But here's what they're missing: it's not just about the hormones you make or the hormones you take – it's about how your unique body packages them, processes them, and eliminates them. And when this goes wrong, you can experience fibroids, unexplained weight gain, crushing fatigue, and worsening symptoms even though your blood tests look "normal." Dr. Betty Murray holds a PhD in hormone metabolism research and has spent over 20 years individualizing hormone therapy for women. In this conversation, we dive deep into the science that most practitioners completely miss: the three pathways your body uses to process estrogen, why your DNA matters (but isn't destiny), and how supporting detoxification in the wrong order can actually make things worse. This isn't a basic "should I do HRT" conversation. This is the advanced science that explains why some women thrive on hormone therapy while others struggle and what you can do about it if you're in the second group. We explore the difference between blood tests, urine tests, and Dutch tests (and why your doctor might be dismissing the most important one). Dr. Murray explains why taking supplements like DIM without understanding your complete pathway picture could be sabotaging your results. And she shares the critical downstream steps that must be supported first (sulfation and methylation) before anything else will work. If you've ever felt gaslit by "normal" lab results while feeling anything but normal, this episode is for you. Dr. Murray gives you permission to become your own health detective and shows you exactly where to start looking for answers. Listen now to discover the hormone processing pathways your doctor probably isn't testing, and why that might be the missing piece in your health journey. This is Part One of a two-part series. Part Two coming soon. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Betty Murray Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drbettymurray Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www.bioptimizers.com/nataliejill Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39657975

503: Why Your Expensive Supplements Aren't Working (The Absorption Crisis in Midlife) with Lindsey Burwell, Founder of The Patch Method 01/16/2026

503: Why Your Expensive Supplements Aren't Working (The Absorption Crisis in Midlife) with Lindsey Burwell, Founder of The Patch Method You're spending hundreds of dollars every month on high-quality supplements…so why do you still feel exhausted, inflamed, and stuck? The problem isn't the supplements you're buying. It's that your body might only be absorbing 10-15% of what you're taking. The rest? Literally flushed down the toilet. In this game-changing conversation with integrative health practitioner Lindsey Burwell, we uncover the absorption crisis affecting midlife women, and why your expensive supplement routine isn't delivering the results you're paying for. After years of bioanalytics testing, Lindsey discovered a shocking pattern: women faithfully taking their vitamins were showing up severely deficient in those exact same nutrients on lab work. We dive into what's really blocking absorption: your stagnant liver and inflamed gut, and why the toxic load of midlife has created a perfect storm where oral supplements simply can't get through. Lindsey explains the "first pass effect," why your liver prioritizes detoxification over vitamin absorption, and how the accumulation of stress, toxins, and hormonal changes has fundamentally changed how your body processes nutrients. But this isn't just a problem - Lindsey introduces a solution that bypasses the entire absorption crisis: transdermal vitamin delivery through patches that go directly into your bloodstream, completely avoiding the liver-gut bottleneck that's blocking your oral supplements. If you're tired of spending money on supplements that aren't working, feeling like you're doing everything right but getting nowhere, and wondering why your body has stopped responding like it used to, this episode will change everything. It's time to understand the absorption crisis in midlife and actually get the nutrients your body desperately needs. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Lindsey Burwell Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/the.patchmethod Website ➜ (use code NATALIEJILL for 20% off) Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39618555

502: Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol And The Not So Popular Opinion On What To Do About It with Dr. Jack Wolfson 01/13/2026

502: Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol And The Not So Popular Opinion On What To Do About It with Dr. Jack Wolfson Did you know that taking a statin drug for prevention might only buy you 3 extra DAYS of life - while interfering with your hormones, brain function, and cellular energy? Heart disease kills more midlife women than all cancers combined, yet most of us are getting the same five-minute doctor's appointment, the same statin prescription, and the same confusing advice about cholesterol that's been recycled for 70 years. What if everything we've been taught about protecting our hearts is backwards? This conversation with board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson will challenge everything you thought you knew about heart health, cholesterol, and what your body actually needs to thrive in midlife. Dr. Wolfson walked away from conventional hospital cardiology after watching his own father die at 63, and discovering that a 29-year-old chiropractor had all the answers his medical training had missed. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the pharmaceutical approach to heart disease, exploring why cholesterol isn't the villain it's been made out to be, and discovering what truly protects your heart as you age. We're talking about the role of environmental toxins like mold in heart disease, why your genetics might not be your destiny, and the three pillars of heart health that no one's discussing in your doctor's office. This is not your typical "eat this, not that" conversation. This is about becoming your own health detective and understanding what's really happening in your body so you can make empowered choices that actually protect your heart, your brain, and your future. If you've been told your cholesterol is too high, if you're confused about statins, if you're worried about following in your parents' cardiac footsteps, or if you're simply tired of Band-Aid solutions that don't address root causes—this episode is for you. Listen now to discover why this cardiologist says healthy people don't have heart attacks, what that means for your health journey, and the surprising factors that might be impacting your heart health right now. Your heart health is too important to leave to chance. It's time to become your own health detective. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Jack Wolfson Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39612900

