Guest: Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health & Medical Director of The Menopause Society

Part One: Menopause Myths & Medicine

Menopause has gone viral — but not always for the right reasons. From claims that a woman’s brain “eats itself” in menopause to this week’s breaking FDA news about estrogen therapy, it’s harder than ever to know what’s true.

In this first half of the episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Stephanie Faubion, one of the world’s leading voices in women’s health, to cut through the confusion with evidence, empathy, and straight talk.

Together, they unpack:

The latest FDA decision and what it means for hormone therapy and women’s health

Whether estrogen can protect against heart disease or stroke

The state of research and funding in women’s health and menopause

AI and Menopause Care: helpful or hurtful?

How to discern who you should — and shouldn’t — trust for menopause information online

About Dr. Stephanie Faubion:

Dr. Faubion is the Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, and author of The New Rules of Menopause. A professor and chair at Mayo Clinic, she’s a globally recognized expert on hormone therapy, sexual health, and healthy aging — leading groundbreaking research through the DREAMS Registry and beyond.

The Menopause Society

Mayo Clinic

Part Two: Aging Powerfully — The Retreat Debrief

Then, Melissa switches gears to share a heartfelt recap of her inaugural “Aging Powerfully” retreat weekend — a three-day experience designed to help women reconnect with their strength, wisdom, and joy in midlife and beyond.

From expert-led workshops on menopause, mental health, fitness, and nutrition to unforgettable moments of laughter, vulnerability, and sisterhood — Melissa reflects on what truly made the weekend magical, what surprised her most, and what’s next for the Aging Powerfully movement.

www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and tag a friend who deserves to age powerfully, with truth, community, and confidence.

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner 

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact: [email protected] 

Guest: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Clinical Psychologist & Friendship Researcher

As we age, our friendships can evolve—some deepen, others drift, and new ones can feel harder to form. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa speaks with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist and leading expert on adult friendship, about why meaningful connection is vital for women in midlife and beyond.

Together, they explore:

• How women’s friendships change as we age—and why that’s normal
• Why it’s harder to make new friends in adulthood and how to overcome it
• The link between strong friendships, longevity, and overall health
• Navigating friendship loss, loneliness, and life transitions
• The benefits of friendships across generations
• How cultivating supportive relationships helps us age powerfully—with confidence, joy, and resilience

Find Dr. Kirmayer on her website, https://www.miriamkirmayer.com/

This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial.

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner 

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada 

https://protein.starbucks.ca/

When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle.

In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time.

Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into:

• The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight it
• What the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40
• Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardio
• The biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength training
• How just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging well

Because when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful.

As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle.

• Learn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:
• https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/
• Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) – 
• https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner 

Producer: Melissa Grelo 

If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to be changing through midlife — even when your habits haven’t — this episode is a must-listen.

Melissa sits down once again with Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd), obesity physician and leading voice in metabolic health, for an eye-opening conversation about weight gain and weight loss during the menopause transition.

Dr. High breaks down the latest science behind today’s most talked-about obesity medications — and why calling them “weight loss drugs” is not only misleading, but potentially dangerous. She explains who these medications are really for, who shouldn’t be taking them, and why trendy “microdosing” approaches can backfire in serious ways.

If you’ve struggled with midlife weight changes, felt confused by conflicting advice, or just want the truth — free of diet fads and fear — Dr. High’s compassionate, evidence-based approach will change the way you think about your body, your metabolism, and your health.

In this episode:



• Why weight gain during menopause is normal — and what’s really behind it
• The science (and myths) of new obesity treatment medications
• Why “weight loss drug” culture is dangerous and inaccurate
• The truth about “microdosing” and other social media fads
• How Dr. High helps menopausal women find real, sustainable, science-backed solutions

Listen now — and start aging powerfully, inside and out.

This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial.

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner 

Producer: Melissa Grelo 

For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected] 

Guest: Dr. Shafeena Premji, Menopause Expert & Physician (@drshafeenapremji).

