In this conversation Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein breaks down the latest data, what her NIH-funded research is uncovering, and what women need to know now. She also discusses the challenging "tweeners"—patients who are in pain but not yet surgical candidates—and practical strategies to manage symptoms, including the powerful benefits of strength training for women. Plus, she shares how taking her orthopedics and menopause research to social media has helped educate and empower thousands of women.

Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein is a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist who is redefining how women think about joint health, hormones, and movement as we age. An Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University and a former collegiate gymnast, Dr. Wittstein brings a unique blend of elite athletic experience, cutting-edge research, and compassionate clinical care to help women stay active and moving safely through every stage of life.

She specializes in shoulder, elbow, and knee conditions in both pediatric and adult populations, with extensive research on rotator cuff repairs, biceps injuries, ACL and meniscus injuries, post-traumatic arthritis, and frozen shoulder. One of the most common issues she sees in women ages 40–60 is frozen shoulder, followed closely by early-onset knee arthritis—conditions that may be closely linked to changes in estrogen levels. She shares how her early observations in women undergoing breast cancer treatment led her to investigate the relationship between menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and joint health, including promising research suggesting that early treatment—such as cortisone injections and potentially hormone therapy—may reduce risk and improve outcomes.

This is a must-listen episode for women who want to understand how hormones affect joint health, make informed decisions about hormone replacement therapy, and continue moving with strength and confidence as they age.

Learn More about Dr. Wittstein:

Duke Website

Get a Copy of Her Book: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bone-Joint-Health-Plan/dp/1682689417

Link to her pubmed publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jocelyn.wittstein.2/bibliography/public/

Follow her on Instagram

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

We're bringing back this powerful episode because something unexpected (and exciting!) has happened: two spots have just opened up for the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Wellness Trip to Peru in March 2026… and we didn't want women who have been curious—or who haven't heard about this opportunity yet—to miss their chance. Maybe you would love to go on an adventure but have no one to go with. We are inviting you to go with us!

Too often, women wait for the "right time" to say yes to adventure, connection, and themselves. Alli and Shawna are here to remind you that the perfect time is now. And this re-release is your nudge from the universe that your dream adventure might be closer than you think.

What began as a podcast passion project between two long-distance friends—Alli in the Southeast U.S. and Shawna in Western Canada—has grown into a community rooted in connection, strength, and joyful aging. Their conversation with Julie Rose (episodes 97 & 86), a nomadic travel guide specializing in women's group experiences, sparked something magical… and the vision for a women-only wellness adventure to Peru was born.

In this episode, Alli, Shawna, and Julie walk you through all the details of this once-in-a-lifetime journey—created exclusively for women who want to blend travel, wellbeing, cultural exploration, and meaningful friendships. You'll hear about the itinerary, the wellness components, the community vibe, and what makes this trip so transformative.

And now—with two rare openings available—this may be your moment.

If you've been thinking about joining… if you've been waiting for a sign… or if this is the first time you're hearing about this incredible adventure, consider this your personal invitation. Don't let another season pass without doing something extraordinary for yourself.

PERU 2026 is calling again—and this time, there just might be room for YOU.

REGISTER HERE: https://juliedevivre.com/women-only-peru/

Subscribe, Share, & Rate the Show!

📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging 💬 Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book Lose Your Menopause Belly + freebies: shawnakworkouts.com

Follow Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr / @allikerrfitness Train with Alli at The Pink Physique (in Macon, GA or online): thepinkphysique.com

Here's a refreshed episode description tailored specifically for a re-release and highlighting that two new spots have opened up:

We're bringing back this powerful episode because something unexpected (and exciting!) has happened: two spots have just opened up for the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Wellness Trip to Peru in March 2026… and we didn't want women who have been curious—or who haven't heard about this opportunity yet—to miss their chance. Maybe you would love to go on an adventure but have no one to go with. We are inviting you to go with us!

Too often, women wait for the "right time" to say yes to adventure, connection, and themselves. Alli and Shawna are here to remind you that the perfect time is now. And this re-release is your nudge from the universe that your dream adventure might be closer than you think.

