Midlife Rise + Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but for many, it also brings stress, triggers, and the resurfacing of unresolved trauma.

Lauren Massa joins the podcast to share her tips for setting boundaries and protecting your peace this holiday season! Lauren is a licensed counselor and clinical trauma clinician practicing in MD and CO. She feels passionately about building a relationship with her clients to strengthen their self-views and heal from the traumas they may have experienced throughout their lifetime. She loves her work with local moms searching for support on reinforcing boundaries and rediscovering their voices and strength, as well as specializing in the neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ communities. In her free time, you will typically find Lauren out enjoying the sunshine with her cats or chickens while on the lookout for good book suggestions!

In this episode:

• How trauma from childhood or past experiences can affect our holiday experiences.
• The role of boundaries in protecting your emotional well-being.
• Tools like breathwork and intentional decision-making to create space before responding to holiday demands.
• Why understanding your worth is essential to setting and maintaining boundaries.
• Practical tips for navigating difficult family dynamics with clarity and compassion.
• How to redefine holiday traditions to align with your values and needs.

Resources:

Website: https://www.forestbeachcounseling.com/

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

Lauren’s Blog Post, “5 Tips for Setting Boundaries this Holiday Season”: https://www.forestbeachcounseling.com/blog/5-tips-for-setting-boundaries-this-holiday-season

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/

What if your daily routine is unknowingly adding to your toxic load? And did you know that balancing your minerals might be the key to clearing brain fog and boosting your energy?

In this episode, I sit down with Fatima Pagtakhan, an Integrative Health Practitioner focused on Mineral Balancing. She helps highly driven women gain their energy back, clear brain fog, heal inflammation, and lose stubborn weight. 

Fatima shares her expertise on reducing toxic load in daily life and explains why mineral balancing is essential for optimal health. As a homeschooling mom of four, and one on the way, with a small homestead, Fatima brings a wealth of knowledge on practical steps for minimizing toxins while keeping balance at the forefront.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Tips for getting started with low tox living
• The importance of checking out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list when purchasing
• Why avoiding ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives can support better health.
• What is Mineral Balancing? 
• The Process of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and how it provides insights into cellular health, helping to guide customized nutrition and supplement recommendations.
• Common symptoms that indicate mineral imbalance, including fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and sleep issues.
• The role of trauma and how it can impact mineral levels and overall well-being.

Connect with Fatima:

https://www.instagram.com/fatimapagtakhan

https://www.facebook.com/fatima.luceia13

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-pagtakhan-ihp2-3193b7271/

The Ultimate Energy Checklist: https://kindheartlifestyle.ck.page/781251353f

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/

Curious about how to feel strong, energized, and confident in midlife without focusing on weight alone? In this episode, I am joined by Monique Willingham to address the real drivers of health, including managing visceral fat, supporting hormonal shifts, and optimizing your well-being through a weight-neutral approach.

Monique Willingham is a certified Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Remedy Green. As a native of Maryland with a passion for wellness and beauty, Monique has dedicated over 15 years to clinical excellence in oncology, surgery, and overall well-being.

Monique’s commitment goes beyond traditional healthcare; she is certified in cosmetic injections and continuously expands her expertise through ongoing education in medical cannabis, infusion-based cellular health, micronutrient therapy, peptide therapy, food as medicine, and therapeutic exercise programs. Her mission is simple yet profound: to offer patients a personalized, holistic journey towards feeling and looking their best, rooted in love and grace.

In this episode:

• Understanding Visceral Fat, what it is and why it increases during midlife.
• Understanding how hormones like estrogen and testosterone can lead to changes in fat distribution, particularly around the abdomen, and what steps can help counterbalance these effects.
• What role stress management, sleep, and mindset play in weight loss and wellbeing.
• What you can do now to increase your wellness, such as what to eat and ways to move your body.
• Why shifting the focus from weight loss to muscle maintenance, bone health, and flexibility to ensure mobility and vitality is the best thing you can do for yourself
• Ways that Sara and Monique help their clients in midlife.

