Unlocking the Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Mark Burhenne

Did you know your mouth may be the first place chronic disease, hormone imbalances, poor sleep, and even accelerated aging show up? In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, functional dentist and bestselling author Dr. Mark Burhenne explains why oral health is the true gateway to whole-body wellness—and why traditional dentistry often overlooks these critical connections.

From the surprising impact of dry mouth and receding gums during menopause, to how airway health affects sleep, brain function, and longevity, Dr. Burhenne breaks down what midlife women need to know. You’ll learn:

• Why 90% of sleep apnea remains undiagnosed—and why slim, active women are at risk
• The hidden dangers of mouthwash, root canals, and cavitations
• How oral bacteria influence heart health and nitric oxide production
• Simple daily practices like mouth taping and oil pulling that can transform health
• The link between oral health, Alzheimer’s disease, and hormone shifts in midlife

Dr. Burhenne also shares his personal journey with sleep apnea, insights from his book The Eight-Hour Sleep Paradox, and his mission to revolutionize oral care through his “For Your Good Guys” hydroxyapatite product line.

If you care about your smile, your sleep, and your longevity, this conversation will change the way you look in the mirror each morning. Your mouth is talking—are you listening?

https://www.instagram.com/askthedentist/

https://askthedentist.com/

Dr. Mark Burhenne's book, The 8 Hour Sleep Paradox, is available on Amazon and other booksellers.

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Steffani LeFevour shares that manifestation isn’t magic—it’s mindset. Learn how to create life on your terms. 

Why do some prayers go unanswered while others manifest with ease? The difference may surprise you. Manifestation mentor and happiness coach Steffani LeFevour joins me on Asking for a Friend to share how women in midlife can stop asking and start becoming—rewriting their stories to create the life they truly desire.

Steffani’s journey is both raw and inspiring. After losing her sister at 11 and growing up with an alcoholic father, she spiraled into self-sabotage before discovering the spiritual tools that helped her climb what she calls “the mountain” toward happiness. Her story reminds us that reinvention isn’t a crisis—it’s an opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
 ✅ The five power tools—thoughts, words, feelings, beliefs, and stories—that shape your reality
 ✅ Steffani’s four-step manifestation framework for lasting transformation
 ✅ The “New Reality Formula” that aligns your energy, beliefs, and actions
 ✅ Practical routines and self-care practices to shift out of negativity and into possibility

Whether you’re facing a career change, relationship challenges, or simply craving more joy in daily life, Steffani’s perspective will challenge you to take back your power. As she says, “All the peace is available. All the joy is available—if you choose it.”

👉 If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is a must-listen conversation on midlife reinvention, manifestation, and creating life on your terms.

You can find Steffani LeFevour at https://www.instagram.com/coachwithsteff/

Her book You Are a Badass Mom is available on Amazon

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

 Hashimoto’s, Hormones, Neck Checks & the Future of Thyroid Screening 

Thyroid cancer is on the rise among midlife women—and most don’t even know they’re at risk. In this eye-opening episode of Asking for a Friend, Dr. Rashmi Roy, Director of Thyroid Surgical Services at the Clayman Thyroid Center and one of the world’s most experienced thyroid surgeons, explains why traditional blood work often misses thyroid cancer completely—and what women can do about it.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ Why thyroid cancer rarely shows symptoms and often doesn’t appear on routine thyroid labs
 ✅ The difference between thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s) and thyroid cancer
 ✅ The life-saving power of a simple 2-minute self-neck check you can do today
 ✅ How Dr. Roy’s groundbreaking mobile screening program is catching cancers at a higher rate than mammograms and pap smears
 ✅ Why she’s advocating for thyroid ultrasounds to become routine preventive care for women over 30

Dr. Roy also shares patient success stories, her journey into thyroid surgery, and practical steps you can take now to protect your thyroid health. Plus, discover her educational YouTube channel, Goiter Guru, where she empowers women with knowledge about thyroid disease and surgery.

👉 If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is a must-listen conversation. Early detection can save lives—and it starts with knowing what to look for.

https://www.thyroidcancer.com/

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Breathe Like Your Health Depends On It: Midlife Stress, Sleep, & Cravings with Sandy Abrams

Is your nervous system stuck in overdrive?

Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mindless snacking, snapping at your spouse—these aren’t just “midlife things.” They’re signs your body is begging for calm. And the fastest way to get there? Your breath.

In this empowering conversation, breath coach and author Sandy Abrams shows us how to use our breath as a powerful midlife survival tool—helping you manage stress, sleep better, tame cravings, improve digestion, and even show up more grounded in tough conversations.

Sandy breaks it down with simple, science-backed breathing techniques like:

• 💤 4-7-8 for deep, restorative sleep
• 😌 Coherent breath (5-in, 5-out) to stay calm during the chaos
• 🍽️ Pre-meal breathing to support digestion and stop stress snacking
• 🧠 Breathing + mantras to shift your mindset and self-talk

💥 No fancy equipment. No yoga mat. Just your breath—and 60 seconds.

