Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

As women in midlife, we sometimes lose touch with our inner 'warrior goddess'—HeatherAsh Amara joins the podcast to share the roadmap to reignite that power and step into your fullest potential!

HeatherAsh shares her wisdom on balancing three key archetypes—wild, willing, and wise—to help us step into our fullest potential. This conversation is filled with insights on self-discovery, finding joy, and releasing perfectionism while embracing vulnerability.

Best-selling author, mentor, land steward, and philanthropist, HeatherAsh Amara has spent the last three decades weaving together earth-based wisdom, mindfulness, and practical strategies for creative, courageous, and compassionate individual and community change.

She is the author of 10 books, including the bestselling Warrior Goddess Training series (over 150 thousand sold; translated into 15 languages), The Seven Secrets of Happy and Healthy Relationships with don Miguel Ruiz Jr, Warrior Heart Practice, and the 2024 release Wild, Willing, Wise.When she’s home, HeatherAsh plants her feet in New Mexico, but as a lifelong nomad, she spends most of her time traveling, teaching, and writing in cafés around the world. 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The inspiration behind HeatherAsh’s new book Wild, Willing, and Wise and the three archetypes it explores.
• How imbalance in these archetypes can affect your life—and how to recalibrate them.
• Simple tools and exercises to bring more balance, spark joy, and reconnect with your inner wildness.
• Why self-intimacy and self-compassion are critical to personal growth and authentic relationships.
• How midlife transformation opens the door to reclaiming joy, freedom, and a renewed sense of self.
• Why these lessons aren’t just for midlife—how younger women can learn to embrace themselves earlier in life.
• HeatherAsh’s thoughts on committing to yourself and saying “yes” to your own needs and desires.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books by HeatherAsh Amara: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003LHNEA2/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=d123a8c8-9578-4af7-b68d-fa5609c19ae2
• Visit HeatherAsh’s website: warriorgoddess.com
• https://www.facebook.com/heatherash.amara
• http://instagram.com/heatherashamara

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!

What if the perfect life you've been striving for is the very thing holding you back?

Christine Clyne-Spraker, author of Unwinding Perfect and former co-CEO of a best-in-class healthcare technology company, Eon, joins the podcast today to talk about her book, Unwinding Perfect.

Christine shares her journey from being a serial people-pleaser to choosing herself, leaving a high-powered career, and embracing imperfection. Her story is a reminder that true joy and contentment come from within, not from external validation or societal expectations. Through reflection, spiritual growth, and hard decisions, Christine discovered the importance of letting go of control, overcoming fear, and redefining success. 

If you're ready to stop living for others and step into the life you truly desire, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Christine's journey to unwinding perfection and embracing imperfection.
• The impact of childhood dynamics on identity and self-worth.
• Breaking free from societal expectations and learning to choose yourself.
• Tools for personal growth, including EFT tapping, meditation, and reframing negative self-talk.
• The dangers of void fillers, such as overworking, and how to recognize them.
• How shadow work and embracing our "ugly" sides can lead to self-acceptance and healing.
• Navigating midlife changes with grace and embracing transformation.
• The importance of detaching from outcomes and finding peace in the present moment.
• Christine’s insights on raising resilient children while modeling healthy behavior.
• Her process of writing Unwinding Perfect and the lessons she shares in her book.

Connect with Christine:

Website: https://www.unwindingperfect.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_clyne_spraker/
Unwinding Perfect: One Woman’s Story of Reclamation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1L56VBH?ref_=pe_93986420_774942710

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!

What if midlife isn’t an end but a bold new beginning? 

In today’s episode, Sara welcomes Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work reflects her passion for connection and creativity. After losing her mother to dementia, Katie found herself drawn to acting and storytelling, culminating in her upcoming feature film, Wake Up Maggie. She’s also a portrait photographer and an acting coach who inspires others to take risks and follow their passions.

Katie’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue our passions or redefine our paths. Whether you’re navigating caregiving, seeking a creative outlet, or contemplating a midlife career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Katie transitioned from caregiving and photography to acting and filmmaking.
• The inspiration behind her feature film, Wake Up Maggie, and its focus on caregiving and midlife transformation.
• The concept of "coming of middle age" and why midlife is a powerful time for reinvention.
• How grief and loss can spark creativity and courage.
• The importance of embracing acceptance and letting go of what we can’t control.
• Tips for stepping into a new field or creative pursuit, no matter your age.
• Why trying new things can lead to alignment and fulfillment.
• Katie’s insights on balancing exploration and mastery in life and work.
• The role of play, hobbies, and joy in living a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Connect with Katie Prentiss:
Website: KatiePrentiss.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieprentiss/
Wake Up Maggie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupmaggiemovie/
Follow her film: WakeUpMaggieMovie.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!

Have you ever felt like you were on the brink of burnout? In this episode, Sara reads the chapter she wrote in the collaborative book We Lead: Building Connection, Community, and Collaboration for Women in Business. The chapter, titled On the Brink of Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Purpose and Thrive Again, explores the struggles of balancing career, family, and personal well-being—especially during times of crisis like the pandemic.