501: Overactive Bladder, Prolapse and Leakage…Is Our Vagina Aging Well with The Vagina Coach Kim Vopni 01/06/2026

501: Overactive Bladder, Prolapse and Leakage…Is Our Vagina Aging Well with The Vagina Coach Kim Vopni Did you know that 46% of women completely stop exercising because of pelvic floor problems and most wait nearly 7 years before seeking help? If you've been waking up multiple times every night to pee, crossing your legs when you sneeze, or planning your entire day around bathroom locations, this episode is about to change your life. And no, the answer isn't just "do more Kegels." In this conversation with Kim Vopni, also known as The Vagina Coach, to uncover the shocking truth about what's really happening to your pelvic floor in midlife and why everything your doctor told you might be wrong. Kim reveals why most women are doing Kegels completely incorrectly, making their problems worse instead of better. She explains the real reasons you're waking up at night (hint: it's probably not your bladder), and shares the one appointment every woman should schedule annually that most have never even heard of. You'll discover why bladder leaks aren't just an inconvenience but a cascade effect that's destroying your sleep, your exercise routine, your sex life, and your confidence. Kim breaks down the difference between normal aging and actual pelvic floor dysfunction, revealing that what you've accepted as "just part of getting older" is actually completely reversible in most cases. From the truth about vaginal estrogen and the black box warning that's medically inaccurate, to hypopressives and vaginal red light therapy, this conversation goes deep into solutions that actually work. Kim explains why surgery and medication should never be your first option, shares the retraining technique that stops night waking in as little as one night, and reveals the hidden connection between your nervous system and every single pelvic floor symptom. Whether you're dealing with stress incontinence, urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, or you're just exhausted from getting up six times a night, this episode gives you the roadmap to reclaim your pelvic health (and your life). Because hiding from photos, avoiding social events, and wearing black leggings every day isn't the solution. Ready to stop planning your life around bathrooms? Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Kim Vopni Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/VaginaCoach Website ➜ http://vaginacoach.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors! TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https:// Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39121820

500: What Our Intrusive Worries and Thoughts Are Trying To Tell Us with Dr. Yasmine Saad 12/30/2025

500: What Our Intrusive Worries and Thoughts Are Trying To Tell Us with Dr. Yasmine Saad What if the negative thoughts keeping you awake at 3 AM aren't trying to torture you—but are actually messengers with critical information about what you need most? If you've ever felt consumed by worries about money, regrets about parenting, or fears about aging, you're not alone. But according to Dr. Yasmine Saad, one of New York's top three psychologists, everything we've been taught about handling these thoughts is backwards. In this conversation, Dr. Saad reveals why midlife creates the perfect storm for mental overwhelm, how hormonal changes directly affect your thought patterns, and why fighting your negative thoughts might be the worst thing you can do. She introduces a revolutionary five-step method for decoding the messages your mind is desperately trying to send you—and why understanding these messages is the key to transformation. We dive deep into the mind-body connection through traditional Chinese medicine, exploring how physical symptoms like hives, shoulder pain, and digestive issues are directly connected to the emotions you've absorbed and the mental patterns you're running. Dr. Saad explains why meditation and positive thinking often backfire, what your "energy signature" reveals about how you should approach healing, and the critical differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and coaches. This isn't another conversation about "managing" your mental health. This is about understanding why your mind works the way it does in midlife, what it's trying to tell you, and how to use that information to create the life you actually want. If you're ready to stop fighting yourself and start listening to what your mind and body are trying to communicate, this episode will change everything. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Yasmine Saad Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/dr.yasminesaad Website ➜ | Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39235715

499: Anxiety, Depression & Nervous System Regulation for Midlife Women with Dr. Kristine Gravino 12/23/2025

499: Anxiety, Depression & Nervous System Regulation for Midlife Women with Dr. Kristine Gravino If you're lying awake with racing thoughts, feeling constant overwhelm, or wondering if your midlife anxiety is "normal" or something more serious, this conversation will change how you think about mental health. Dr. Kristine Gravino, a psychologist specializing in midlife women, reveals why one out of two women struggle with anxiety and depression during this phase and it's directly connected to your dropping estrogen levels. We're diving deep into the questions you're actually asking: When is Xanax okay? Is that nightly wine helping or hurting? What does "regulating your nervous system" actually mean beyond the trendy Instagram posts? And most importantly, what CAN you do about racing thoughts and constant anxiety without buying more gadgets or taking more pills? Dr. Gravino shares the breathing technique you're probably doing wrong (hint: it's not the inhale that calms you down), why your brain desperately needs carbohydrates even though you've been told to fear them for 30 years, and the bare minimum strategies that actually work when you're feeling completely paralyzed by overwhelm. Plus, I'm opening up about my recent health journey with histamine intolerance and how it completely changed my understanding of the nervous system-cortisol-anxiety connection. This isn't just another conversation about "self-care", rather, it’s about understanding what's actually happening in your body and getting real, science-backed tools to feel better now. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Kristine Gravino Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/DrKGravinoWellness Website ➜ Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39266620

