Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Are you second-guessing your gut feelings—or brushing them off in the name of being “nice”? If you’ve ever doubted what you were seeing or feeling in a relationship—whether personal or professional—this episode is for you. In the first episode of the newly rebranded Menopause: Rise and Thrive, I’m opening up about a recent working relationship that challenged me to reconnect with one of the most essential midlife tools: self-trust.

With warmth and vulnerability, I invite you into my journey of learning to trust what’s real, not just what you hope could be. This episode is a tender yet powerful reminder that growth often means letting go—and that your intuition deserves to be honored. 

In this episode:

• Why trusting your gut is harder than it sounds—and how midlife can help sharpen that instinct.
• The subtle ways we override our own discomfort in the name of harmony.
• Personal story of a professional relationship that sparked deep self-reflection.
• How emotional intelligence and self-protection often conflict—and what to do about it.
• The role of caregiving and “being nice” in silencing your own needs.
• A powerful plant analogy you won’t forget—on outgrowing old containers (and relationships).
• Permission to release relationships that no longer align—and embrace discernment as growth.

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Join me at my next wellness retreat!   https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/2025-april/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this it?”—like you’ve checked all the boxes but something still feels...off? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the fabulous Sue Willoughby, a fearless midlife trailblazer whose journey will make you laugh, cry, and most of all, feel inspired. From her VW bus named Arlo to her unique work with horses through Equus coaching, Sue is on a mission to help women over 40 drop the roles that no longer serve them and live a life that feels authentic and bold.

We explore why midlife is actually the perfect time to shake things up, stop people-pleasing, and get radically honest about what we want. Sue shares her own powerful story of transformation and healing—from a tough childhood and corporate burnout to creating a life filled with meaning, connection, and (yes!) horse wisdom. This one’s all about permission: to evolve, to feel deeply, and to live fully.

In this episode:

•  00:01 – Why Sue and I are instant kindred spirits (hint: VW buses and bold living).
• 02:30 – Sue opens up about growing up with chaos and becoming fiercely independent.
• 04:45 – The moment we lose ourselves in the roles of wife, mother, and caretaker.
• 06:00 – Why questioning the script is essential for midlife women.
• 08:30 – Chinese Medicine’s take on midlife and how kidney energy fuels reflection.
• 11:00 – Saying yes to yourself (and no to what no longer fits).
• 13:00 – The magic of letting go: how discomfort leads to freedom.
• 15:00 – Boundaries, reactivity, and what it really means to stay in your lane.
• 17:25 – What a horse can teach you about truth, presence, and being seen.
• 22:00 – Curious about Equus coaching? Here’s what it’s like—no riding required!
• 27:30 – Details on Sue’s upcoming women’s retreats and how to join her.

Connect with Sue Willoughby:

• Web: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
• Podcast: A Life Worth Being
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Join me at my next wellness retreat!   https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/2025-april/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost touch with the vibrant, energized version of yourself? Maybe you’re juggling work, family, and changing hormones—and wondering where you went in the process. If you’re nodding yes, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m joined by our beloved nurse practitioner Monique Willingham for a heartfelt, real-talk conversation about how to reclaim your sense of self in midlife. We’re pulling back the curtain on what we see in our clinic every day—and how boundaries, emotional clarity, and intentional self-care are essential tools for not just surviving, but thriving during menopause and beyond.

This isn’t about quick fixes or symptom-chasing. It’s about rediscovering who you are—and becoming the strongest, most joyful version of yourself.

In this episode:

• Why boundaries are the foundation of true wellness in midlife
• The emotional and physical disconnect so many women feel—and what to do about it
• How to redefine your priorities and make time for you
• The role of community and connection during hormonal transitions
• How mindset impacts your healing and why short-term fixes don’t work
• Tips for cultivating consistency and long-term wellness (even in a busy life)
• How acupuncture and holistic care support emotional and physical resilience

Resources Mentioned:

🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Download your guide to feeling empowered in midlife: https://risingwomanproject.com 

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Join me at my next wellness retreat!   https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/2025-april/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Do you struggle with habits, behaviors, or beliefs that feel impossible to change? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of neuroplasticity and how you can rewire your brain for lasting transformation.

