If you care about protein quality, metabolic health, inflammation, and long-term strength, this episode will change the way you shop for meat.

On this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan pulls back the curtain on the modern meat industry with Cloe Parker, CEO of Parker Pastures, to expose the truth behind misleading meat labels—and why most consumers are unknowingly getting it wrong.

Cloe explains what labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, and Product of the USA really mean—and why up to 85% of grass-fed beef is imported, yet still legally labeled as American. You’ll learn how conventional feedlot practices affect omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, inflammation, nutrient density, and overall protein quality—especially important for women focused on muscle preservation, bone health, and longevity.

In this episode, we cover:

• Grass-fed vs grass-finished: what actually matters
• How grain-fed meat impacts inflammation and metabolic health
• Glyphosate, pesticides, and contaminants in conventional meat
• Why protein quality matters more than quantity
• The truth about chicken, pork, and beef sourcing
• How to shop smarter without chasing perfection
• Why food choices today impact strength, mobility, and independence later in life

Cloe also shares her powerful personal story—stepping into leadership of her family ranch after losing her mother—and how that loss shaped her mission to provide food that heals instead of harms.

This conversation isn’t about fear or food rules. It’s about making informed choices that support strength, energy, and health for decades to come.

🎧 Listen now and learn what your meat label isn’t telling you—and how to choose protein that actually supports your body.

https://parkerpastures.com/
Follow Cloe Parker on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parkerpasturesgrassfed/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

What if healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—but adding energy, clarity, and purpose to the years you already have?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Eric North (aka “The Happiness Warrior”), a wellness speaker and coach who’s redefining what it looks like to be strong—emotionally and physically—at 61. Eric is the creator of the Happiness Workout, a simple daily practice that blends breathwork, functional movement, and mindset training to help people build resilience, reduce stress, and regain momentum in midlife.

This conversation dives into what it really takes to stay well in your 40s, 50s, and 60s—especially when life feels heavy, habits slip, or motivation disappears. You’ll hear practical tools for rebuilding confidence, getting out of “survival mode,” and creating small daily rituals that support mental fitness, consistent movement, better sleep, and emotional strength. 

Michele and Eric also discuss why community matters, how to reintroduce movement without overwhelm, and how to shift from fear-based aging to intentional living.

If you’ve felt stuck, tired, or like you’ve been playing small, this episode is your reminder: you’re not finished yet.

Follow Eric North: Instagram @thehappinesswarriorofficial

Happiness Warrior Website

 Follow Michele: @askingforafriend_pod and subscribe for weekly midlife wellness + fitness insights.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Midlife can feel like a perfect storm—menopause, stubborn weight gain, bone loss, shifting identities, and an unexpected rise in loneliness. In today’s episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and 60s: disconnection—and why rebuilding community may be as powerful as lifting heavy or optimizing your hormones.

My guest, Terry Tateossian, is a Harvard-trained, ISSA-certified personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats, where hundreds of midlife women have transformed not just their bodies—but their confidence, connection, and sense of purpose.

We talk about:

• Why loneliness is the new smoking for women in midlife
• How community improves metabolic health, adherence, motivation, and emotional resilience
• Terry’s personal transformation from obesity, burnout, and hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women's wellness
• The recurring struggles she sees in midlife women—under-eating protein, chronic dieting, hormone confusion, and the pressure to stay small
• How retreats create safety, belonging, and joy—often sparking lifelong friendships
• The smallest, simplest steps you can take today to feel less alone
• Why lifestyle foundations matter more than ever—protein, strength training, stress reduction, and nervous system regulation

If you’ve been feeling isolated, stuck, or unsure how to reconnect with the adventurous, vibrant woman you used to be, this conversation is going to speak straight to you.

You can find Terry Tateossian at:

https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/

https://www.instagram.com/thor.wellness/

 https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you can talk about hot flashes and wrinkles but freeze up when the conversation turns to sex, this episode is for you.

This week I’m joined by Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the U.S., to talk about everything we don’t discuss enough in midlife: pelvic floor health, recurrent UTIs, vaginal dryness, low libido, pain with sex, and what’s really going on with your microbiome and your mojo.

We dig into the gut–brain–sex connection and how stress, antibiotics, diet, and hormone shifts in menopause all collide to affect your pelvic health, your confidence, and your desire. Dr. Betsy breaks down why so many women over 50 struggle with recurrent urinary tract infections, vaginal odor, and irritation—and why the answer isn’t just another round of antibiotics.

