Dr. Rani is one of two ophthalmologists in the country who is also certified in functional medicine. She is able to diagnose up to 200 conditions from your eyes – things like MS and diabetes, but also Lupus, and Lyme Disease. We discuss dry eyes, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more. This is a fascinating conversation. If you want to learn how to care for your eyes as you age and what supplements and foods to prioritize, this is the episode for you. For example, did you know you should get an eye exam every year after the age of 40? Learn more now!

KEY TOPICS

• Why Eye Health Matters For Midlife Women (00:00)
• How Functional Medicine Applies To Eye Health And Root-Cause Vision Care (02:37)
• Eyes As A Window To Overall Health And Systemic Disease Detection (06:30)
• Hormones, Perimenopause/Menopause, And Women's Higher Risk For Eye Diseases (13:30)
• Dry Eye In Midlife Women: Symptoms, Gland Dysfunction, And Hormone Links (14:53)
• Contact Lenses, Dryness, And Infection-Safety Best Practices (18:00)
• Cataracts: Aging Lens Changes, When To Operate, And Premium IOL Options (25:12)
• Macular Degeneration: Genetics, Central Vision Loss, And Prevention With Lutein/Zeaxanthin (30:13)
• Nutrition And Lifestyle For Lifelong Vision: Antioxidants, Omega-3s, Gut Health, And Daily Habits (32:10)

RESOURCES

• Join The Newsletter
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Book: Design a Life You Love

GUEST RESOURCES

• Dr. Rani Banik's website: www.drranibanik.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mIi8P9tXSRXXwEdNX6aRw
• Book: Beyond Carrots: Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z
• Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen (Beyond Carrots)

*The Her Starring Role with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Hey Beautiful Star, the podcast cover art has officially been updated and you can now find my podcast by searching "Her Starring Role." If you weren't following the show I hope you'll take a second to hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen or watch the show. In this solocast, I just offer some words of encouragement for anyone who needs to hear it.

• Join The Newsletter
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Book: Design a Life You Love

*The Her Starring Role with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

In this episode, Michele sits down with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, co-authors of Estrogen Interrupted: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Perimenopause, to unpack the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause.

They explain how the 2–10-year transition before menopause can trigger unpredictable hormonal changes that lead to hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, sleep disruptions, anxiety, and other challenging symptoms, while discussing why so many women struggle to find informed healthcare providers.

The conversation explores the connection between perimenopause and mental health, the case for rebranding birth control, to manage symptoms and prevent pregnancy, what women should know about testosterone therapy—including its benefits, limitations, and permanent side effects—and where to find qualified menopause specialists. Packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice, this episode is essential listening for anyone seeking reliable information on perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, and women's wellness.

key topics:

• Welcome To Her Starring Role and this Perimenopause Deep Dive (00:07)
• Why Estrogen Interrupted Was Written (04:12)
• Mental Load, Dismissal, and Superwoman Expectations (06:37)
• We Believe Women and Medicine's Blind Spot (09:07)
• What Perimenopause Actually is (13:01)
• Why Perimenopause is Hard To Diagnose (17:10)
• Suicide Risk and The Perfect Storm Years (19:09)
• How to Find Quality Menopause Care (24:00)
• Birth Control Rebrand as Ovulation Suppression (29:12)
• Testosterone Truths and Dangers (46:18)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

• Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole
• Follow on: APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on: SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION

• Book: Estrogen, Interrupted: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Perimenopause
• Website: https://www.perimenopausedrs.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ovary_active/
• Where to find a provider: https://menopause.org/

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

In this solo episode, Michele Lamoureux dives into the world of labels — the words we use to define ourselves and others — and explores how they can both empower and limit us. Whether you've been labeled by society, a relationship, or your own inner critic, this episode unpacks the how our opinions of ourselves are formed, the impact of self-labeling, and how to reclaim your personal narrative on your own terms. If you've ever felt boxed in by a title, a role, or someone else's perception of who you are, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the power of words and identity. Tune in to discover how to use labels as tools for growth and self-awareness rather than barriers to your true potential.