Resources Mentioned:

Remedy Green’s Website: https://remedygreenwellness.com/about-us/

Remedy Green’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remedygreen/

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

What if you could feel more energized, clear-headed, and in control of your health, without counting calories or following a restrictive plan? 

In today’s episode, Laurie Lewis reveals how intermittent fasting can help you break free from the cycle of deprivation and start living in tune with your body’s natural rhythms. Laurie is the founder of Fast Forward Wellness and specializes in guiding individuals, particularly women in midlife, to experience the benefits of intermittent fasting while navigating life’s challenges. With her simple, approachable method, Laurie helps us understand how to create an eating window that works with our unique lifestyle, leading to better energy, improved health markers, and sustainable wellness.

In This Episode:

• Laurie's background and journey to becoming a wellness coach specializing in intermittent fasting.
• The basics of intermittent fasting—what it is, how it works, and why it’s not part of traditional diet culture.
• How fasting can help balance hormones, heal the gut, boost energy, and burn body fat.
• The importance of the clean fast and why flavor-free drinks during fasting periods are essential.
• The benefits of starting with a 12-hour fast and how to adjust your eating window based on your body’s needs.
• How to identify your “fasting sweet spot” and why it’s important to find a schedule that works for your life and goals.
• How to stay on track with fasting while traveling or dealing with a busy, erratic schedule.
• Real-life tips on creating a fasting routine that helps you feel your best.
• Lori’s four cornerstones for successful intermittent fasting: Clean fast, curiosity, customization, and continuation.
• How intermittent fasting can support weight management, improve metabolic health, and extend lifespan.
• The science behind fasting and how it can shift your body from being a sugar burner to a fat burner.

Resources Mentioned:

Lori’s Website: FastForwardWellness.com

Lori’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fast_forward_wellness/

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

Is fatigue taking over your life, but you are not sure what the cause is? Are you struggling with weight gain, brain fog, or constant exhaustion despite "normal" thyroid test results? 

You might be one of the millions of people with undiagnosed Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism. In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Morgan, founder of Morgan Nutrition, creator of the Thyroid Reboot Method, and co-founder of the Functional Health Alliance. Whitney specializes in advanced functional testing and root cause healing for chronic illness, thyroid disease, and autoimmune issues. She’s helped dozens of women with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism eliminate their unique thyroid triggers and restore vibrant health.

Whitney shares insights into why conventional thyroid testing often misses the mark and reveals the vital steps you can take today to start healing from Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The #1 thing to do when you suspect you have Hashimoto’s (hint: it has to do with gluten!)
• Symptoms you may experience if you have Hashimoto’s.
• Whitney’s personal journey through four autoimmune diagnoses and how it shaped her practice
• What the perfect storm of triggers are when it comes to Hashimoto’s 
• The difference between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s and why many go undiagnosed
• Why thyroid health is connected to gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation
• How advanced functional testing can reveal hidden triggers like heavy metals, parasites, and food sensitivities
• Whitney’s advice for nourishing your thyroid, including diet and nutrient strategies
• The importance of finding a functional practitioner to guide your thyroid healing journey
• How Whitney supports her clients with functional lab testing and more

Resources Mentioned:

Whitney’s Website: https://www.morgannutrition.com/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/whitneymorganYouTube
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneymorgannutrition/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitneymorgannutrition/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneymorgannutrition/
Whitney’s Freebie: https://www.morgannutrition.com/thyroid-interpretation-guide

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

Betrayal hits hard. Whether from a loved one, a colleague, or a friend, the pain can feel like a deep wound that never fully heals. But what if there was a clear, predictable way to heal from betrayal? In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Debi Silber whose groundbreaking research has uncovered the specific steps to move past betrayal and rebuild your life from the ground up.

Dr. Debi Silber, Founder of the PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day (celebrated annually on September 1st), is an award winning speaker, and a 2-time #1 International bestselling author. Her podcast: From Betrayal to Breakthrough is also globally ranked within the top 1.5% of podcasts. Her recent PhD study on how we experience betrayal made 3 groundbreaking discoveries that changes how long it takes to heal. In addition to being on FOX, CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, TEDx (twice) and more, she’s dedicated to helping people move past their betrayals as well as any other blocks preventing them from the health, work, relationships, confidence, and happiness they want most.