My guest today is Adele Spraggon, an award-winning author, internationally recognized thought leader, and expert in behavioral change. She’s here to share her groundbreaking four-step method, which is backed by neuroscience and has helped thousands of people break free from self-limiting patterns. Whether you’re dealing with stress, emotional eating, or struggling to set boundaries, Adele’s approach will give you the tools to create real, lasting change—without relying on willpower alone.

In this episode:

• Why traditional self-help methods often fail—and what actually works
• How brain patterns shape your habits, emotions, and beliefs
• The surprising truth about why willpower doesn’t work long-term
• Adele’s four-step process for rewiring your brain
• How to break free from food cravings and emotional eating
• Using this method to set better boundaries and say ‘no’ with confidence
• Why your brain is your best ally in creating lasting change

Resources Mentioned:

• Get Adele’s book: Shift: 4 Steps to Personal Empowerment – Download your free copy
• Book a free call with Adele to explore your personal patterns – Schedule here
• Website: https://shift4steps.com

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

• Website: https://risingwomanproject.com
• Instagram: @drsarapoldmae

If you loved this episode, please follow the show and leave a review! Your support helps us continue to bring you empowering conversations to thrive in midlife. Until next time, take charge of your mind, body, and spirit—and live fully with intention.

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of midlife—perimenopause, shifting relationships, changing roles—and wondering how to navigate it all with confidence? In this episode, we’re diving into the one thing you can control: your mindset. Your thoughts shape your experience, and by making small shifts in perspective, you can change the way you feel, the way you show up, and even how your body responds to this transformative time.

I recently spoke about mindset at a retreat, and the response was incredible—so I knew I had to share this with you. We’ll explore why mindset is more than just “woo-woo” talk, how science backs up the power of neuroplasticity, and practical ways to cultivate a mindset that supports your health, energy, relationships, and personal growth.

In this episode:

How negative thoughts impact your well-being—and how to shift them

The powerful link between mindset and your perimenopause & menopause symptoms

Why gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice, but a brain-rewiring tool

The role of self-compassion in creating new, healthy habits

How to reframe midlife as a season of renewal instead of decline

The importance of surrounding yourself with the right support system

A simple mindset shift that can make perimenopause feel so much easier

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Join me at my next wellness retreat!  https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/2025-april/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Feeling off balance, moody, or just not yourself? If you're struggling with brain fog, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, your hormones may be to blame—and you don’t have to just suffer through it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, a hormone specialist and anti-aging expert, to dive deep into how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help midlife women reclaim their energy, mood, and overall well-being.

Dr. Daccarett is on a mission to break the silence around hormone health and shift the way we think about aging. Instead of waiting until symptoms become unbearable, she advocates for a preventative approach to hormone therapy—one that helps women thrive in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. She also shares her innovative approach to hormone supplementation that ensures women get the right balance for optimal mood, sleep, and vitality.

In this episode:

• The real reason so many women experience mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog in midlife
• How progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone influence brain function and emotional well-being
• Why traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often falls short—and what to do instead
• The best delivery method for progesterone to maximize absorption and effectiveness
• The misinformation around hormone testing and why symptoms often tell a clearer story
• Why women have been misled about HRT and breast cancer risks—and what the latest research actually says
• How Dr. Daccarett’s Inner Balance approach personalizes hormone therapy for better sleep, sharper thinking, and stabilized moods

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Sarah Daccarett’s Inner Balance Program: innerbalance.com

Connect with Dr. Sarah Daccarett:

• Website: innerbalance.com
• Instagram: @innerbalance

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Ready to find out what's actually going on with your hormones? Book a free discovery call here. https://renewher.meadowhillwellness.com/book-a-call

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of supplements filling your cabinet—and unsure if any of them are actually helping? In this solo episode, I'm tackling the issue of "supplement overload," a common challenge many midlife women face in their quest for better health.

Join me as I share why more supplements aren't always better, how to determine what your body truly needs, and the critical importance of personalization when selecting supplements. We'll discuss the common mistakes women make, how to navigate the confusing world of supplements and influencers, and why a holistic strategy—including diet, lifestyle changes, and mindful self-care—is essential for lasting health.

