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This week on Opt to Thrive I’m joined by a guest I've been wanting to interview since starting the podcast — Professor Susan Davis, the world’s leading expert on testosterone therapy for women and a globally recognised authority on women’s hormones.

Professor Davis is a Consultant Endocrinologist, Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic at Alfred Hospital, and Director of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program. With over 435 peer-reviewed publications, international awards, and a leadership role in developing the Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women, her expertise is unparalleled. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to medicine and women’s health.

In this conversation, we go beyond the media headlines and social media hype to separate fact from fiction when it comes to testosterone and midlife women’s health. Together we explore:

• What the evidence actually shows about testosterone’s effects on:
   • Mood, wellbeing, and brain fog
   • Libido and sexual health
   • Muscle, bone, and cardiovascular health
• Where testosterone therapy is proven to help, where the evidence is inconclusive, and where it simply doesn’t stack up
• Why anecdotal “success stories” aren’t the same as scientific evidence
• The risks of assuming testosterone is the “missing hormone” in menopause therapy
• How media narratives and charismatic influencers can mislead women about hormone therapy
• Brand new just released research that will change the way we diagnose perimenopause
• Exciting new studies underway and where women can find reliable, evidence-based information

This episode is about cutting through the confusion so women — and the doctors who care for them — can have clearer, more confident conversations about hormone therapy.

If you’ve ever wondered whether testosterone is the “wonder drug” it’s often made out to be, or if you’re confused by the mixed messages around menopause hormone therapy (MHT), this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and direction.

🎧 Tune in to hear the truth from the world’s leading expert.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Register for the upcoming Free 6 Day Midlife Reset Challenge
• Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who may enjoy it too.🫶

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Have you ever shared something painful, only to have the other person jump straight into problem-solving—or worse, point out the silver lining? Sometimes, when we’re hurting, the last thing we want is a “fix.” What we really need is connection.

In this episode, I open up about my own struggle with learning how to hold space for others. As a doctor and a natural problem-solver, my first instinct has always been to offer solutions. But outside of my professional role, that isn’t always what’s needed—or welcome. Holding space means being fully present, listening without judgment, and resisting the urge to fix, minimize, or redirect someone’s pain.

Whether you’re naturally good at this or, like me, still learning, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on what it really means to show up for the people you love.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message.🫶

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In this episode, we get back to gut health basics — From the microbiome to what fibre actually is, the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre, and why it matters for regularity, weight management, bone health, cancer prevention, and more. We’ll also cover:

• How much fibre you really need in midlife
• My go-to fibre-rich foods that are calorie-efficient
• The link between fibre, your gut microbiome, and overall health
• Prebiotics vs probiotics 
• The surprising connection between fibre and body fat loss

Whether your gut’s been sluggish for years or you just want to optimise your midlife health, this episode will help you join the “fibre party” — without giving up the foods you love.

🎧 Listen now and start building a happier, healthier gut.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message.🫶

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Today on Opt to Thrive, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most common (and sneaky!) mental habits holding midlife women back — worry. Not the kind that signals an anxiety disorder — but the everyday low-level worry that shows up in overthinking, second-guessing, decision delay, and imagining worst-case scenarios.

You might believe that worry helps you stay on top of things — but what if it’s actually sabotaging your ability to solve problems, make confident choices, and move forward with ease?

In this episode, Dr. Corina Sims dives into:

• The difference between problem-solving and worry (and why your brain treats them differently)
• A fascinating study that reveals how even brief worry sessions can cloud your thinking and reduce solution quality
• Why worry feels helpful — but rarely is
• A surprising stat on how few of our worries ever come true (spoiler: it's just <10%!)
• Simple mindset shifts to help you move from what if to what’s next

If you’re tired of looping thoughts, “what if” spirals, or feeling frozen by indecision — this one’s for you.

🧠 Because thriving in midlife means learning how to lead your mind, not be led by it.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message.🫶

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Today Dr Sims sits down for a fun conversation with local fitness professional Abbey Atkins. They talk about everything from gymtimidation to motivation and mindset when it comes to organizing a fitness routine. 