498: The Hidden Connection Between Long COVID, Mold, and Mast Cell Activation with Dr. Tania Dempsey 12/16/2025

498: The Hidden Connection Between Long COVID, Mold, and Mast Cell Activation with Dr. Tania Dempsey What if the random symptoms you've been told are "all separate" – the hives, exhaustion, brain fog, and digestive chaos – are actually ALL connected through one dysfunctional system in your body that affects 1 in 5 people? When Dr. Tania Dempsey left traditional medicine after being told she wouldn't get bonuses for patients with cholesterol over 200, she discovered something revolutionary: conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, long COVID, and mysterious autoimmune markers might all trace back to the same source: dysfunctional mast cells. In this conversation, Dr. Dempsey reveals why your mast cells (your body's security guards) might be stuck in overdrive, leaking over 1,200 different inflammatory chemicals throughout your body. She explains why perimenopausal women and adolescents are hit hardest, how hormones trigger these cellular explosions, and why that positive thyroid antibody test might not mean what you think. Most shocking? The conventional medical system's approach of treating symptoms separately might be exactly what's keeping you sick. Dr. Dempsey shares her personalized protocol that's helping patients reclaim their lives, but warns that you can't supplement your way out of this without addressing one crucial system everyone overlooks. If you've been gaslit by doctors, told your labs are "normal" despite feeling terrible, or you're navigating mysterious symptoms that worsen with hormonal changes, this conversation will help everything make sense. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Tania Dempsey Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https:// Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39165710

497: The Weight Loss Industry Has Gone Crazy 12/12/2025

497: The Weight Loss Industry Has Gone Crazy Join Total Body Thrive and use code PODCAST at checkout to save Did you know that many of those "perfect" fitness transformations flooding your social media feed aren't even real people? They're computer-generated robots designed to make you feel inadequate about your body. Why is everyone suddenly afraid of vegetables? Why are influencers celebrating their hair falling out in clumps? And why are we calling starvation "wellness" again? After decades of helping women transform their health, I am breaking my silence on the disturbing "ick" I’m feeling about today's diet culture. From AI-generated fake influencers to the terrifying return of "skinny is back," this episode is exposing the dangerous trends that made me cancel my annual January Total Body Thrive Live Fat Loss Group Launch for the first time ever. What pushed me over the edge? Why am I calling out the carnivore craze, the protein obsession, and the normalization of eating disorders disguised as "discipline"? And what does the revival of nicotine patches for weight loss say about how far we've fallen?! This unfiltered episode will make you question everything you're seeing online and might just explain why you've been feeling so confused and frustrated with conflicting health advice. Join Total Body Thrive and use code PODCAST at checkout to save Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39321510

496: Reading Glasses, Dry Eyes, and Cataracts – What's Really Happening to Your Eyes with Dr. Rudrani Banik 12/09/2025

496: Reading Glasses, Dry Eyes, and Cataracts – What's Really Happening to Your Eyes with Dr. Rudrani Banik Can you remember the last time you could read a menu without squinting, holding it at arm's length, or borrowing someone's reading glasses? If you're wondering why your vision suddenly betrayed you in midlife (along with everything else changing in your body) this episode delivers answers you won't get at your typical eye exam. Dr. Rudrani Banik, a neuro-ophthalmologist with 20+ years of experience, reveals why our eyes go haywire during perimenopause and menopause, exposing the hormone connection your eye doctor probably never mentioned. Discover why dry eye isn't actually about tear production but about tiny glands with testosterone receptors, why those trendy eyelash extensions might be destroying your eye health, and the truth about whether sunglasses are really "endocrine disruptors" (spoiler: Dr. Banik tested it with a light meter). Learn the three-step eyelid hygiene routine that could save your vision, which eye drops actually work for presbyopia, and why that migraine aura isn't a stroke, even though it feels like one. Plus, get the insider truth about cataract surgery, when vision changes signal diabetes or serious neurological issues, and why you absolutely need a dilated eye exam (not just a glasses check). Dr. Banik shares her personal story of thinking she had a brain tumor at 54, only to discover it was her spine affecting her vision – proving everything really is connected in midlife. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: Learn More About Dr. Rudrani Banik Instagram ➜ Website ➜ Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www. Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: Connect with me on social media! Instagram: Facebook: For advertising inquiries: Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast. /episode/index/show/levelingup/id/39149635

Midlife Conversations with Natalie Jill: Fat Loss, Hormones & Health for Women Over 40

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