What If Sober Was the New Cool? Breaking the Wine Culture Narrative with Kim Bellas

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Is wine really the answer to midlife stress—or have we just been sold that story?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Kim Bellas, founder of the global movement Sober is the New Cool, to talk about what happens when midlife women challenge the “mommy juice” narrative and rethink their relationship with alcohol.

At 52, Kim gave up wine—not because she had to, but because her son’s epilepsy meds meant he couldn’t drink. In a moment of clarity (wine glass in hand), she realized the message she was sending and committed to going sober for 3 months in solidarity.

That was 12 years ago.

What started as a short-term decision became a full-blown transformation—one that led to better sleep, stronger confidence, Fashion Week appearances (yes, really!), and a worldwide community of women just like her.

This conversation will speak to any woman who’s ever thought:

• “I don’t have a problem, but maybe I drink more than I want to.”
• “I’m curious what life would be like without wine.”
• “I want to feel better, sleep better, and show up better—but without feeling judged.”

✨ Whether you’re sober-curious, alcohol-free, or simply sick of feeling like you need a drink to relax, this episode is your permission slip to explore something different.

🎧 Listen in—and let’s redefine what cool looks like in midlife.

You can find Sober is the New Cool at https://soberisthenewcool.ca/

Follow Kim Bellas at https://www.instagram.com/sober.is.the.new.cool/

Kim's favorite alcohol-free wines:
Leitz Eins Zwei Sparkling Rose
Prima Pave Sparkling

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

 #SoberIsTheNewCool #MidlifeSobriety #SoberCurious #WomenOver50 #QuitDrinkingJourney #AlcoholFreeLife #MidlifeWellness 

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

How Understanding Death Can Help You Live More Fully — with Hospice Nurse Julie

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

What if facing the realities of death could actually help you live with more intention, gratitude, and peace—right now?

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Julie McFadden, better known as Hospice Nurse Julie, a former ICU nurse turned nationally recognized hospice educator with over 15 years of experience and millions of followers online. Julie’s mission? To normalize conversations around death and provide comfort, clarity, and dignity at the end of life.

We explore:

• The most common experiences people have at the end of life—many of which are rarely talked about
• How Julie transitioned from ICU to hospice, and what she learned about life in the process
• Practical advice for midlife women navigating aging parents and caregiving responsibilities
• How to prepare emotionally and logistically for end-of-life situations—with grace and self-compassion
• Why contemplating our mortality might be the greatest gift for living more meaningfully

Julie’s new Nothing to Fear Journal offers a compassionate guide for reflection, planning, and healing—and this episode delivers the heart and honesty that midlife listeners crave.

✨ If you’re supporting aging parents, feeling overwhelmed, or simply curious about what a peaceful end-of-life journey can look like—this episode is a must-listen.

📘 Find Julie at https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/ and grab the Nothing to Fear Journal, available mid-June.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

Feeling like you’re doing everything right—but still not feeling like yourself?

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Courtney Townley—health coach, creator of the Grace & Grit podcast, and a fierce advocate for midlife women ready to ditch diet culture and reclaim their power.

Courtney breaks down why the outdated “eat less, move more” advice is failing women over 40—and what to do instead. With a background as a professional dancer turned wellness expert, she shares how true health in midlife has less to do with restriction and more to do with self-leadership, resilience, and rewriting the rules that were never made with us in mind.

We dive into:
 💥 Why your hormones and stress response are shifting (and how to adapt)
 💥 What self-leadership really means—and how it changes everything
 💥 How to stop outsourcing your health and start leading from within

This isn’t another plan to follow. It’s a mindset shift—and it’s exactly what you’ve been craving.

🎧 Hit play to hear the conversation that just might change how you think about health—for good.