What began as a podcast passion project between two long-distance friends—Alli in the Southeast U.S. and Shawna in Western Canada—has grown into a community rooted in connection, strength, and joyful aging. Their conversation with Julie Rose (episodes 97 & 86), a nomadic travel guide specializing in women's group experiences, sparked something magical… and the vision for a women-only wellness adventure to Peru was born.

In this episode, Alli, Shawna, and Julie walk you through all the details of this once-in-a-lifetime journey—created exclusively for women who want to blend travel, wellbeing, cultural exploration, and meaningful friendships. You'll hear about the itinerary, the wellness components, the community vibe, and what makes this trip so transformative.

And now—with two rare openings available—this may be your moment.

If you've been thinking about joining… if you've been waiting for a sign… or if this is the first time you're hearing about this incredible adventure, consider this your personal invitation. Don't let another season pass without doing something extraordinary for yourself.

PERU 2026 is calling again—and this time, there just might be room for YOU.

REGISTER HERE: https://juliedevivre.com/women-only-peru/

Subscribe, Share, & Rate the Show!

📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging 💬 Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book Lose Your Menopause Belly + freebies: shawnakworkouts.com

Follow Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr / @allikerrfitness Train with Alli at The Pink Physique (in Macon, GA or online): thepinkphysique.com

The online world has exploded with promises, gimmicks, and pricey "miracle" fixes for all things related to health (especially for perimenopause and menopause). In this myth-busting episode, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr welcome back a fan favorite—Dr. Stuart Phillips, world-renowned exercise physiologist, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair recipient, and one of the most respected voices in exercise and nutrition science. If you loved his insights in Episode 51, get ready for a deeper, sharper, more candid conversation this time around.

Together, we dive into the whirlwind season often called "adult puberty"—perimenopause and menopause. It's a time when our bodies and brains shift in ways that can feel confusing, frustrating, and even isolating. Dr. Phillips helps us separate the noise from the actually useful, shining a light on what research truly supports… and what it doesn't.

We unpack: 💬 Why so many social media claims miss (or misuse) the science 💬 The truth behind phrases like "you must lift heavy"—and why all forms of strength training offer meaningful benefits 💬 His simple, science-based rules for judging supplements, including why some are worth consideration and many aren't 💬 Why creatine—a 40-year-old, heavily researched supplement—continues to stand the test of time 💬 How muscle and bone loss are inevitable with aging… and why they likely begin earlier than most women realize 💬 The most important actions women can take now to protect and build strength for the decades ahead

This episode is a grounding, clarifying guide for every woman navigating midlife changes and seeking trustworthy, research-driven advice. Dr. Phillips brings the science; Shawna and Alli bring the candid conversation and real-life context.

Whether you're struggling through symptoms, overwhelmed by online "experts," or simply wanting to age stronger and smarter—this is a must-listen.

______________________________________________________________

Dr. Stuart Phillips is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a member of the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health.

General

Lab: https://goo.gl/k4x9Xv

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=VLu9hqgAAAAJ&hl=en

Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-2343-2009

University sites

https://bit.ly/SPhillipsKin

https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/phillis

Socials

Twitter, Instagram, TikTok: @mackinprof

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMPPh.D/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartphillipsmcmaster/

---

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

Today we sit down with Muscle Activation Technique Specialist Amber Baron, who brings a wealth of knowledge on how the body truly works—and what to do when it doesn't. Amber breaks down what Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) actually are in simple, practical terms and explains how this unique approach can help reduce aches, pains, and dysfunction in our joints and muscles.

Amber shares how muscles can become imbalanced or "shut down" due to injury, trauma, overuse, or even everyday stress. These shutdowns are neurological, meaning the communication between the brain and muscles gets disrupted—and without intervention, those imbalances can linger long-term. She explains how this leads to compensation patterns throughout the body, creating new problems in new places. For anyone experiencing nagging pain or unexplained tightness, Amber's insights reveal why treating the root cause is essential.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at what a session with Amber actually includes. She begins with a thorough health history to understand the full picture of what's happening in the body. Then she performs detailed range-of-motion testing to identify movements that feel restricted or challenging. These tests provide clues about which muscles aren't firing properly. Based on those results, Amber applies MAT techniques to reactivate and re-establish those lost neurological connections—helping the body move more efficiently and with less pain.