Dr. Debi shares the powerful revelations from her PhD study on betrayal, including why time alone doesn’t heal betrayal and how betrayal impacts every aspect of our lives—from physical health to emotional well-being. With her guidance, you’ll discover the five stages of healing and how to work through each one to find peace, rebuild trust, and reclaim your power.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why betrayal is a unique form of trauma that requires a specific healing process
• The three groundbreaking discoveries Dr. Debi made through her research on betrayal
• How betrayal can manifest in different areas of life, including personal relationships, the workplace, and even within family dynamics.
• The importance of recognizing when you’re stuck in the survival stage and how to move forward
• The five proven stages of healing from betrayal and how to navigate through them
• How betrayal affects your ability to trust, love, and connect with others—and how to heal those wounds
• Why time alone doesn’t heal betrayal and what you must do to truly recover

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: https://thepbtinstitute.com
• The latest TEDx: “Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?“: 
• TEDx: Stop Sabotaging Yourself
• The From Betrayal to Breakthrough podcast
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebiSilber
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debisilber/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debisilber/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/debisilber
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DebiSilber/

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

What if the key to living a more colorful and fulfilling life was just one small "sprinkle" away?

In this episode, I speak with Debbie Weiss, a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and certified Success Principles trainer, who has mastered the art of turning life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth. With her new book The Sprinkle Effect: A Guide to Living a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life set to release in November, Debbie shares her personal transformation story—how she overcame caregiving challenges, weight loss struggles, and limiting beliefs to create a vibrant life full of joy and purpose.

With over 60 years of experience dealing with some of life’s toughest challenges, Debbie is an expert in chasing your own dreams in spite of your circumstances. She is the best-selling author of the memoir “On second thought,...maybe I can" as well as a co-author in the Amazon best seller collaborative book “Heart Whispers”. Debbie's soon-to-be-published book, “The Sprinkle Effect: A Guide to Living a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life,” adds another vibrant chapter to her literary journey.

In addition, Debbie is a Canfield Certified Trainer in the Success Principles, an entrepreneur running both an insurance agency and her online store, “A Sprinkle of Hearts,” host of the “maybe I can” podcast, inspirational speaker, family caregiver, and mother. Debbie has overcome her own limiting beliefs and fears, allowing her to begin to live her best life. Her life’s passion is to help and inspire others to do the same.

In this episode:

• Debbie’s caregiving journey and the impact it had on her life
• How turning 50 became a pivotal moment for her to reassess her purpose and goals
• Debbie’s journey with weight loss, self acceptance and deeply understanding herself
• Shifting from a mindset of “I can’t” to “On second thought, maybe I can”
• How The Sprinkle Effect encourages readers to sprinkle positivity, belief, and discipline into their lives
• The power of focusing on small, manageable steps in personal transformation
• Why journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and discovery
• How every choice you make is a chance to shape your future

Resources Mentioned:

Debbie’s Upcoming book: The Sprinkle Effect: A Guide to Living a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life (Release Date: November 11, 2024)

The One Critical Step to KICKSTART CHANGE: https://www.debbierweiss.com/kickstart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbierweiss

Facebook Group, Maybe I Can

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie.r.weiss/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieweiss/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debbierweiss

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@debbierweiss

Maybe I Can Podcast

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

What if microdosing psychedelics could transform your mental well-being and success?

What exactly is microdosing? In this episode, I sit down with Peggy Van de Plassche, to explore  the benefits of using psilocybin, and how it helps with performance, mental wellness, connecting with your true self, and how it can improve life for women navigating midlife transitions.

Peggy is a former financial services executive turned expert in the psychedelic space. She is the founder of The Microdose Diet, a holistic program that utilizes microdosing psilocybin, alongside other alternative therapies, to rewire the brain, reduce stress, and elevate emotional and physical well-being. Her book, More: The Microdose Diet – The 90-Day Plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness, shares a step-by-step guide to unlocking these benefits.

Peggy also explains the importance of using high-quality products and integrating holistic practices like journaling, meditation, tapping to maximize the effects of microdosing, as well as her own experience microdosing psilocybin!