We also dive into Sandy’s own energizing morning routine (including cold showers + Wim Hof breathing), and the mindset shifts that come when you realize you don’t have to power through midlife—you can actually breathe your way through it.

You can book Sandy Abrams for corporate trainings or events at https://www.theceom.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyabrams1/

 📚 Grab Sandy’s book Breathe to Succeed and connect with her @sandyabrams on Instagram.

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Is your shower drain trying to tell you something?
Hair loss is one of the most common and emotionally devastating issues women face in midlife, yet it’s often met with silence—or endless product promises that rarely deliver.

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, board-certified internist Dr. Mary Wendel—a physician who has dedicated over 20 years exclusively to women’s hair loss—joins Michele Folan to break the stigma and share the science. After witnessing her grandmother’s struggles and facing her own perimenopausal thinning, Dr. Wendel transformed her career to focus solely on helping women reclaim their confidence and their hair.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why 80–85% of female hair loss is caused by genetics and hormones
• How testosterone therapy and hormone pellets can speed up thinning
• The role of stress, weight loss, menopause, and GLP-1 medications in sudden shedding
• Which diagnostic tests actually matter (and which don’t)
• The truth about PRP therapy, red light, and laser treatments
• Why washing your hair less may be making it worse
• Simple, science-backed steps you can take now for healthier, thicker hair

Whether you’ve noticed extra strands in your shower drain, are worried about thinning at your part, or simply want to understand what’s happening to your hair in midlife, this conversation is packed with evidence-based answers and hope.

👉 Listen now to uncover the real causes of women’s hair loss, the treatments that actually work, and how you can take back control. Subscribe, share with a friend, and join us in removing the stigma around female hair loss.

https://www.meditresse.com/

https://www.instagram.com/medi_tresse/

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

The day my DEXA scan results revealed osteoporosis was a wake-up call I dreaded. No symptoms. No warning signs. Just a family history of poor bone health. The casual “take medication and see you in two years" was a no-go for me. Like so many women in midlife, I knew there had to be another way.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of reversing bone loss and improving my DEXA scan results—without relying solely on pharmaceuticals. If you are being presented with an option of drug therapy, please have the conversation with your doctor about what steps are best based on the severity of your disease. 

From strength training with proper form and lifting heavier weights, to increasing protein to 110–120 grams daily, optimizing supplements like vitamin D3, K2, calcium, magnesium, and collagen, and making lifestyle shifts around alcohol, sleep, hormones, and daily sunshine—this holistic approach has transformed my health in many ways.

You’ll learn:

• Why osteoporosis is called the “silent disease” (and how to catch it early)
• The nutrition, supplements, and workouts that actually support bone density
• How lifestyle choices—sleep, stress, and hormones—affect bone remodeling
• The real results from my follow-up DEXA scan

If you’re a midlife woman worried about osteoporosis, fractures, or staying strong and independent as you age, this episode will give you practical strategies and hope. Don’t wait for a fracture to get serious about your bone health—start building stronger bones and a stronger future today.

Supplements/Hormone Therapy I am taking: (Please consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplements.)

Solaray Magnesium Glycinate https://amzn.to/4oCSXwR 

Solaray Calcium Citrate with D3 https://amzn.to/3HFEzTI 

Thorne Zinc https://amzn.to/4mLwATU

Osteo-K Minis - NBI Health https://amzn.to/45UnNtf

Collagen Peptides - Healthy Bones Co. https://amzn.to/419VNPL

Estradiol 0.05 Transdermal Patch

Progesterone 100 mg

Testosterone 5mg. - Transdermal (compounded)

Past shows on Osteoporosis
Ep.21 Kevin Ellis -  The Bone Coach

Eps.63 & 118 Rebecca Rotstein - The Buff Bones Method

Ep.126 Dr. John Neustadt - Osteoporosis Research & NBI Health

Ep.156 Dr. Doug Lucas - Orthopedic Surgeon and Osteoporosis Specialist 

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Is midlife really a crisis, or is it the launchpad to your most vibrant chapter yet? In this empowering episode, Dr. Ellen Albertson, The Midlife Whisperer, brings her infectious energy and groundbreaking wisdom to debunk myths about aging, body image, and what it means to thrive after 50.

At 62, Dr. Albertson radiates confidence that challenges society's obsession with youth. Her secret? Self-compassion. Through transformative research with Dr. Kristin Neff, she discovered that women who practice self-compassion experience less body shame and greater appreciation for themselves—without changing a single thing physically.

We dive into why the outdated "eat less, exercise more" approach fails midlife women and explore how working with, rather than against, your changing hormones can lead to sustainable, joyful health. Dr. Albertson shares her "big four" factors: wholesome nutrition, stress management, quality sleep, and joyful movement that strengthens both body and mind.