You can find Courtney Townley at https://graceandgrit.com/

Look for her book launching in November 2025! The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman's Guide to Deep Health and Happiness

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

Think Bone Loss Is Just a Part of Aging? Think Again.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

If your doctor’s only advice for bone health is “take calcium, vitamin D, and wait,” this episode is your wake-up call. I’m joined by Dr. Doug Lucas—former orthopedic surgeon turned bone health specialist—who’s on a mission to help women prevent and reverse osteoporosis with science-backed strategies that actually work.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the root causes of bone loss in midlife, why waiting until 65 for a DEXA scan is far too late, and why hormone therapy outperforms traditional bone medications in head-to-head studies. Dr. Lucas breaks down the real risks of GLP-1 medications on bone density, what the research says about weighted vests, and how to exercise safely with low bone mass or an osteoporosis diagnosis.

We even cover what every mom should be telling her daughter now to lay the foundation for lifelong bone strength. If you want to stay strong, independent, and fracture-free well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Don’t wait until a fracture forces you to take action. Hit play now and learn how to protect your bones—and your future—starting today.

You can find Dr. Doug Lucas at:

https://www.osteocollective.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Dr_DougLucas or on any podcast platform

https://www.instagram.com/dr_douglucas/

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

Still Cutting Calories After 40? Here’s What You Should Do Instead

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Lisa Holtan, Faster Way coach and personal trainer with 17 years of experience, joins me this week to flip everything you thought you knew about midlife weight loss on its head. Spoiler alert: it’s not about eating less and doing more cardio.

Lisa shares why most women over 40 are drastically under-eating—especially protein—and how that’s wrecking their metabolism and holding them back from feeling strong, energized, and confident. We get into why strength training is non-negotiable (especially if your goal is independence later in life), how balance and mobility exercises can be done in your bathroom, and why your golf game might just depend on what you’re doing in the gym.

This episode is equal parts science, strategy, and sass—with plenty of real-life tips for eating out without guilt, staying consistent, and finally ditching the diet culture lies we’ve all been sold. Plus, Lisa shares the story of one client who lost 60 pounds with small, sustainable shifts over time—and how you can do the same.

Whether you’re a beginner, getting back on track, or ready to level up—this conversation will make you rethink everything and inspire you to take action.

💪 Hit play, and let’s build the strong, capable, joyful life you deserve.

You can find Lisa Holtan at https://www.instagram.com/lisaholtan/

The High Vibe Life Podcast can be found on any podcast platform

Lisa's favorite powered protein is made by Shaklee

Visit https://betterHelp.com/askingforafriend to get started with therapy today and receive 10% off your first month.

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

This episode is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Your Skin's Glowing, But What About Down There? Let’s Talk.

We obsess over skincare, fitness, and aging gracefully—but when it comes to vaginal health? Total silence. Meanwhile, millions of women in perimenopause and beyond are battling dryness, painful sex, recurring UTIs, and feeling like no one warned them. It's time we change that.

In this bold and empowering episode, I sit down with Kate Wells, founder of Parlor Games, who’s on a mission to bring vaginal wellness into the spotlight. With a background in hormone science and a serious passion for women’s health, Kate is tearing down myths about estrogen, exposing the real risks of ignoring vaginal care, and revealing how simple hormone solutions can transform quality of life.

Ready to take charge of your midlife health and stop suffering in silence? Hit play—your body deserves better. 🎙️✨

You can find Kate Wells and Parlor Games at www.parlor-games.com

https://www.instagram.com/parlorgamesfun/

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=parlor%20games

Check out their website for amazing educational blogs and information on women's health.

This episode is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend for 10% off your first month of therapy

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

Think you know how to walk? Think again.

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by international health expert Joanna Hall, founder of the WalkActive Method. Joanna reveals how improving your walking technique can dramatically boost posture, joint health, hormone balance, and even cognitive function—all especially important in midlife.

With 30+ years in sports science, Joanna explains how most of us are walking inefficiently, reinforcing poor movement patterns and joint strain. Her science-backed method helps women over 40 engage the right muscles, improve alignment, and walk better—not just more.

We explore why your hips, feet, and posture matter, how lifestyle habits and old injuries contribute to walking issues, and how small shifts can lead to major changes in strength, confidence, and longevity.

