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

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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...

Tired of staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, running on empty, and feeling like a zombie by mid-afternoon? You’re not alone—midlife sleep struggles are real, but they don’t have to be your norm.

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with certified holistic sleep coach Morgan Adams to uncover why sleep gets harder in midlife—and more importantly, what you can actually do about it. We go beyond the usual “sleep hygiene” tips and dive into the real reasons women struggle: hormonal shifts, anxiety, stress, and yes, even that nightly glass of wine.

💡 Did you know? Morning sunlight is like nature’s pharmacy, setting your body up for better sleep at night. Or that even one drink can tank your sleep quality by 38%?

We break down science-backed, practical strategies to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling rested, not wrecked. Plus, Morgan shares her best tips for beating the dreaded 3 AM wake-ups, the one habit that makes the biggest difference, and the supplements that actually work.

It’s time to take back your sleep, your energy, and your sanity. Hit play now and start your journey to better rest tonight!

🎧 Listen now and grab Morgan’s free guide, "Awake Again at 3 AM," at MorganAdamsWellness.com.! 😴💛 She also shares her favorite sleep gadgets and products.

_________________________________________
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...

The Missing Piece in Your Midlife Health: Why Your Liver Matters

You’re doing all the right things—eating well, moving, prioritizing sleep—but if your liver isn’t functioning optimally, your metabolism, hormones, and energy levels may still be working against you.

Your liver is a powerhouse, detoxifying your body, balancing hormones, and supporting fat metabolism. Yet, 30-40% of adults—especially midlife women—struggle with fatty liver disease without even knowing it. Symptoms like fatigue, stubborn weight gain, and poor sleep often appear long before lab work reveals a problem.

Dr. Supriya Joshi, a liver specialist, joins us to explain why midlife women are at higher risk and how simple habits—like strength training and even coffee—can support liver health. The best part? Your liver can heal in just months with the right approach.

Ready to optimize your health? Check out Dr. Joshi’s website for her liver health masterclass and 1:1 coaching.

You can find Dr. Supriya Joshi at:

Website

Instagram

_________________________________________
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...

That evening glass of wine used to be such a simple pleasure. Now it comes with unwanted side effects—disrupted sleep at 3 am, morning brain fog, and inflammation showing up as puffiness or worse. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone in questioning your relationship with alcohol in midlife.

Leigh's journey with alcohol follows a path many women recognize. Growing up in a home where drinking was taboo, she didn't have her first real drink until college. That initial feeling of warmth and calm became a powerful anchor, especially for someone diagnosed with anxiety and OCD early in life. Fast forward through marriage, motherhood, and grief after losing her father in 2014, and what started as an occasional glass of wine evolved into consuming most of a bottle most nights—a progression that sneaks up quietly on so many midlife women.

The physical toll eventually became impossible to ignore. Racing heart at 3 am, constant fatigue, and the nagging sense that something wasn't right led Leigh to attempt sobriety multiple times before finally succeeding in June 2023. Her candid admission that she tried and "failed" repeatedly before finding lasting success offers tremendous hope and grace to women currently in that cycle. As she powerfully states, "The only failure is when we stop trying."

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the science behind why alcohol affects midlife women differently. As we enter perimenopause and menopause, our bodies have less fluid volume to dilute alcohol, and our liver may not process it as efficiently. This isn't just anecdotal—it's biological. One drink now can affect us like three did in our younger years.

Beyond sobriety itself, Leigh discovered numerous underlying health issues that alcohol had either caused or masked, from gut problems to hormonal imbalances and even bone density loss. The improvements in sleep quality alone (measurable through her Apple Watch) demonstrate how profoundly alcohol was impacting her body's most essential restorative process.

Whether you identify as sober-curious or are simply seeking a greater understanding of how alcohol affects the midlife body differently, this judgment-free conversation offers valuable insights for making informed choices about your health and well-being at this stage of life.

You can find Leigh at:

Leigh Instagram

_________________________________________
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...

Hello there, ladies! It's Michele here, your 60-something guide to health after the big 5-0. In today's episode, we're having a good old chat about taking care of ourselves in these golden years.