But that's not all! This conversation takes a candid turn as Dr. Albertson talks about beauty, silver hair transitions, and intimacy in midlife. Far from diminishing, these aspects of life can deepen as we shed the societal pressures to perform and embrace our authentic selves. As Dr. Albertson puts it, "We know ourselves and we're done with the BS."

If you're ready to transform your relationship with aging, shed the shame, and step into your prime time glow up, this episode is a must-listen.

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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 everything you thought you knew about balance and mobility was flat-out wrong?

Dan Metcalfe was a Broadway performer at the top of his game when he suddenly became paralyzed mid-performance. What followed—partial brain death, a long recovery, and a total reinvention—sounds impossible, until you hear him tell it.

Dan didn’t just survive. He discovered something that changed everything: balance isn’t just about strong muscles—it’s about rewiring the brain. And the conventional ways we train for stability and fall prevention? They’re missing the mark.

In this eye-opening episode, Dan shares how his recovery led to a revolutionary brain-first approach to movement and mobility that’s helped over 70,000 people—from stroke survivors to seniors battling Parkinson’s—regain confidence, coordination, and independence.

 Dan’s story is powerful proof that it’s never too late to rebuild strength, restore balance, and reclaim vitality. His work challenges everything we’ve been taught about aging and shows us what’s truly possible. In this conversation, he breaks down his seven pillars of natural health—simple, transformative principles you’ll want to live by. 

Want to learn more? Visit totalbalancecompany.com to explore Dan’s Total Balance program and Born Superhuman framework. Or reach out through the show notes to connect directly.

Follow Dan Metcalfe at https://www.instagram.com/bornsuperhuman/

Dan's book, Born Superhuman, is available at booksellers.

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shouldn't be shrouded in outdated fears and misinformation. When I finally started HRT at 57, I realized I'd spent years unnecessarily suffering through sleepless nights, hot flashes, and night sweats—chalked up to “normal aging”—when effective treatments already existed.

My journey began after a hysterectomy, when a nurse practitioner discovered my testosterone level was critically low (11 ng/dl, with a normal range of 13–87). That led to my first experience with vaginal estrogen and topical testosterone. But over time, I learned I needed a more comprehensive approach—including systemic estrogen and progesterone—to truly feel like myself again.

This episode also breaks down the recent FDA meeting that addressed two major barriers to women’s hormone health:

1. The outdated black box warning on vaginal estrogen
2. The ongoing lack of FDA-approved testosterone options for women

These regulatory hurdles continue to block access to treatments that dramatically improve quality of life for midlife women.

Whether you're working with your OB-GYN or exploring options through platforms like MyAlloy, MidiHealth, HerMD, or Parlor Games—support exists. But you must advocate for yourself. No woman should suffer in silence or settle for a life that feels like a shadow of her former self.

Share this episode with someone who thinks they’re “just getting older” and doesn’t realize how good they could actually feel.

Some Online Women's Health Resources:

Allara Health, Midi Health, Alloy Women’s Health, Evernow, Winona, HerMD, Femgevity, Maven Clinic

This episode is not intended to be medical advice. I'm sharing my personal journey with hormone replacement therapy in hopes of starting a conversation and helping other women feel less alone. I realize HRT is not the right fit for everyone.

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.

Breast pain is one of the most common—and most ignored—issues women face from puberty through post-menopause. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Debbie and Troy Sutton, the inspiring mother-son duo behind The Healing Bra—a revolutionary product offering real relief for breast discomfort through every stage of life.

From painful mammograms and postpartum nursing to menopause and breast cancer recovery, The Healing Bra’s temperature therapy pads are changing the way women manage their comfort. What started as a simple question—"Why isn't there anything for this?"—sparked an invention that’s now easing pain and empowering women everywhere.

Whether you're a nursing mom, an athlete, in cancer treatment, or dealing with hormone shifts, you’ll want to hear how this simple, genius idea is redefining breast wellness and self-care.

You can find The Healing Bras and Healing Pads https://thehealingbras.com/

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

In this episode, we cover:

• [01:50] The painful mammogram that sparked the idea
• [04:10] Why nothing existed for breast pain—and the market gap they uncovered
• [06:40] How The Healing Bra works (and how it doesn’t replace your bra)
• [09:25] Hot therapy vs cold therapy: use cases from nursing to menopause
• [12:15] Surprising benefits for athletes and post-surgical recovery
• [15:45] Partnering with cancer orgs, OB/GYNs, and wellness professionals
• [18:20] How this journey turned into a mission to serve millions of women
• [22:00] The future of The Healing Bra and upcoming product expansions

_________________________________________
💌 Have questions about 1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

✨ For more tips, science-backed strategies, and midlife health inspiration, 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. If you’d like me at your next event, let’s connect!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

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.