When sleeplessness crept into her life, Christine Craig went looking for answers from her doctor and found herself in the middle of something bigger than she expected: menopause. The more she dug into her own hormonal shifts, the more she realized how many other women were navigating the same confusing, under-talked-about symptoms without support. That realization sparked Women in the Pause, the nonprofit Christine now leads to help women feel seen, informed, and less alone through menopause. 

In this episode, Christine joins us to talk about what led her here, what surprised her most in her own menopause journey, and why building community around this stage of life matters. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Goals of Women in the Pause as a resource and community 

- The Menopause ‘Transition’

- How to encourage one another

- The importance of  talking about these health topics 

Episode Timestamps

[1:06] - Topic Intro - The Importance of Community in Midlife 

[3:25] - Guest Interview with Christine Craig from Women in the Pause

[56:22] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Women in the Pause 

https://www.womeninthepause.org/

Connect with our guest, Christine Craig 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecraig1/ 

Learn more about Dr. Molly Strong, certified Menopause Specialist at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ 

Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resources

https://menopause.org/ 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause: Fact vs. Fiction https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs  

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 18 - Your Algorithm Thinks You Need Fixing https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/your-algorithm-thinks-you-need-fixing  

Just Jenn - 5 Silent Menopause Symptoms Women Ignore https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/5-silent-menopause-symptoms-women 

Just Jenn - You’re Not the Only One Googling This at 2AM  https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/youre-not-the-only-one-googling-this 

Just Jenn - Menopause Resource For When You’re Up at 2 AM Tonight https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/menopause-resources-for-when-youre 

Just Jenn - Stuffed Sausage, Dressing Rooms, and the Midlife Muscle Plan https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/stuffed-sausage-dressing-rooms-and 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause - https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Today we’re talking about perimenopause… also known as “Why do I feel like this and why has no one warned me?”

This episode is for you. We’re answering all the questions. What common symptoms to watch out for, hormone cycles for women in their 30s and 40s, how family planning shifts, and strategies to communicate these changes with your healthcare providers. 

Today’s guest is Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Hancock Health, returning to the podcast to chat about all things perimenopause. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- What is perimenopause

- Communication tips to talk to your provider

- Common symptoms and hormone shifts

- How to prepare for perimenopause

Episode Timestamps

[0:53] - Topic Intro - Perimenopause

[3:13] - Guest Interview with Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics/Gynecology

[28:51] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Molly Strong

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ 

OB/GYN at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/obgyn-pelvic-health/ 

Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resources

https://menopause.org/ 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause: Fact vs. Fiction https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs   

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 03 - Let’s Talk Menopause: MHT https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-2-menopause 

Just Jenn - Six Months Without a Period.. And Then BAM https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/six-months-without-a-period-and-then 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause - https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Constipation, hemorrhoids, colons, yep we’re going there. 

Today’s guest is Dr. Michelle Kitsis, a general surgeon at Hancock Health returning to the podcast to chat about butts and the importance of colonoscopy screenings. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Common causes and symptoms for constipation and hemorrhoids

- The importance of hydration 

- Colonoscopy Screenings

- Common symptoms and anxieties related to our butts

Episode Timestamps

[1:20] - Topic Intro - Colon Stuff

[4:21] - Guest Interview with Dr. Michelle Kitsis

[43:43] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Michelle Kitsis, MD

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/michelle-kitsis-md/ 

General Surgery at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/general-surgery/ 

Learn more about Hancock’s Surgery Center https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/general-surgery/ 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 08 - Preventative Health Isn’t About Being Perfect https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/preventative-health-isnt-about-being  

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 12 - How to Make Confident Decision about Undergoing Surgery https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/how-to-make-confident-decisions-about 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 18 - Conditions Women Put Off for Too Long https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/conditions-women-put-off-for-too 

Just Jenn - Season 03 Episode 25 - What Actually Are Hernias and Gallstones? https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/what-actually-are-hernias-and-gallstones 

Hancock Health Video - A Day in the Life of Surgical Services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6SP1o4IdI 

Hancock Health Video - Robotic Assisted Surgical Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBRJ-3WWxMA&t=3s 

Hancock Health Blog - 10 Reasons to Schedule Your Colonsoscopy Now https://www.hancockhealth.org/2022/02/10-reasons-to-schedule-your-colonoscopy-now/ 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Minimally Invasive Surgery - https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/minimally-invasive-surgery/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

We spend a lot of time talking about the decision to have surgery, but we often skip over the after part. But healing and recovery is a critical component, and oftentimes individuals are surprised at the exhaustion and time it requires to bounce back to a new ‘ normal.’