KEY TOPICS

• Introduction And Overview Of Labels (00:07)
• Examples Of Common Personal Labels And Their Power (01:30)
• Impact Of Labels From Parents, Teachers, And Others On Children (03:10)
• Reflection Exercise: Whiteboard Of Self Labels And Positive Identity (04:30)
• Michele's Personal Labels And Being Your Own Champion (06:00)
• Harmful External Labels: "Exotic," "Nihilist," And Misaligned Identities (09:35)
• The "Karen" Label And Using Names As Derogatory Terms (09:35)
• Emotional Impact On Real People Named Karen (11:30)
• Agency In Choosing, Reframing, And Reclaiming Labels (17:10)
• Closing: Invitation To Kindness, Self Acceptance, And Upcoming Episodes (26:36)

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Join The Newsletter
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Book: Design a Life You Love

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

According to the latest research, approximately 40% of women in the United States will experience noticeable hair loss by age 40. Hair loss and thinning hair can have profound emotional and psychological impacts. Dr. Alan Bauman joins us to share valuable insights on the causes of hair loss, supplement recommendations, innovative restoration techniques, the best treatment options available today, where the future of hair restoration is going, and offers practical advice for women struggling with thinning hair. If you are experiencing hair loss, this episode is packed with information you won't want to miss! Be sure to follow the show and share this episode with a friend!

KEY TOPICS:

• Introduction, Why Female Hair Loss Matters, And Dr Bauman's Credentials (0:00:07)
• Why Dr Bauman Chose Hair Restoration And Life-Changing Impact (0:03:09)
• Emotional Importance Of Hair And Basic Hair Biology (0:06:17)
• Genetics, DNA Factors, And Hereditary Hair Loss (0:10:55)
• Female Pattern Hair Loss, Postpartum, And Menopause Effects (0:15:26)
• Scalp Health, Microbiome, Trichology, And Styling Risks (0:24:28)
• Nutrition, Protein, Supplements, Stress, And Inflammation (0:31:01)
• Minoxidil, Anti-Androgen Medications, And Personalized Treatment (0:41:35)
• PRP, TED, Laser Caps, And When To Consider Transplant (0:45:22)
• Future Of Hair Restoration, Stem Cell Banking, And "Time Equals Follicles" (0:52:26)

RESOURCES:

• Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF7djlya5z4
• Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

GUEST INFORMATION

• WEBSITE: https://shop.baumanmedical.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/380395
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baumanmedical/
• Dr. Bauman's personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/dralanbauman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baumanmedical

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Bauman is an acclaimed board-certified hair restoration physician with over 28 years of experience in the medical field. He is the founder and CEO of Bauman Medical, an international leading treatment center in the field of hair restoration. Dr. Bauman has established himself as an authority in the industry.+ 34,000 Patients Treated + 12,000 Hair Transplant Surgeries Performed + 12,000 PRP Hair Regrowth Treatments Administered. Dr. Bauman is one of approximately only 200 physicians worldwide to achieve the certification from the esteemed American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).

This is a fascinating conversation and one that will have you thinking long after the interview is over. On the show is Matt Higgins, the author of Burn The Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential. Matt is the co-founder and CEO of the private investment firm RSE Ventures, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, where he co-teaches the course Moving Beyond DTC, and has also been a guest shark on ABC's Shark Tank.

His story is one of growing up in poverty, living on government cheese, and having his own "burn the boat" moment as a teen, which becomes a pivotal decision that changes the trajectory of his life, leading to success on his terms. You'll hear Matt's story, how he navigated hardship, the importance of listening to your own voice, and what it means to burn the boats to unleash your potential. This was one of my favorite interviews! You will walk away with many actionable tips as well as wisdom you can apply to your business and life.

While on the show notes page, I'd love for you to join our newsletter. You'll receive more inspiration and tips to love yourself and live your best midlife. You'll also get a FREE copy of Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love (available for a limited time).