👉 Ready to walk your way to better health? Tune in and discover how to make every step count.

Check out the WalkActive Method at www.walk-active.com/michele/

You can also check out Joanna's blog!

Joanna Hall has graciously offered a discount code for Asking for a Friend listeners to try the WalkActive Method.

Michele50off at  https://walk-active.com/the-walkactive-method/

#midlifefitness #walkactive #womenover50 #posturecorrection #jointhealth #healthyaging #walkingformetabolism #midlifewellness #menopausefitness #mobilitymatters #walkstrong #podcastforwomen

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

What if that evening glass of wine isn’t helping you relax—but actually holding you back?

In this honest and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Heather Lowe, founder of Ditch the Drink, to talk about her personal journey of quitting alcohol at age 42 after nearly three decades of what most would call “normal” drinking. From beer tents in Wisconsin to corporate happy hours and suburban wine nights, Heather’s relationship with alcohol looked like everyone else’s—until it didn’t.

After years of feeling anxious, tired, and stuck, Heather realized alcohol wasn’t the solution anymore—it had become the problem. And letting it go didn’t mean giving something up—it meant getting herself back.

Now a coach helping others rethink their relationship with alcohol, Heather shares the real reasons so many midlife women are quietly struggling: the stress, the pressure to hold it all together, and the fear of what it means to quit. But as she puts it: “Alcohol is self-abandonment. It's putting a liquid wall between what we really feel and what we think we’re supposed to feel.”

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Is this really serving me anymore?” It’s not about labels or extremes—it’s about tuning in to what your body and mind truly need to thrive in your second act.

🎧 Listen now and download Heather’s free guide at DitchTheDrink.com
📲 Connect with her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook @ditchthedrink

Heather Lowe's Curated NA Wine List - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CCb48zl3ScA7mVflb29OW-gdnpFYYy8LHvx4xNB4mnk/edit?usp=sharing

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

Think Your Best Years Are Behind You? Think Again.

If you're in midlife and wondering why your body suddenly feels like it's working against you—fatigue, stubborn weight, poor sleep—you are so not alone. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Karlsen, Faster Way coach and pro-aging advocate, who transformed her health after a shocking prediabetes diagnosis in her 50s. Now thriving at 60, Karen shares how she ditched diet culture and embraced a smarter approach—focusing on strength training, macro tracking, and real food—to get her energy, sleep, and metabolism back on track.

We bust some major midlife myths—like why eating less is not the answer, how protein is your best friend after 50, and why personalization is the key to real, lasting results. Karen even shares how she uses a continuous glucose monitor to dial in her nutrition and how hormone therapy and better sleep changed everything.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, invisible, or confused by your changing body, this episode is your wake-up call. Aging well isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. And it starts here.

Karen Karlsen Instagram

Karen Karlsen Facebook

Karen Karlsen TikTok

🎧 Hit play and let’s rewrite the midlife narrative—together.

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...

When the Nest Empties, What’s Next?

The silence can be overwhelming when a once-busy home suddenly feels too quiet. If you’ve ever wondered, Who am I now? Where do I fit in my child’s life—and in my own? 

Allie Hill, author of The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting, knows this transition firsthand. When her daughter left for college, she felt like she took her heart and purpose with her. In this funny, heartfelt and honest conversation, Allie shares how she moved from loss to renewal—rediscovering her own identity, passions, and purpose.

We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting, the surprising opportunities this phase brings, and practical ways to strengthen relationships, build new connections, and embrace the next chapter with confidence.

If you're navigating this shift (or see it on the horizon), this episode will remind you: Your best years aren’t behind you—they’re just beginning. Listen now!

You can find the Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting wherever you buy books.

You can find Allie Hill at:

Instagram

Website

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health?
I’ve walked this road myself—through menopause, stubborn midsection weight gain, and the fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve lost your spark. The Faster Way six-week group program set me on the path to strength, confidence, and sustainable change. You can get started here:
👉 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

💌 Have questions about 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!

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 se...