If you’ve been told you can’t take hormone therapy—or you’ve chosen not to—this episode is for you.

This week, menopause expert and physician Dr. Shafeena Premji joins us to unpack all the non-hormonal treatment options available to women navigating the menopause transition. From prescription medications to emerging therapies, Dr. Premji explains what’s proven, safe, and effective for managing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep issues—without using hormones.

She also breaks down the exciting new non-hormonal treatment recently approved by Health Canada, how it works, and why it’s being hailed as a game changer—especially for:

• Breast cancer survivors
• Stroke or cardiovascular disease patients
• Those beyond the 10-year window for starting hormone therapy
• Anyone seeking approved, science-backed non-hormonal symptom relief

We’ll cover what the research says, how to talk to your doctor about these options, and what this means for the future of menopause care in Canada.

 You’ll learn:

• The science behind non-hormonal menopause treatments
• Which medications are currently approved and how they work
• Who should consider non-hormonal therapies
• How the newest Health Canada-approved treatment is changing the landscape for menopause symptom management

This episode is packed with expert insights and empowering information to help you make informed choices for your health and well-being through midlife and beyond.

EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).

Thank to you partners:

@GoodLifeFitness - www.goodlifefitness.com

@Avene - www.eau-thermale-avene.ca

@LoveMy.Iris - www.lovemyiris.com

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

This Menopause Awareness Month, we’re turning up the laughter (and maybe the thermostat) with one of the funniest and most relatable voices in the menopause conversation — Kara Murray, the Canadian mom behind the viral Instagram account @mediocremom76.

Kara has made millions of women laugh about symptoms that would otherwise make us cry — from night sweats and brain fog to mood swings and hot flashes that could power a small village. But beyond the humour, she’s using her platform to educate, empower, and remind us that none of us are alone in this stage of life.

In this episode, Kara shares how she started creating content about menopause, how comedy helps her (and all of us) cope with change, and why she believes laughter is one of the most powerful forms of self-care.

If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of pretending everything’s fine — this conversation will make you feel seen, understood, and lighter.

EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).

Thank to you partners:

@GoodLifeFitness - www.goodlifefitness.com

@Avene - www.eau-thermale-avene.ca

@LoveMy.Iris - www.lovemyiris.com

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Menopause is often talked about as if it’s a universal experience — but the truth is, it’s not the same for every woman. Research shows that women of colour often experience menopause differently, with variations in symptoms, severity, and duration. Yet these differences are rarely acknowledged in medical care, leaving many women without the support they need.

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Omolayo Famuyide, one of the few menopause doctors and specialists who is also a woman of colour. Together, we explore why representation in medicine matters and how the medical system must evolve to provide inclusive and effective care for all women in midlife.

 In this episode, we cover:

• How symptoms of menopause can differ across ethnic backgrounds — from hot flashes to sleep issues to bone health
• Why severity and duration of menopause can vary, and what that means for treatment
• The blind spots many doctors still have when treating women of colour
• Barriers to accessing care and the role of systemic inequities
• How cultural differences influence whether — and how — women seek medical help
• Evidence-based treatments and what works best for different women

This episode kicks off Menopause Awareness Month on the podcast, where I’ll be dedicating every conversation to breaking stigma, raising awareness, and giving women the knowledge they deserve about this vital stage of life.

 Tune in, share with a friend, and join us in making menopause care more inclusive.

Find Dr. Famuyide on Instagram at @layocentre or @dr.famuyidemd, or on her website at layocentre.com.

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).

Thank to you partners,

@GoodLifeFitness, www.goodlifefitness.com

@Avene, www.eau-thermale-avene.ca

@LoveMy.Iris www.lovemyiris.com

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

What’s new in menopause care? In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa sits down with three board members of the Canadian Menopause Society (CMS) — Dr. Shafeena Premji, Dr. Alison Shea, and Dr. Denise Black — to unpack the Top 5 Takeaways from the CMS Biennial Scientific Conference.