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

1. Why Matt wrote the book now and who he hopes to serve. (0:23:08)
2. The importance of making yourself indispensable at your job. (0:06:10)
3. Matt's early trauma that led him to make a pivotal decision in his life at 16. (0:08:24)
4. How we don't get to choose the moment of our opportunities but why we need to take them. (0:20:34)
5. What Burn the Boats means and why you are less likely to succeed if you have a plan B. (0:28:05)
6. He walks us through his risk-taking matrix. (0:32:38)
7. Why he asks himself daily – "What is the highest use of my time, energy, and intention right now?" "What can I do now that I couldn't do yesterday?" (0:51:43)
8. How to connect your future dots intentionally, the importance of having a great partner/relationships, what living a good life means to him, and more. (1:00:11)

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Join Michele's Newsletter

Michele on Instagram

Michele's Book

Matt's Book: Burn the Boats on Amazon

Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mhiggins/?hl=en

Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse/

Matt on YouTube

ABOUT THE GUEST

Matt Higgins is the author of Burn The Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential. He is the co-founder and CEO of the private investment firm RSE Ventures, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, where he co-teaches the course Moving Beyond DTC, and has also been a guest shark on ABC's Shark Tank.

Thank you for listening to the show!

If you enjoyed this interview, please take a moment to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews are so appreciated! Not sure how to do it? Instructions are below. XO, Michele

Learn ancient traditions to promote longevity and healthspan, with Michelle Jungmin Bang, the author of Sun & Ssukgat, The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness, & Longevity. In this fascinating conversation you'll learn about Michelle's East-West training in preventative health and 16 years of living in Asia learning from: deep sea divers (haenyeo) in their 90s, the Buddhist Nuns, and centenarians. You'll also learn concepts, like jeong, which could be the secret to longevity. Tune in to learn what it means, how you can apply it, and how to integrate the other self-care strategies Michelle shares. South Korea is expected to rank #1 in the World for longevity by 2030, whereas in the US, our ranking keeps dropping and is expected to be 66 by 2050. Clearly there is so much to learn from our guest about health and living a long life. This is such a beautiful and empowering interview. Be sure to share it with a friend!

KEY TOPICS:

• Intro Korean Art of Self-Care & Longevity Stats (0:00:07)
• Michelle's Health Crisis & East–West Healing Roots (0:02:39)
• Discovering Asia as a Longevity Hub (0:08:34)
• What "Sugat" Means and Whole-Plant Wellness (0:13:08)
• Redefining Self-Care & Preventable Chronic Illness (0:15:26)
• Yak Shik Dongwon: Food Is Medicine (0:17:51)
• Temple Food & Lessons from Buddhist Nuns (0:22:54)
• Ferments, Longevity Pantry & Plant Diversity (0:28:21)
• Savory Breakfast, Empty-Stomach Strategy & Vinegars (0:32:58)
• Jeju Haenyeo Free Divers & Sea-Based Longevity (0:37:41)
• Social Bonds as a Longevity Superpower (0:41:58)
• Walking, Micro-Breaks & Breath for Everyday Longevity (0:45:13)
• Inside-Out Skin Health & Jjimjilbang Rituals (0:47:18)
• Book, Translations & Michele's Next Steps (0:49:24)

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelelamoureux Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

• Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips
• Website: https://www.michellebang.com/
• Book: Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness, & Longevity
• Social: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.jungmin.bang

Guest Bio: Michelle Jungmin Bang is an award-winning Korean American eco-entrepreneur, Chivas Venture Social Impact Fellow, and Harvard Business School graduate born into a family of doctors. She is an East-West preventative care expert, speaker, and the author of Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity. She is known for translating research into strategies that promote a radical shift in healthcare that embraces self-care or preventative care, which blends new science and old wisdom. Michelle is passionate about driving social impact and serves as a board director and founding member of various mission-driven organizations, most recently GrowNYC, an environmental non-profit focused on food access, agriculture, and green spaces. She lives with her family in Hong Kong and New York City and has been invited to speak at organizations, including Google.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of second-guessing yourself—at work, at home, everywhere? You're not alone. In this episode, we break down the real reasons self-doubt keeps showing up (especially for women!) and get right into the science of what's really happening in your brain. You'll hear relatable stories, the latest research, and simple, powerful tools you can use TODAY to separate from that nagging inner critic and to build confidence. It's time to stop letting old beliefs run the show. You'll learn how to trust yourself again, take bold action, and finally feel like the most confident version of you. If you're ready to get out of your head and into your life to create your best life—this episode is for you.