She explains how the feet are the foundation of our movement, posture, and balance, and how even small dysfunctions in the feet can ripple upward into the knees, hips, and back. Her advice offers simple but powerful takeaways that listeners can start applying right away.

For More Information:

To find an MAT practitioner:

https://muscleactivation.com/

Find Amber online:

https://www.aviditymat.com/

FB and IG @aviditymat

Back to Barefoot course:

https://www.aviditymat.com/back-to-barefoot

The Vibrant Life newsletter - a monthly newsletter where muscle health takes center stage, alongside movement, wellness, nutrition, and all the elements that contribute to a strong, vibrant you.

https://www.aviditymat.com/blog

---

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

Burnout isn't just a workplace issue—and Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur breaks down the many forms it can take, including parental burnout, caregiver burnout, and the emotional overload that comes from feeling like we must "do it all." She is a Naturopathic Doctor and Fatigue Fixer Podcast host. Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr interviewed her at the start of the school year and are releasing it right before the holiday rush, this conversation is perfectly timed for any woman feeling stretched thin by shifting schedules, rising expectations, and the endless demands of daily life.

Together, we explore: ✨ Why high-performing women can appear successful yet feel completely drained ✨ How burnout shows up in our bodies, emotions, and everyday choices ✨ The hidden role of boredom as a driver of burnout ✨ Why so many women feel guilty resting—and how family patterns shape our beliefs about work vs. rest ✨ How burnout pushes us to drop healthy habits and self-care ✨ What it really means to evaluate priority vs. priorities ✨ How to align your intentions with your consistent actions ✨ Practical, compassionate strategies for protecting your energy

Dr. Sarah shares simple but transformative tools for recognizing burnout early, breaking free from the "busy is a badge of honor" mentality, and managing your energy through every season of life—especially during high-stress times like the holidays.

If you've ever pushed through exhaustion, felt overwhelmed by responsibilities, or wished you could slow life down without feeling guilty, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur visit: https://drsarahv.ca

Listen to her podcast The Fatigue Fixer here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-fatigue-fixer--5982197

*Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:**

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Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

After years of being content behind the scenes and supporting others, Jen hit a turning point around age 40 that made her question everything. Her late 30s were some of her lowest moments—unsure of what was next, she felt stuck and disconnected. But when she picked up a real camera and began photographing wildlife, something inside her shifted. What started as a creative outlet became a powerful new passion and purpose.

Today, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with wildlife photographer Jen Ritchie, a mother of five who is courageously reinventing herself in her forties.

Jen shares how investing in herself—buying that "too expensive" camera and hiring a mentor—was both terrifying and transformative. She opens up about the fear of stepping into a new profession later in life, the importance of having systems to manage nerves and creativity, and how her family's full support has fueled her journey.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to chase curiosity, step off the sidelines, and rediscover what lights you up.

✨ In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Jen turned one of the lowest points in her life into a creative awakening
• Why investing in yourself—no matter how scary—is an act of self-worth
• The importance of community and finding supportive women's networks
• How pursuing passion strengthens not just you, but everyone around you

If you've ever felt stuck, scared to start something new, or wondered if it's "too late" to reinvent yourself—this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to find your wild side at any age.

See Jen's work here or order photos here: https://jenlritchie.com

Listen to Jen's Podcast: Wildlife Conversations

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

In this deeply relatable episode of The Girl Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with Dr. Dan Ritchie, the founder of the Functional Aging Institute, for an honest conversation about the physical and emotional challenges that come with turning 50 — even for lifelong fitness professionals. Dr. Dan opens up about his own unexpected struggles with body aches, limitations, and a herniated disc that sidelined him from many of the activities he loves. His story is one of humility, healing, and rediscovering what it truly means to "age functionally."

As Dr. Dan shares his journey, listeners will hear how even the most active and health-conscious people aren't immune to the toll that aging can take on the body. He candidly describes the frustration of being forced to slow down and how that experience affected not only his physical well-being but also his mental and emotional health. Through his recovery, he's learned to reframe setbacks as opportunities to reset, refocus, and rebuild — lessons that anyone facing similar challenges can take to heart.

Shawna Kaminski shares her own inspiring story of resilience after undergoing two hip replacements. She talks about how she's learned to adapt her workouts, shift her mindset, and still find joy and strength in movement. Her journey is a testament to how redefining what "fitness" looks like in your 50s and beyond can lead to greater self-compassion and long-term vitality.