Today’s guest is Dr. Amelie Medley, a general surgeon at Hancock Health returning to the podcast to chat about what happens to our bodies emotionally and physiologically during surgery recovery. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- How the body recovers post-surgery

- Physical and mental symptoms to keep an eye on during recovery

- Ways to rest and ask for help

Episode Timestamps

[0:51] - Topic Intro - Recovery time after surgery

[5:26] - Guest Interview with Dr. Amelie Medley

[23:05] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Amelie Medley 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/amelie-medley-md/ 

Learn more about Hancock’s Surgery Center https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/general-surgery/ 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 12 - How to Make Confident Decision about Undergoing Surgery https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/how-to-make-confident-decisions-about 

Just Jenn - Season 01 - Episode 03 - The Symptoms You Shouoldn’t Ignore - One Woman’s Story  https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-symptom-you-shouldnt-ignore-one 

Hancock Health Video - A Day in the Life of Surgical Services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6SP1o4IdI 

Hancock Health Video - Robotic Assisted Surgical Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBRJ-3WWxMA&t=3s 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Minimally Invasive Surgery - https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/minimally-invasive-surgery/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

We spend a lot of time talking about the decision to have surgery, but we often skip over the after part. But healing and recovery is a critical component, and oftentimes individuals are surprised at the exhaustion and time it requires to bounce back to a new ‘ normal.’

Today’s guest is Dr. Amelie Medley, a general surgeon at Hancock Health returning to the podcast to chat about what happens to our bodies emotionally and physiologically during surgery recovery. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- How the body recovers post-surgery

- Physical and mental symptoms to keep an eye on during recovery

- Ways to rest and ask for help

Episode Timestamps

[0:51] - Topic Intro - Recovery time after surgery

[5:26] - Guest Interview with Dr. Amelie Medley

[23:05] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Amelie Medley 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/amelie-medley-md/ 

Learn more about Hancock’s Surgery Center https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/general-surgery/ 

Just Jenn - Season 02 Episode 12 - How to Make Confident Decision about Undergoing Surgery https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/how-to-make-confident-decisions-about 

Just Jenn - Season 01 - Episode 03 - The Symptoms You Shouoldn’t Ignore - One Woman’s Story  https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-symptom-you-shouldnt-ignore-one 

Hancock Health Video - A Day in the Life of Surgical Services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6SP1o4IdI 

Hancock Health Video - Robotic Assisted Surgical Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBRJ-3WWxMA&t=3s 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Minimally Invasive Surgery - https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/minimally-invasive-surgery/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

Okay, here we are. The end of Season 2. We’ve covered a lot this season, and what struck me wasn't how different these conversations were. 

It was how connected they all were.

As we wrap up, let’s talk about the power of speaking up. Because let’s be honest, for many of us that’s hard. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Season 2 Topic Recap

- The Invisible Backpack and Burdens Women Carry

- The Chaos of Summer

- Tips for Speaking Up

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Just Jenn Season 2: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jenn

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/ 

Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

Okay, here we are. The end of Season 2. We’ve covered a lot this season, and what struck me wasn't how different these conversations were. 

It was how connected they all were.

As we wrap up, let’s talk about the power of speaking up. Because let’s be honest, for many of us that’s hard. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Season 2 Topic Recap

- The Invisible Backpack and Burdens Women Carry

- The Chaos of Summer

- Tips for Speaking Up

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Just Jenn Season 2: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jenn

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/ 

Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

Okay, here we are. The end of Season 2. We’ve covered a lot this season, and what struck me wasn't how different these conversations were. 

It was how connected they all were.

As we wrap up, let’s talk about the power of speaking up. Because let’s be honest, for many of us that’s hard. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Season 2 Topic Recap

- The Invisible Backpack and Burdens Women Carry

- The Chaos of Summer

- Tips for Speaking Up

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Just Jenn Season 2: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jenn

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/ 

Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

Okay, here we are. The end of Season 2. We’ve covered a lot this season, and what struck me wasn't how different these conversations were. 

It was how connected they all were.

As we wrap up, let’s talk about the power of speaking up. Because let’s be honest, for many of us that’s hard. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Season 2 Topic Recap

- The Invisible Backpack and Burdens Women Carry

- The Chaos of Summer

- Tips for Speaking Up

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Just Jenn Season 2: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jenn

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/ 

Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

When we talk about cancer, the focus is usually on treatment plans, survival rates, and physical side effects. And all of that matters. But there’s another part of the experience that often goes unnamed—the emotional weight that surrounds cancer care, especially for women

My guest today is Dr. Julia Compton, Vice President of Oncology at Hancock Health, who is here to discuss the role of caregiving and asking for help in an often overlooked side of cancer care.

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- The quiet stressors that can emerge after a cancer diagnosis

- The importance of support systems

- Ways to ask for and accept help

Episode Timestamps

[1:14] - Topic Intro - The Emotional Toll of Cancer Care

[3:58] - Guest Interview with Dr. Julia Compton

[31:27] - Final Thoughts

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Julia Compton, MD

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/julia-compton-md/ 

Cancer Care at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/cancer-care/ 

Breast Health at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/breast-health/ 

Hancock Health Video - A Day in the Life of Our Cancer Care Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcUVHlfHWW8 

Just Jenn Blog - Season 02 Episode 10 - Breast Changes Women Should Never Ignore

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/breast-changes-women-should-never 

Learn more about Caregiver Support Groups at Hancock Health

https://www.hancockhealth.org/2026/04/find-guidance-at-hancock-healths-caregiver-support-group/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You

https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/