Crazy Stupid Midlife

This week, we’re talking current media obsessions — the shows, books, and movies we’re hooked on right now and why we can’t stop thinking about them.

From drama to nostalgia, here’s what’s been living rent-free in our brains lately — plus the shows, books, and movies on our to-watch and to-read lists.

📺 TV Shows: White Lotus, Younger, Sirens, Friends and Neighbors, Sex Life, Dying for Sex, and We Were Liars.
 📚 Books: All Fours, Scythe, Brooke Shields is not allowed to Get Old, The Great Alone, Pretty Girls 
🎬 Movies: Twilight, The Substance — a wild ride we’re still processing, Coda, A Simple Favor, Anora, Baby Girl, and The Idea of You, This is Where I Leave You.   

We’re chatting about what we love, what surprised us, what we didn't like, and what these stories are teaching us about ourselves.

It’s honest, a little chaotic, and full of recommendations if you’re looking for your next obsession.

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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What does it actually take to feel strong, energized, and empowered? In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Sasha, founder of LeanPowerment and creator of the LEAN coaching programs, to talk about what real wellness looks like when you’re not 25 anymore—and thank goodness for that.

We dive into:

• The power of daily movement and why it’s more impactful than extreme fitness trends
• Sasha’s “100 Days of Health” philosophy and how committing to small, consistent actions can lead to long-term change
• The truth about nutrition — from getting enough protein and the importance of healthy fats to understanding how addictive sugar really is
• How Sasha creates individualized coaching programs that meet women where they’re at 
• Why accountability, community, and consistency matter so much more than motivation alone

If you’re ready to get honest about what your body and mind truly need right now and want to ditch the guilt, perfectionism, and quick-fix mentality -- this episode will feel like the reset button you’ve been looking for.

Ready to take what you heard and turn it into action? Here are all the links and resources mentioned in this episode with Sasha:

Connect with Sasha

• LEANpowerment.com
• FACEBOOK: 
  • Coach Sasha's Page
  • LEANpowerment Page
• INSTAGRAM:
  • Coach Sasha's Page: @coachsasha_leanpowerment
  • LEANpowerment Page
• TIKTOK: 
  • Coach Sasha's Page: @fitreprenuer
  • LEANpowerment Page: @leanpowerment

Recipes and Supplements Sasha Mentioned

• Coach Sasha's Protein Pancake Recipe
• AMARE Happy Juice!

Supplements From Dannielle & Renee's Wellness Toolkit

• Mind Body Green Creatine with Taurine 
• Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
• Puritan's Pride Omega-3 Fish Oil 
• The Pause Life Fiber GDX
• LivOn Laboratories Lypo-Spheric Glutathione 
• Sports Medicine Vitamin D3+K2 

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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This week, we’re stepping into the wilderness of midlife — careers shifting, creativity stretching, and the occasional emotional bear attack.

In this honest check-in episode, we unpack what we’ve been navigating lately using a little metaphor magic:

• Lions for the bold moves we’ve made (like launching this podcast and starting new jobs)
• Tigers for the fears and wild cards we didn’t see coming
• Bears for the burnout, boundaries, and the deep craving for rest

From Dannielle’s new telehealth role and navigating important life decisions, to Renee wrangling podcast systems and prepping to teach four subjects next year — we’re talking about what it really feels like to be in the thick of it.

It’s raw, it’s real, and it might just make you feel a little less alone in your own wild.

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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In this episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, we step inside Madhouse Dance, a sensual, empowering studio where movement becomes medicine. We’re joined by Olivia Kingston, founder of Madhouse, and Kira Hoerres, studio manager and fierce advocate for body confidence and self-expression. 

Together, they share how Madhouse became more than just a dance studio—it’s a community where women experience self-love transformations as they reconnect with their bodies, rediscover joy, and unleash their inner power. We dive into the magic of Redroom Dance Cardio classes, how dance became a healing force, and why celebrating your sexy isn’t just allowed—it’s essential.

This conversation is honest, electric, and deeply affirming. Whether you’ve never danced a day in your life or you’re ready to drop it low, Olivia and Kira will make you want to move, laugh, and love yourself a little harder.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or curious about stepping into your sexy era, this one’s for you.

Inspired to dance it out or connect with the Madhouse Dance community?

Check out their website and follow along on Instagram for all the latest classes, events, and inspiration. Follow the call for the disco ball! 🪩

Madhouse Dance

Instagram: @madhousedance

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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In this must-listen episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, Renee steps into the listener’s chair while Dannielle, a licensed nurse practitioner, shares her expert insights on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the hormonal rollercoaster of midlife. From night sweats and mood swings to bone health and beyond, they dig into the science, the stigma, and the stories that make menopause anything but simple.

Together, they explore:

• What HRT really is—and what it isn’t
• The truth behind common myths (yes, we’re talking about that cancer rumor)
• Holistic strategies that support hormonal wellness
• Why personalized care and self-advocacy are everything

With over 1 billion women expected to be in menopause by 2025, this episode is your guide to navigating the transition with clarity, support, and a whole lot less confusion.

Resources & References from the Episode:

Curious to learn more? Below you’ll find links to the peer-reviewed studies and trusted resources that Dannielle references in this episode. Whether you’re researching HRT or just want to dig deeper into hormonal health, we’ve got the science to back it up.