Through her reflection of this time in her life, this episode offers a heartfelt reminder of the importance of stepping away, prioritizing self-care, and rediscovering purpose. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or on the verge of burnout, this episode is for you.

Attending wellness retreats changed Sara’s life, and now she is offering her own to change yours. Join Sara for the ultimate rejuvenating experience at our retreat in Cambutal, Panama. Your days will be filled with sunrise meditations, yoga, listening to the sounds of the Pacific, walks along the ocean in laughter with friends, and moments for reflection and relaxation.  Returning home with a newfound clarity in the woman you are called to be, and a deeper connection to your body, your mind, and your soul.  Learn more here: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

In this episode:

• The personal journey from burnout to renewal.
• Practical strategies for identifying and addressing burnout.
• The importance of wellness retreats and transformative travel (Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/)
• How consistent self-care practices can transform your personal and professional life.
• Tools for reconnecting with your values and finding joy amidst challenges.

Have a question or want to share your own experiences with burnout and renewal? Reach out and join the conversation. Your insights and reflections are always welcome!

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!

What do you know about breathwork? Did you know that you can use it to regulate your body, nervous system, mood, digestion, and more?

If that sounds good to you, listen up! 

I’m so excited to be joined in this episode of Midlife Rise + Thrive by Trish Brewer. Trish is here to teach us the basics of breathwork. Think of this episode as Breathwork 101. It’s the class we all needed in school, and yet none of us got it. The good news is, it’s never too late to get started. 

Trish is sharing how breathwork can help you balance your nervous system and how that will benefit your mind and body in midlife. I’ve done this work myself and trust me, it’s good. 


As a trauma-informed Breathwork Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, and Intuitive Guide, Trish’s work is to create and hold space for you and to serve as your guide back to your whole self. Trish believes that when we allow ourselves to be supported, we expedite our own healing and self-discovery. She knows this to be true from her own experience. And when you work with Trish, she’ll meet you not just as a teacher, but also as a student.


Topics covered in this episode include:

• What breathwork can do for you as a woman in midlife 
• The different types of breathwork 
• The simple science behind breathwork 
• How to get started with breathwork 

If you’re interested in learning new ways to heal, this is for you.

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


Resources Mentioned:

Visit Trish’s Website: https://www.trishbrewer.com/

Follow @trishbrewerbreathwork on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishbrewerbreathwork/

Follow Trish on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishdbrewerbreathwork/

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

This is a fan-favorite holiday replay!

Are the holidays a particularly difficult time for you?


You might feel alone based on the picture-perfect posts in your Instagram feed, but the truth is you’re not alone at all. We think of the holidays as a wonderful time of year filled with joy, laughter, family, and love, but the holidays can be super stressful for so many of us. 


With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to take some time to talk about strategies that can help you through whatever struggles you’re experiencing this year. In this episode, Maria Winters is sharing some tools and tips to help you navigate the holiday season with grace, even if you’re feeling lonely and isolated amidst all the chaos. 


Maria is a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience providing support to adults and adolescents in a variety of settings. For the past 11 years, she has been working in a local emergency room as a consultant for mental health-related crises. Maria is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.


Topics covered in this episode include:

• What gratitude really means 
• Dealing with feelings of loneliness during the holidays 
• How to acknowledge and validate your feelings

If you’re feeling lonely this holiday season, let us help.


All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


Resources Mentioned:

Visit Maria’s Website: www.thecoachingtherapist.com

Follow @coaching_therapist on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_therapist/

Listen to the Wellness: Rebranded Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rebranded-intuitive-eating-diet-culture-food/id1651744916 

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

Is your sex life feeling like a chore or fading with age? You’re not alone. In this episode, intimacy expert to millions, Susan Bratton, reveals how women can reconnect with their desire, embrace ageless sexuality, and experience pleasure like never before.
We discuss the science, tools, and techniques that can transform your sex life. Susan shares her personal journey of rediscovering intimacy after years of feeling disconnected and how her experience led her to dedicate her life to helping others reignite passion and pleasure, and having the best sex of her life in her 60s!

Susan Bratton, "Intimacy Expert to Millions💋" is a champion and advocate for all those who desire intimacy and passion their whole life long. She’s created hundreds of techniques that transform “having sex” into making love and is the world’s most well-respected sexual biohacker.

Susan is co-founder and CEO of two companies: Personal Life Media, Inc., a publisher of the Better Lover💋 brand of heart-connected lovemaking techniques and bedroom communication skills and sexual regenerative therapies. Get her free sex tips by email at BetterLover.com

And The20, LLC., a manufacturer of organic and botanical supplements that enhance sexual vitality.

It’s never too late to reconnect with your pleasure and your partner. 

In this episode:

• Why women often lose desire and what to do about it
• The role of hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin) in sexual health
• How Yoni massages and proper blood flow can be game-changers for women’s arousal
• Tools and resources for increasing sensation, intimacy, and connection
• Overcoming body image issues and reclaiming your sexual confidence
• Why orgasms are a key to health and happiness (and yes, you can have them from intercourse!)