This conference brings together leading clinicians and researchers from across Canada and around the world to share the latest science and best practices in midlife and menopause health. Together, our expert guests highlight the most important breakthroughs and insights you need to know — from hormone therapy to lifestyle strategies — and how these can directly improve the way women experience midlife transitions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Perimenopause Demystified – What’s really happening hormonally, how perimenopause is defined, and key insights from Dr. Denise Black’s talk.
• The Sleep Connection – Why sleep changes with age and reproductive stage, the links between sleep, mood, and vasomotor symptoms, and why disrupted sleep may be a more important driver of health concerns than hot flashes alone.
• Brain Fog vs. ADHD – Debunking myths, exploring differences, and whether testosterone or creatine may play a role in cognitive health.
• Lifestyle Strategies for a Healthy Menopause – Practical advice on nutrition, movement, and daily habits to support energy, mood, and long-term well-being.
• The Latest in Midlife Health Research – From breast density and its role in hormone therapy decisions to new targeted therapies for managing vasomotor symptoms when hormone therapy isn’t an option.

 About Our Guests:

• Dr. Shafeena Premji – Family physician and menopause expert passionate about empowering women with evidence-based care, based in Calgary, Alberta.
• Dr. Alison Shea – Obstetrician-gynecologist and researcher focused on reproductive aging and quality of life in midlife women based at the University of Manitoba.
• Dr. Denise Black – Gynecologist and menopause specialist with decades of leadership in guideline development and education, based in Hamilton, Ontario.

 About the Canadian Menopause Society:

CMS is a multidisciplinary, non-profit organization committed to promoting knowledge, study, and expertise in all aspects of midlife and aging in women. Their mission is to improve quality of life through research, clinical care, and education in perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging.

 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Canadian Menopause Society: www.canadianmenopausesociety.org, IG: @canadianmenopausesociety
• Connect with Melissa on Instagram: @melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmg
• Connect with the experts: @drshafeenapremji, Dr. Alison Shea @hormone.md.hamilton,
• Subscribe to Aging Powerfully for more episodes on thriving in midlife and beyond.

EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).

Thank to you partners,

@GoodLifeFitness, www.goodlifefitness.com

@Avene, www.eau-thermale-avene.ca

@LoveMy.Iris www.lovemyiris.com

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

When it comes to midlife health, women are bombarded with mixed messages: It’s all your hormones. There’s nothing you can do. Just accept the changes. But is that really the full story?

On this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I sit down with muscle scientist Dr. Colenso-Semple to break down why building muscle as we age isn’t just about looking strong — it’s about preserving independence, vitality, and living fully on our own terms.

We tackle the myths and hype around menopause, hormones, and body composition, and get straight to the facts:

• Why muscle is the true “fountain of youth” for women in midlife and beyond
• The real drivers of body composition change in menopause — and why hormones are only one piece of the puzzle
• Strength training decoded: how often, how heavy, which body parts, and whether tools like weighted vests actually matter
• The cortisol connection: how stress impacts our ability to build and maintain muscle
• Training and the cycle: does your period really affect strength gains?

If you’ve ever felt confused by the noise online about women’s fitness, aging, and menopause, this conversation cuts through it all. Dr. Colenso-Semple gives us the science-backed “how-to” on building muscle, protecting our health, and aging powerfully — literally.

It’s time to stop the myths, stop the fear, and start lifting for the life you want.

This episode supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat, November 7-9, 2025 at Kingbridge Centre, Ontario. For info and bookings, www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat. Thank you to our partners, IRIS @lovemy.iris, GoodLife Fitness @goodlifefitness and Avène @avene. 

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

The podcast is back and kicking off Season 3 with more myth-busting and more challenging of misinformation with OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter). She's back on the show because the nonsense online about menopause and women's health has only heated up and not slowed down. She discusses the latest myths about hormone therapy, plus the newest hot topics: strength training and protein intake. Finally, Dr. Gunter discusses how the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement and the conspiracy theories it espouses could have an impact on us Canadians up here. 

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.