We also get real about:

• Recurrent UTIs & vaginal infections in midlife and how the vaginal and gut microbiome are connected
• Why vaginal estrogen is such a game-changer (and what to do if you can’t tolerate certain forms)
• Pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence & fecal incontinence—what’s actually happening and when to seek help
• How probiotics, fiber, and fermented foods support pelvic health and sex drive
• The truth about low libido in midlife, stress, and why “sex and stress can’t coexist”
• What we know (and don’t) about the G-spot, squirting, and the O-Shot
• Why self-pleasure counts as pelvic physical therapy and how “use it or lose it” is very real
• Reframing intimacy when you’re dealing with pelvic pain, dryness, or body confidence issues
• Dr. Betsy’s Pelvic Floor Store and what’s actually worth putting in your cart (lubricants, devices, and more)

This conversation might make you blush, but it might also change how you think about your body, your pleasure, and what’s possible for you in midlife and beyond.

🎧 Listen in if you’re a 50+ woman who’s tired of suffering in silence and ready to feel comfortable, confident, and connected again—down there and everywhere.

You can find Dr. Betsy Greenleaf at https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf/

Her Pelvic Floor Store https://pelvicfloorstore.com/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Absolutely no one warned us that midlife would be this loud—hot flashes, achy joints, bone density, belly fat, all competing for attention at once. And yet the message women still get is, “This is just how it is.”

In this episode, I’m joined by orthopedic sports surgeon and longevity visionary Dr. Vonda Wright, author of Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. We dig into what it really takes to stay strong, mobile, and independent for decades—so you can carry your own groceries at 80 and stay out of the nursing home.

We cover:

• Why bones are an endocrine organ (yes, your skeleton is talking to the rest of your body)
• The truth about osteoporosis, fracture risk, and why waiting until 65 for a DEXA is a terrible strategy
• How to safely use impact, heavy lifting, and sprint intervals even if you’ve been told to “be careful”
• The role of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D in bone and muscle health
• Protein, leucine, vegan vs animal sources—and why under-proteining is keeping you weak and inflamed
• Weighted vests, jumping, Pilates and yoga: what actually moves the needle for strength and longevity

If you’re a woman in perimenopause, menopause, or beyond—and you want denser bones, stronger muscles, better balance, and a body that can keep up with the life you want—this conversation is your blueprint.

👉 Grab Dr. Wright’s book Unbreakable, A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power, and connect with her online.

Dr. Wright's website https://www.drvondawright.com/

Check out her new bone supplement, Unbreakable Bone, on her website.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/

Dr. Wright's weighted jump rope https://amzn.to/3Mi91VU

Don’t forget to follow Asking for a Friend for more real talk on midlife health, fitness, hormones, and longevity.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

A lot of women in midlife are walking around feeling like they’re broken. You’ve done the labs, seen the specialists, tried the supplements… and you’re still exhausted, inflamed, and wondering if this is just your new normal. My guest today says absolutely not.

Dr. Karyn Shanks is a physician, author, and pioneer in whole-person healing whose work sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science, trauma-informed care, and what she calls “soulful personal agency.” For over three decades, she’s helped thousands of patients recover from chronic illness, burnout, and emotional disconnection—not by chasing symptoms, but by teaching them to listen to the intelligent messages their bodies are sending. 

Her new book, Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness, challenges the old medical model that fragments us (mind over here, body over there) and reframes illness as a call to reconnect with ourselves rather than proof that something is wrong with us.

In this conversation, we dig into what it really means to heal from the inside out—especially in midlife, when chronic stress, caregiving, perfectionism, and old narratives can keep us stuck in survival mode. Dr. Shanks breaks down the science of epigenetics and neuroplasticity in simple, hopeful language, shows how trauma and limiting stories shape our biology, and shares practical “micro-practices” anyone can use to begin moving toward wholeness today.

We cover:

• Why “you are not broken” is more than a comforting phrase—it’s biology
• How epigenetics and neuroplasticity give us real power to change our health story
• The hidden ways trauma and productivity culture keep midlife women sick and depleted
• Simple daily practices to check in with yourself, build intuition, and create safety in your own body
• How to start advocating for yourself when you’ve felt dismissed or unheard in the medical system

If you’ve ever felt unseen by your providers, stuck in a diagnosis, or disconnected from your own body, this episode will give you both a new lens—and a starting place—for true healing.

You can find Dr. Karyn Shanks at https://www.karynshanksmd.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karynshanksmd/

Her book, Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness, is now available wherever books are sold.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re getting real about what’s happening inside your body in midlife—far beyond diet culture, quick fixes, or another “Motivation Monday.”