Topics covered in this episode include:

• What microdosing is and how it works
• The benefits of microdosing psilocybin for mental wellness, anxiety, and performance
• Peggy’s experience with microdosing and how it can help other women in midlife experiencing menopause and perimenopause
• How microdosing can rewire the brain and foster emotional healing
• The importance of high-quality products and mindful protocols
• How to combine microdosing with practices like journaling, meditation, and therapy for best results

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Peggy’s website: themicrodosediet.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggy.vdp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-van-de-plassche/
Peggy’s Book, MORE! The Microdose Diet: The 90 Day Plan for More Success, Passion and Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/MORE-Microdose-Diet-Success-Happiness/dp/B0CLKJ3J8S?crid=H85579UFZTHH&keywords=microdose%20diet%20peggy&language=en_US&linkCode=sl1&linkId=c94767745adf6f37702a719247063cec&qid=1698420583&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&sprefix=microdose%20diet%20peggy%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2&tag=poshilpre06-20

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my upcoming retreats 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/

What if midlife could be a time of renewal rather than overwhelm?

In this episode, I sit down with Stacy Brix, a dedicated health and wellness coach and board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in women's health. Stacy empowers women navigating perimenopause and menopause, focusing on the intersection of mental health and physical well-being.

As a dedicated Health and Wellness Coach, she empowers women through the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause with a holistic and evidence-based approach. Her background includes comprehensive training from Well Coaches and mindfulness training at the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine. Additionally, she is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 7 years of experience in women's health and is pursuing a specialty certification as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her diverse expertise ensures that her coaching programs support women in achieving their best selves during life transitions.

In this episode, we talk about the unique challenges women face during midlife, including burnout, hormonal changes, and the juggling act of careers, aging parents, and growing children. We also talk about the importance of pausing to create a vision for the future, cutting through the noise of social media, and finding reliable resources and support systems.

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!

In this episode:

• Recognizing and addressing burnout in midlife, and what to do if you are burnout.
• The importance of creating a personal vision for the future.
• Real advice for navigating the overwhelm of hormonal shifts and life transitions.
• The role of coaching and community support in women's health, and more about how Stacy helps women.
• Practical steps to improve mental and physical well-being during perimenopause and menopause.

Resources Mentioned:

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

Website: https://brixwellnessnp.com

Link to Freebie: https://30d3-info.systeme.io/17f538e5

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my retreats: 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/

What if you could achieve consistently clear skin and better gut health with a science-driven approach?

In this episode, I sit down with Dina Rasutis. From Civil Engineer to Nutrition Therapist Master, Daina utilizes her science background to implement a bio-individualized approach to nutrition. Diana shares her personal health journey, from struggling with adult acne and fatigue to discovering the power of nutrition and functional testing. We discuss the benefits of the GI map stool test and food sensitivity testing, exploring how these tools can identify internal triggers and guide personalized dietary changes for lasting results.

She explains why addressing both food sensitivities and gut health together is essential for effective healing, and how targeted testing helps pinpoint the foods and supplements that are right for your body.

Tune in to learn how targeted testing can guide your path to optimized gut health, reduce inflammation, and help you thrive!

All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!

In this episode include:

• Dina’s personal health journey and how it inspired her transition from civil engineer to nutrition therapist.
• The GI map stool test: What it reveals about your gut health, such as parasites, yeast overgrowth, and digestive enzyme imbalances.
• Food sensitivity testing: How it helps heal the gut and prevent irritation
• Why you need to address both food sensitivities and gut health simultaneously for effective healing.
• All about functional tests: What types of tests are out there, and what to know about them! 
• The importance of a bio-individualized approach to nutrition and why one-size-fits-all diets don’t work.
• The importance of gut health in managing skin conditions like adult acne.
• Why functional testing is an essential tool for women in midlife navigating hormonal changes and digestive issues.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Dina’s website: tabletocrave.com

Follow Dina on Instagram: @tabletocrave

Download Dina’s free gut health resources on her website and start your journey to better health today! https://www.tabletocrave.com/freebies

MegaSporeBiotic by Microbiome Labs

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Learn more about my retreats: 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/