If you're ready to simplify your supplement routine, save money, and enhance your well-being with targeted, effective solutions, this episode is for you!

In this episode:

• Why supplement overload is common—and how to avoid it
• How to identify the right supplements specifically tailored for your unique needs
• The truth about magnesium: why it's essential, and how to choose the right type
• Understanding supplement safety to prevent accidental overdose (especially vitamins A & D)
• The real risks of self-diagnosis through online research
• Why supplements should complement, not replace, healthy lifestyle practices
• How a functional medicine approach uncovers the root cause of fatigue, gut health issues, and energy challenges

Resources Mentioned:

• Grab your free resource with tips to support yourself in midlife: https://risingwomanproject.com 

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming wellness retreat in Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

If you’ve ever woken up exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get, or if you’re finding that midlife has left you feeling depleted, you are not alone. Fatigue can creep up on us in so many ways—through stress, hormones, poor sleep, or simply doing too much. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with lifelong fatigue, how I’ve learned to manage it, and the strategies that have made the biggest difference in my energy levels.

This episode is a continuation of last week's conversation, but today, I’m focusing on sleep—what's working, what's not, and how I protect my energy every single day. If fatigue has been a struggle for you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode:

• My personal experience with lifelong fatigue and how I’ve managed it over the years
• The connection between midlife, stress, and exhaustion—and why women often feel the brunt of it
• Sleep hygiene tips that actually work (including my top strategies for better rest!)
• How caffeine, nutrition, and supplements play a role in energy regulation
• How medicinal mushrooms, magnesium, and other supplements can support better energy and brain function
• The power of naps, yoga nidra, and other rest strategies to combat daily fatigue

Resources:

My go-to sleep meditation app: Insight Timer

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

If you're constantly feeling drained, like no amount of coffee or sleep can fix your exhaustion, you’re not alone. In this solo episode, I am sharing my insights into why midlife women often feel completely wiped out—and what to do about it.

We’re going beyond the usual “just get more sleep” advice and uncovering the real culprits behind midlife fatigue—hormonal shifts, stress overload, poor sleep quality, and even diet. I’ll break down what’s really going on in your body, why you might feel like you’re running on empty, and most importantly, actionable ways to reclaim your energy.

Learn more about my upcoming retreats here: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

In this episode:

• The hidden reasons why midlife exhaustion is so common
• How hormonal changes (especially progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol) impact your energy
• The connection between chronic stress, burnout, and fatigue
• Why sleep apnea is underdiagnosed in women—and how it could be affecting you
• The foods that boost vs. drain your energy (spoiler: you’re probably not getting enough protein!)
• How movement and strength training can revitalize your body without overworking it
• Why acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be game changers for energy and stress management
• Simple, realistic habits to start feeling better today

FREE RESOURCE: If you’re ready to go from exhausted to empowered, grab my free guide at RisingWomanProject.com and start taking control of your energy.

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

As women, we often carry the weight of multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes without a space to exhale or process life’s overwhelming moments.

In this episode, I sit down with Trish, a trauma-informed breathwork coach and Reiki master, and Rebecca, a past retreat participant, to dive into the importance of community for women’s healing and empowerment. 

We discuss how retreats provide the opportunity to reset, reconnect with ourselves, and build supportive relationships with other women. Rebecca shares her experience of attending a retreat during a difficult time in her life and how it helped her regain balance, create lasting connections, and develop practices that continue to support her today.

If you're feeling the need to step away from the chaos and find clarity, this episode offers insights into how you can reclaim your peace through connection and intentional self-care.

Learn more about my upcoming retreats here: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

In this episode:

• Why community is crucial for women’s mental and emotional well-being
• What happens when we give ourselves permission to prioritize self-care
• The transformational power of stepping outside your comfort zone
• Tools like breathwork, yoga, and vision boards that foster healing
• How retreats can offer both structured activities and downtime for reflection
• Rebecca’s personal journey to healing and what she learned through retreat participation

Retreat Information:
Join us at the Rising Woman Retreat from April 26–28 in beautiful West Virginia. This weekend offers a blend of healing practices, including breathwork, yoga, wellness talks, and time for deep connection. You’ll also enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals, creative activities, and time to relax in nature. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit risingwomanproject.com.

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!