Listen, I know what you're going through. Those hormones playing musical chairs, feeling like your muscles are on vacation, and all those "experts" telling you what to do—it's enough to make your head spin! I've been there too, and that's why I'm sitting in this chair today talking to you.

We're going to break down intermittent fasting into bite-sized pieces that make sense for real women like us. No complicated rules—just simple ways to give your body the rest it deserves between meals. And those workouts? Lady, we're not training for the Olympics! We're just looking to jumpstart our metabolism, keep our bones strong so we can play with those grandbabies, and get up from the floor without calling for help!

Many of my clients come to me having tried every diet under the sun. They've been counting points, cutting carbs, and feeling guilty about every morsel. Well, not anymore! In my kitchen, we focus on nourishment, not punishment.

I want you to know something important: it's never too late to start, no matter where you are today. Whether you're struggling to climb a flight of stairs or you've never lifted anything heavier than a grocery bag, you belong here.

Every little thing you do today—taking the stairs, lifting those small weights, saying no to that second helping—is a gift to your 80-year-old self. And trust me, she'll thank you for it!

So pop in those earbuds while you're folding laundry or walking the dog, and let's figure this out together. Subscribe to our podcast, join our community of wonderful women just like you, and remember: you're not starting over, you're simply beginning an amazing, new chapter.

I'll be right here, cheering you on every step of the way!

_________________________________________
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...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Kristine Gardner, a wellness expert who’s made it her mission to help women create fulfilling, balanced lives. Kristine takes us on her remarkable journey from discovering wellness in her 20s to becoming a personal trainer, earning a master’s in counseling, and leading a successful sales team—all while navigating the challenges of motherhood, a 20-year marriage, and even the joy of becoming a dog mom, all from her charming home in Niwot, Colorado.

In this episode, Kristine shares powerful insights on how simple morning habits can set the tone for a more intentional, balanced day. From hydrating first thing to soaking up the morning sun, she explains how these small practices can shift your mindset. We also dive into the benefits of delaying your first cup of coffee, the power of personal mantras, and how these simple changes can transform your daily routine.

Kristine opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, offering tips on stress management and how women can reclaim joy and balance, even amidst the chaos of midlife. We also discuss practical wellness practices, like using glucose monitors and the surprising benefits of castor oil, along with mindful choices around alcohol and overall self-care.

This conversation is a must-listen for any woman looking to make empowering choices in her life. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s explore how you can thrive in every area of your life—no matter where you are in your journey.

You can find Kristine Gardner at:

https://www.instagram.com/kgcaliglow/

Here are Kristine's must-haves:

Her favorite beef tallow moisturizer

A great $5 eye cream

Kristine's castor oil of choice

_________________________________________
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 happens when a seasoned career takes an unexpected turn in the middle of a global pandemic? I found myself facing that very question, jobless and searching for purpose. Join me as we unpack midlife career journeys with career expert Julie Bauke, who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities for women over 50 in a rapidly evolving workforce that now includes Gen Z. Julie's insights reveal how viewing our careers as a series of chapters can empower women to leverage their skills and experiences, even after career interruptions.

Feeling stuck or uncertain about your career path? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle common feelings of discontent, transforming them into starting points for self-discovery and career fulfillment. By reflecting on what truly matters in your professional life, we share strategies for taking actionable steps toward a more satisfying career. Whether it's embracing the fear of failure or choosing change over stagnation, this conversation is about understanding where you are and where you want to be, offering clarity and determination for the journey ahead.

Our discussion goes further, addressing the critical aspects of salary negotiations and the power of mentorship. With a focus on intergenerational relationships, we highlight how younger professionals can benefit from the wisdom of seasoned mentors. Julie shares strategies for successful salary negotiations, stressing the importance of market data over personal financial needs. We aim to equip all women with the tools they need to take control of their careers, emphasizing readiness for unexpected changes in the job market. Through stories and advice, we aspire to inspire women to confidently navigate their career paths and embrace their inherent value.