1. Women's Health Initiative (WHI)
   Study: Rossouw et al. (2002), JAMA
   Summary: Initial findings showed increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, follow-up analyses clarified these risks were age- and timing-dependent. For healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, benefits often outweigh risks.
2. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)
   Study: Harman et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2014
   Summary: Found that HRT started early in menopause is safe, supports mood, bone health, and does not increase cardiovascular risk.
3. ELITE Trial (Early vs. Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol)
   Study: Hodis et al., New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), 2016
   Summary: Showed that early initiation of estradiol therapy slows atherosclerosis progression, while late initiation offers no cardiovascular benefit.
4. North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2022 Position Statement
   Source: Menopause Journal, 2022
   Summary: Endorses HRT for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause to relieve symptoms and reduce risks of osteoporosis and possibly cardiovascular disease.
5. International Menopause Society (IMS) Global Consensus 2022
   Source: Climacteric Journal, 2022
   Summary: Supports use of personalized HRT as safe and effective for symptom management and long-term health in early postmenopause.
6. British Menopause Society (BMS) Guidelines 2020
   Source: BMS Consensus Statement
   Summary: Offers practical clinical advice supporting individualized HRT, especially body-identical hormones, as a safe option for symptom relief and long-term health.

For menopause care:

• Visit The Menopause Society to find a certified expert
• Check out Midi Health or virtual menopause care
• If in San Diego, you can schedule with Dannielle Crouch, FNP-BC at Coastal Plastic Surgeons in Del Mar at (858)-847-0800.

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What if feeling better isn’t about another prescription — but about getting to the real root of what’s going on? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Noriko Ueda-Lang, a Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Kinesiotape Instructor, to explore the powerful connection between Eastern and Western approaches to wellness. 

Dr. Noriko shares how her acupuncture practice and background in functional medicine come together to address root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms. We dive into topics like acupuncture, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, supplementation, and the importance of breath work, and we also touch on konenki — the Japanese perspective on the midlife transition. Whether you’re seeking new ways to support your health or simply curious about integrative wellness practices, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration and actionable insights.

Want to dive deeper into the tools and tips Dr. Noriko shared with us? We’ve included links below related to acupuncture, functional medicine and lifestyle medicine so you can explore these resources further and take the next steps toward supporting your health journey.

• Dr. Noriko Ueda-Lang’s Practice Website
• Instagram: @dr.noriko_uedalang
• Design for Health Website for Supplements
• Please use CSM15 when you check out to get 15% off from your purchase
• Jade Gua Sha
• Stainless Gua Sha
• Immune Elixir Recipe

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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In our third episode, we’re breaking down the why behind one of the most loaded words in our podcast title: stupid. Why did we choose it? What does it really mean to us? And how can embracing the “stupid” parts of life—mistakes, missteps, messy moments—actually lead to the smartest, boldest, and most beautiful parts of midlife?

From reclaiming a word that’s often used to shame or diminish, to celebrating the freedom that comes with not always having it all figured out, we’re unpacking the double edge of “stupid”—the cringey regrets and the glorious risks.

✨ Whether you’re constantly losing your train of thought, quit something big on a whim, or are just trying to laugh your way through the chaos, this episode is for anyone who’s ever been called stupid—and turned it into something kind of brilliant.

Subscribe, share, and join us in redefining what it means to be a little stupid—in the best way.

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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Welcome to Crazy Stupid Midlife—where everything feels a little upside down, but somehow more real than ever. In our second episode, we’re opening the door to what this podcast is all about: the beautiful, bizarre, and bold reality of life in the middle. Midlife isn’t just confusing—it’s hilarious, humbling, and sometimes downright magical. 

We’re Renee and Dannielle, two longtime friends juggling career pivots, hormones, teenagers, identity shifts, and everything in between. Sometimes we’re losing it, sometimes we’re crushing it—but either way, we’re doing it together. If you’ve ever felt like midlife is pulling you in every direction but also pushing you into your most powerful self—you’re in the right place. Let’s get a little loud, a little real, and a little crazy (in the best way).

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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Meet your hosts, Renee and Dannielle, two lifelong friends navigating the wild, wonderful, and WTF moments of midlife—together. 

In this first episode, we share our stories: from PR and parenting to nursing school at 40 and teaching high school English, we talk about our unexpected career pivots, the chaos of motherhood, and how we reinvented ourselves in the middle of it all.

We created Crazy Stupid Midlife to be a space where women can feel seen, supported, and inspired through the rollercoaster of midlife. From hormones and headaches to career shifts, parenting teens, imposter syndrome, and deep friendship—we're talking about the real stuff no one warned us about.

So pull up a seat—we're here to laugh, cry, vent, and remind you that this is not the end of your story—it might just be the best damn chapter.

Stay tuned for Welcome to Crazy!

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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Welcome to Crazy Stupid Midlife!

Real Talk for Women Who’ve Been There, Done That, and Are Ready for More

Welcome to Crazy Stupid Midlife, the podcast that dives headfirst into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes WTF moments of midlife. Hosted by two 40 something women who’ve lived it all. We are rebranding midlife. Join us on the ride!

What We Talk About

🎤 Hormones & Menopause: Hot flashes, brain fog, and the rollercoaster of midlife hormones—expert advice, real solutions.💉 Medicine & Wellness: From gut health to longevity hacks, we bring you the latest in women’s health.🏋️‍♀️ Lifestyle & Aging Gracefully: Fitness, nutrition, relationships, and keeping your sanity through it all.✨ Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery: From Botox to boob jobs—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth it.👩‍⚕️ Expert Interviews: Doctors, therapists, fitness gurus, and badass women who are redefining midlife.

Why Listen?

Because midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a revolution. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of perimenopause, considering a little “tweakment,” or just trying to feel like yourself again, we’ve got the unfiltered, no-BS conversations you need.

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

Follow us on Instagram: @crazystupidmidlife