Co-host Alli Kerr also opens up about navigating her late 40s while living with persistent hip pain for over a year. As she approaches 50, Alli reflects on the emotional weight of dealing with chronic discomfort and the importance of listening to her body instead of pushing through pain. Together, Shawna, Alli, and Dr. Dan create an authentic and uplifting dialogue that normalizes the struggles many of us face as we age — and reminds listeners that they're not alone.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's feeling the wear and tear of time but still wants to live fully, move confidently, and feel empowered through the aging process. It's about adapting instead of giving up, prioritizing self-care, and finding strength in community. Tune in for real talk, expert insights, and heartfelt encouragement to help you heal, reset, and thrive through your 50s and beyond.

Grab a copy of Dr. Dan's Book Never Grow Old here: https://www.amazon.com/Dan-Ritchie-PhD-Never-Grow/dp/B00RWT1YOI

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

From Hollywood trainer to global fitness icon, Keli Roberts has spent nearly four decades inspiring people around the world to move, strengthen, and thrive. In this powerful episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Shawna Kaminskiand Alli Kerr sit down with the Fitness Queen herself to talk about her extraordinary career and the lessons she's learned about resilience, reinvention, and true health along the way.

Growing up in Australia, Keli was a competitive athlete with a passion for movement. After a short stint as a model and actress left her feeling unhealthy and unfulfilled, she found her calling in teaching fitness. Her passion and expertise soon took her to Los Angeles, where she trained some of Hollywood's most famous names — including Cher, Kirstie Alley, Faye Dunaway, and Jennifer Grey — and starred in her own best-selling fitness videos.

But behind the spotlight, Keli faced her own personal struggles. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her battles with an eating disorder, her mental health journey, and learning she was bipolar later in life. Her story is a reminder that true wellness isn't about perfection — it's about perseverance, self-compassion, and the willingness to keep showing up for yourself, no matter what.

Now celebrating 39 years in the fitness industry, Keli shares her wisdom on what aging women need to do to live stronger, longer, and more joyfully. From mindset to movement, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration for every woman who wants to feel empowered in her body at every stage of life.

👉 Connect with Keli Roberts: 🌐 www.keliroberts.com 📸 Instagram: @keli_roberts 📘 Facebook: Keli Roberts Fitness

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

This episode will help you take the emotion out of nutrition and see food as a tool to help you live your healthiest, most energetic life. Alli and Shawna sit down with Dr. Joe Klemczewski, known as the Godfather of Flexible Dieting and the pioneer of macronutrient tracking—a concept that's transformed the world of nutrition and fitness. As the Owner of The Diet Doc, Dr. Joe shares his deep expertise and decades of experience helping people understand food, metabolism, and how to eat for their goals.

Together, they unpack the science and psychology of tracking macros—what it really means, why it's so challenging for most people, and how it's evolved from early calorie-counting methods that began over a century ago. Dr. Joe explains how calorie needs differ for women versus men, and why the timing of your food—morning vs. evening, breakfast vs. intermittent fasting—can influence how your body and brain function throughout the day.

He also breaks down how aging impacts our calorie needs—not because our metabolism slows as much as we think, but because our movement and lifestyle change. The conversation dives into cortisol, its pros and cons, and why understanding protein needs becomes even more important as we age. Dr. Joe shares practical advice on how our bodies absorb protein, why it's tough to get enough, and his favorite easy, balanced go-to meal.

As Dr. Joe puts it, if you dedicate just a few months to truly learning nutrition, you can set yourself up for a lifetime of confidence and balance.

👉 Tune in to learn how to make your nutrition work with you, not against you, in every stage of life.

About Dr. Joe Klemczewski:

Dr. Klemczewski has earned degrees in physical therapy, health, nutrition, health education, literary journalism, social psychology, and social science, including two doctorates and three masters degrees. He is a former WNBF professional bodybuilder and has personally coached more than 500 clients to pro status wins, 150 professional titles, and 50 world championships. He has coached Olympic athletes, pro athletes, models, actors, and thousands to improve health, function, performance, and aesthetics.

Connect with Dr. Joe:

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com