• Unpacking Self-Doubt: The Origins of Big Trust (0:00)
• Cognitive Load: Why Women Experience Amplified Self-Doubt (7:06)
• The Four Core Drivers of Self-Doubt (16:06)
• Cultivating Self-Acceptance: Saying No with a Deeper Yes (21:13)
• Turning Feedback and Failure into Actionable Growth (37:00)
• Why Action Precedes Confidence: Building Personal Agency (42:55)
• Mastering Emotions: From Overwhelm to Grounded Adaptability (50:45)
• Reclaiming Your Power: Autonomy and Conscious Choice (1:04:34)
• Empowering Your Journey: Final Insights and Resources (1:10:17)

• Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole
• Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION

• Book: Big Trust: Rewire Self-Doubt, Find Your Confidence, and Fuel Success
• Website: https://www.shadezahrai.com/bigtrust
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/shadezahrai/

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

This past month we've covered: 1. Identifying what you really want. 2. Harnessing Your Attention Span 3. Navigating Limiting Beliefs 4. Why it's important to take time for yourself and 5. Today, we're talking about how to get into action, one small step at a time. I share a few examples from my life. Let's move towards what matters together. If you enjoy the episode, share it a with a friend.

• Intro + Series Context (0:00:07)
• Why 15 Minutes of Daily Self-Connection Matters (0:02:45)
• Identifying the Area of Life Calling for Attention (0:04:30)
• Daily Micro-Actions Toward Your Chosen Goal (0:04:59)
• Journaling to Process Feelings and Get Clarity (0:09:13)
• Career Pivot Story: From Head-Hunting to Marketing (0:11:15)
• Midlife Pivots, Informational Conversations & Trying Things (0:13:17)
• Nutrition School, Self-Publishing & Following Dead Ends that Open Doors (0:13:17)
• Podcasting & Taking Action in Creative Work (0:15:45)
• Health & Body-Image Example (Menopause / Perimenopause Weight) (0:15:45)
• Accountability, Support & Choosing the Right People (0:17:39)
• Closing: It's Not a Race, It's Your Life (0:19:00)

• Join The Newsletter
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Book: Design a Life You Love
• Recent Episodes This Month:
• Harness Your Attention Span Interview with Guest Fred Marshall
• Main Character Energy Episode with Michele
• Don't Let Limiting Beliefs Stop You with Michele
• Take Time For Yourself

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

This week, our host Michele Lamoureux is inviting you to slow down and to intentionally give yourself 15-minutes to just be in the moment, get connected to how you are really feeling, and gain clarity. There is always more to do, but if you never stop, you'll burn yourself out, which makes it harder to gain momentum towards the life you desire.

• This Month's Focus: Clarity, Attention & Reclaiming Time (0:20)
• Permission to Pause & Stop "Energizer Bunny" Mode (1:05)
• Why 15 Minutes for Yourself Changes Everything (2:00)
• Simple Daily Self-Care Ideas (2:40)
• Designing a Personal Self-Care Ritual (3:30)
• Guided Check-In: Breathe, Journal, and Feel (4:40)
• Becoming Your Own Best Friend & Champion (5:40)
• Invitation: Commit to 15 Minutes & Join the Newsletter (7:20)

• Join The Newsletter
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on APPLE PODCASTS
• Follow on SPOTIFY PODCASTS
• Book: Design a Life You Love
• Harness Your Attention Span Interview
• Main Character Energy Episode with Michele
• Don't Let Limiting Beliefs Stop You with Michele

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.