You can find Julie Bauke at:

https://thebaukegroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/julieonthejob/

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

_________________________________________
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...

Is there a way to tackle PTSD and depression beyond the confines of traditional treatment? What if you are seeking a stronger connectedness and spiritual growth in your life? Join us as we sit down with Neil Markey, the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, who shares his personal journey from a small town in Maryland to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Neil opens up about his struggles with mental health and how a profound shift towards meditation and psychedelics helped him find a new path to healing. Through his story, we uncover the limitations of conventional treatments and the vital need to explore alternative, holistic therapies in mental health care.

Neil takes us through his transformative journey from the corporate world to a life centered around wellness and spiritual growth. Stress and misalignment with personal values led to health challenges, but by creating space for new opportunities, Neil found a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. We examine how aligning with one's true values can bring about significant improvements in well-being, exploring the profound interconnectedness of human experiences and the spiritual components that often accompany them.

With a focus on the role of immersive retreat centers, Neil highlights the transformative impact of safe and thoughtfully structured psychedelic experiences. By embracing new adventures and making intentional efforts to sustain change, participants can strengthen community bonds and foster personal growth. We delve into the synergy between meditation and psychedelic experiences, revealing how these retreats can enhance adherence to meditation practices, ultimately benefiting sleep, blood pressure, and overall well-being. Listen in to discover the wisdom and openness that older participants bring to these journeys and the inspiring stories of transformation that unfold in these unique settings.

You can find Neil Markey and Beckley Retreats at:

https://www.beckleyretreats.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beckleyretreats/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beckley-retreats/posts/?feedView=all

_________________________________________
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...

Are Midlife Aches and Pains More Than Just Aging? Discover the Role of Fascia in Your Health

Ladies, are you tired of feeling like your body is constantly fighting against you as you navigate midlife? It might not just be aging—your fascia could be the key. Join me as I sit down with Anna Rahe, a fascia-based movement coach whose inspiring journey from chronic pain to healing will shift how you see your body. As a former dancer and Pilates instructor, Anna faced her own struggles with severe health issues and found little relief in traditional medicine. But her discovery of fascia completely transformed her life—and now, she’s here to share how this overlooked tissue can unlock a new path to feeling better.

In this episode, we dive deep into how fascia—this connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs—impacts everything from posture to joint pain, and how it stores your life’s experiences. Anna’s personal experience sheds light on the critical role fascia plays, especially as we experience hormonal shifts during midlife. She’ll explain how it’s intertwined with conditions like fibromyalgia, and why understanding fascia might be the missing piece in your chronic pain puzzle.

But we don’t stop there. We challenge what you know about Pilates and yoga and explore how fascia’s fluid dynamics can help ease stress and improve mobility. Instead of rigid mechanics, Anna shares how fluid movement can restore vitality and rejuvenate your body in ways you never imagined.

This episode is a wake-up call to treat your body holistically and embrace the power of fascia care. If you’re ready to take control of your health and age with more grace, vitality, and freedom, this conversation is for you. 

Anna is graciously offering Asking for a Friend listeners a FREE 7-day Body Revival - here is the link! https://gstvitalifestudio.com/checkout/new?o=194964

You can find Anna Rahe at:

https://gstbody.com/

https://www.annarahe.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gstbody/

_________________________________________
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...

Are you navigating the ups and downs of midlife, dealing with unexplained symptoms, hormonal changes, or feeling dismissed by traditional medicine? This podcast episode is your essential guide to understanding and overcoming midlife health struggles. Join naturopath Joanne Kennedy as she shares empowering insights into menopause, gut health, and personalized wellness strategies tailored specifically for women in their 40s and beyond.

Discover how overlooked factors like the MTHFR gene and hidden issues like histamine intolerance could be affecting your health. Learn practical, holistic approaches to:

• Decode your body’s signals and what they may mean
• Understand the crucial connection between your gut and hormones
• Know which tests to ask for when seeking help from your doctor
• Get to the root of stubborn symptoms that seem to have no explanation

Joanne simplifies complex health topics into easy-to-follow advice, drawing from her expertise in Histamine Intolerance. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, mood swings, digestive discomfort, or other mysterious issues, this episode offers real solutions and hope to help you reclaim your energy and vitality.

Take charge of your health in midlife – your body deserves not just treatment, but understanding and care.

You can find Joanne Kennedy at:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Her Offerings

Direct Labs 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...