Resources:

Join her sex tips newsletter at BetterLover.com. Follow her personal shares on Instagram, Threads and OnlyFans @susanbratton, and get her lust-for-life supplements, FLOW and DESIRE at The20store.com.

FORIA Intimate wellness

Orgasmicintercourse.com

soulmateembrace.com

https://betterlover.com

https://susanbratton.com

https://personallifemedia.com

https://instagram.com/susanbratton

https://www.facebook.com/trustedhotsexadvisortomillions

https://youtube.com/c/betterlover

https://www.tiktok.com/discover/susan-bratton

https://susanmerch.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!

What if your biggest challenge could lead you to your greatest purpose? Dr. Jeanne Retief, a human rights expert turned skincare founder, shares her journey of embracing panic disorder, leaving a career she loved, and building a life that works with her unique wiring.

Dr. Jeanne Retief is the founder of Figgy Beauty, anxiety advocate, and former human rights expert. Through her skincare line and online courses, she helps others navigate anxiety while respecting her own boundaries. This episode is a testament to resilience, acceptance, and the power of building a life that works with, not against, your challenges.

In this episode:

• Dr. Jeanne’s journey from a thriving career in human rights to her diagnosis of panic disorder.
• How unresolved trauma and complex post-traumatic stress can manifest as anxiety and panic attacks.
• The importance of self-acceptance and working with, not against, your mental health diagnosis.
• Practical tools for managing anxiety, including understanding your triggers, setting limits, and respecting your boundaries.
• The inspiration behind Figgy Beauty, a skincare line tailored for sensitive skin, and its connection to anxiety management.
• How Dr. Jeanne fosters community and offers support through her online courses and resources for those struggling with anxiety.

Resources:

Dr. Jeanne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjeanne_/

FIGGI Beauty: https://linktr.ee/figgibeauty

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!

Every woman will experience menopause, yet so many of us are left in the dark about what to expect? 

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Cathleen Brown, also known as Dr. Cat is a board-certified OB/GYN and native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004. After completing her residency training at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, she served on Army bases across the country, caring for female soldiers and female dependents of active-duty soldiers. She was honorably discharged from the Army, after 12 years of meritorious service. In her spare time, she loves traveling, gardening, and spending time with her three wonderful children! Dr. Cat has dedicated her career to women’s health education, which is what led her to Winona. 

Dr. Cat shares her expertise in women’s health, discussing the importance of access to proper care, breaking down stigmas, and advocating for women during this transformative phase of life. We explore the symptoms of perimenopause, the benefits and misconceptions of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and why it’s crucial for women to educate themselves about their bodies and demand better care. 

Whether you’re in midlife or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with empowering advice, practical tools, and resources to help women reclaim their health and thrive.

In this episode:

• What Winona offers and how telemedicine bridges gaps in women’s midlife care.
• Common symptoms of perimenopause and how to identify them.
• The truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and debunking fears surrounding breast cancer.
• Why birth control and antidepressants are not always the best solutions for menopause symptoms.
• The importance of self-advocacy and how to find a provider who listens.
• Practical tips for tracking symptoms and preparing for medical appointments.
• How estrogen impacts brain health and overall well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi: https://a.co/d/1o8yK5W

PBS Documentary: The M Factor: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-m-factor-shredding-the-silence-on-menopause/

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

Website: https://bywinona.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!

Are you ready to break free from the toxic habits, relationships, and patterns holding you back? In today’s episode, we dive deep into healing, transformation, and the power of the Law of Attraction with Mary Beth Schrudder.

Mary Beth Schrudder is a Spiritual and Transformational Life Coach. She is founder of Day One Life Coaching, author of Addiction Recovery with the Law of Attraction, and the host of the “Spiritual Transformation Podcast with Mary Beth”.

Mary Beth will help you heal addictions and transform relationships, including the relationship with yourself! Her approach is holistic, and her areas of expertise include relationships, marriage, divorce, mindset, happiness, freedom from addictions, optimal fitness, life purpose, and career.

She shares her holistic approach to detoxing your life by addressing addictions, transforming relationships, and reclaiming self-worth. From practical tools for change to the power of the Law of Attraction, this conversation dives deep into building an intentional, joyful life.

In this episode:

• How to shift your mindset, align your energy, and attract what you truly desire with law of attraction.
• How to detox your life throughIdentifying and releasing addictions, toxic relationships, and habits that no longer serve you.
• Why acknowledging your patterns is the first step to creating lasting change.
• Creating Positive Habits: The importance of morning routines, meditation, and filling your life with positive inputs.
• How judgments and forgiveness shape what we attract and how forgiveness and compassion transform those patterns.
• Practical Tools for Change: Simple steps to replace bad habits with empowering, life-affirming routines.
• The importance of asking for help through this healing process.

Resources:

Connect with Mary Beth: https://linktr.ee/DayOneLifeCoaching

Addiction Recovery with the Law of Attraction card deck (use code SARA for $10 off).

Books Mentioned: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

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!