I’m joined by Christa Tyler, functional nutritionist, founder of Your Gut Goddess, and breast cancer survivor whose near-fatal sepsis and reconstructive surgery complications sent her on a mission to rebuild health from the inside out. From a hospital bed to a thriving practice, Christa’s story is a powerful example of why midlife women can’t afford to ignore their gut, hormones, and metabolism any longer.

We dig into:

• The blood tests every woman should be asking for in midlife: fasting insulin, A1C, vitamin D, hs-CRP, homocysteine, lipids, B12, and more
• Why “normal range” on labs isn’t always optimal—and how to track trends over time
• The difference between a short-term diet and a sustainable wellness lifestyle (and why 95% of diets fail)
• How gut health, fiber, and the microbiome influence cravings, weight regulation, mood, and long-term disease risk
• The real impact of alcohol on gut health and hormones
• How to help your 20- and 30-something kids build a foundation for longevity now
• Movement, steps, and simple daily habits to nursing-home-proof your future

If you’re a midlife woman navigating perimenopause or menopause, confused about your labs, or wondering where to start with gut health, this conversation will give you the questions, tools, and mindset to become your own best health advocate.

You can find Christa Tyler at https://www.instagram.com/yourgutgoddess/

To get a FREE Food, Mood, Poop Journal, go to https://christa-tyler.com/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Urinary (and yes, bowel) leakage isn’t “just part of getting older”—it’s a signal from your core and pelvic floor. In this straight-talk episode, physical therapist Christina Walsh, co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, joins me to dismantle the shame around pelvic health and lay out a functional path forward that goes far beyond “just do more Kegels.” 

We cover what’s really driving leaks, pressure, prolapse, urgency, and painful sex in midlife; how breath, posture, fascia, and daily toileting habits influence symptoms; when conservative care is enough—and when devices, pessaries, or surgery may be appropriate. Christina also shares practical first steps you can start today (hello, decompression and diaphragmatic breathing), plus how to talk with your partner without pushing through pain.

What you’ll learn

• Why leaking is common—but not normal—and what it’s trying to tell you
• The limits of isolated Kegels and what a functional approach looks like
• How breathing, posture, sitting, and constipation ramp up pelvic pressure
• Staging prolapse (1–4), what’s realistic to “functionally heal,” and red-flags
• Painful sex in midlife: estrogen, lubrication, tone, and boundaries that help
• Fascia’s surprising role (yes, your bladder “talks” to your neck)

Links & resources

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/  (listener code Michele for $50 off)

https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/ 

Tighten Your Tinkler free quiz https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tinklerquiz

If this helped, share it with a friend, rate the show, and hop on my weekly newsletter for midlife health, fitness, and no-BS motivation.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Your bones, brain, and muscles are having the same conversation—and nutrition is the translator. Duke orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein breaks down how midlife hormone shifts accelerate bone loss, cartilage wear, and muscle decline, and why training + food choices can improve all three at once. 

We cover earlier DEXA timing, the bone–brain crosstalk (osteocalcin, agility, balance), and a practical plan: progressive strength, safe impact/jump options (step drops, heel drops, rebounders), grip and toe work for fall prevention, and weighted vests/rucking basics. 

On the nutrition side, we get specific: prioritize protein, aim for food-first calcium, and use targeted support where appropriate—vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium glycinate, collagen, and turmeric—to lower inflammation, protect joints, and support cognition. 

Expect clear modifications for cranky knees/shoulders, plus why consistent movement is linked to reduced dementia risk. This episode is your integrated blueprint to build bone, protect your brain, and keep muscle on your frame—so you stay strong, steady, and independent for decades. 

Actionable, hopeful, and BS-free—use this episode to build stronger bones, happier joints, and real confidence for the next 20 years.

Follow Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein at https://www.instagram.com/jocelyn_wittstein_md/

Her book, The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, is available at booksellers.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Want to feel stronger, steadier, and more capable for the next 30 years? In this episode, I sit down with strength coach Megan Dahlman to map out a clear, science-backed path for women 50+ to build real-world strength—without injury, confusion, or intimidation.

We bust common fitness myths (“just lift heavy,” “bash your bones,” “jump every day”) and replace them with smarter, safer strategies that protect joints, support bone density, and build lasting confidence. Megan shares how to train around arthritis, osteopenia, or joint replacements, use bodyweight and posture work to create balance, and why core control and rotation are key for mobility and pain relief.

From pickleball prep and agility drills to simple movement snacks you can do anywhere, this conversation gives you practical tools to move through life’s decades with strength and ease—so you can keep traveling, playing, and living fully without limits.

Website where you can find Megan's masterclasses, group training, and podcast.
https://www.vigeofit.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/megandahlman/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.