• Why more and more women are lifting weights after 40 (and why it matters)
• How to shift your focus from the number on the scale to how you feel
• The science-backed benefits of strength training for longevity, bone health, and metabolism
• Mindset traps that hold women back from starting — and how to overcome them
• What to do if you're intimidated by the gym (aka “gymtimidation”)
• The myriad of different approaches — working with a personal trainer, using an app (like Abbey’s), or even getting guidance from ChatGPT 😉

Whether you’re brand new to strength training or getting back into it after a break, this episode is packed with encouragement and real-world strategies to help you feel strong, confident, and capable — without obsessing over the scale.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Find Abbey and info on her App on Instagram: Here
• Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message.🫶

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Sick of falling off the wagon — again? This episode is for you.

That old “wagon” everyone keeps falling off of? It’s not helping you. In fact, it’s keeping you stuck in the same frustrating cycle.

In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr. Corina Sims takes a sledgehammer to one of the most persistent mindset traps holding midlife women back: all-or-nothing thinking.

You’ll learn why this black-and-white way of thinking sabotages your health goals — and how to replace it with something better, more flexible, and far more sustainable.

Inside this episode:

• 🔥 Why “the wagon” needs to be chopped up and used as firewood
• ⚠️ Sneaky ways all-or-nothing thinking shows up in real life
• 🧠 What it really means when you think, “I’ve already blown it, so I may as well keep going”
• 🔄 The 4-step reframing method to shift your thoughts and get back on track
• 🫶 How to treat yourself like a friend, not a failure
• 💡 Simple thought swaps you can use right now to build consistency and momentum — even when life isn’t perfect

A few reframes you’ll take away:

• “This wasn’t perfect, but it’s still progress.”
• “One decision doesn’t undo all my effort.”
• “Even though ___, I can still ___.”
• “I’m not failing — I’m learning.”

 Whether you’re working on moving more, eating better, or simply showing up for yourself — this episode will help you ditch the perfection trap and build a mindset that keeps you moving forward.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s burn that wagon together. Your midlife momentum starts here.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Join the mailing list: Here
• Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
• Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
• Opt to Thrive official website
• Join the Midlife Reset Program waitlist: Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message.🫶

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Are you worried about dementia? You’re not alone — especially in midlife, when sleep issues and brain fog can make us feel like our minds aren’t what they used to be. In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr. Corina Sims breaks down everything you need to know about dementia: what it is, how it starts, how it’s diagnosed, and — importantly — what you can do to reduce your risk.

From the difference between brain fog and dementia to the myths around genetic testing, we’re covering the facts in a clear, compassionate way. Whether you're supporting a loved one or just trying to better understand your own brain health, this is an essential listen.

We answer:

• What exactly is dementia — and how is it different from menopause-related brain fog?
• What are the early signs and symptoms?
• At what age does dementia usually begin?
• What are the main types (Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal)?
• What puts us at risk — and which of those risks can we change?
• Can you test for dementia or tell if you’ll get it in the future?
• Are there any treatments that work?
• What role do hormones, genetics, and lifestyle play?

Plus:
✅ The 6-step process to diagnosing dementia
✅ The truth about medications and what they actually offer
✅ How to protect your brain now — no matter your age

This episode is especially important for midlife women navigating hormonal changes, memory worries, or caring for older family members. It’s a deep dive — but one that’s practical, empowering, and grounded in science.

🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who needs clarity and reassurance.

If you're one of the many women who have hit this midlife period feeling like a stranger in your own body and you really want to make some powerful changes to feel better BUT it all seems overwhelming and over-complicated you may be interested in my Midlife Reset coaching program. This program is designed to help you improve your body composition and build strong nutrition foundations using simple and effective exercise and nutrition strategies. In this program we use empowered eating to find freedom around food while giving your body what it needs to look, feel and perform at its best. Together we develop an individualized strategy made just for you, that includes eating the things YOU like to eat, that fits YOUR lifestyle. Whether you want to improve your body composition (lose body fat) and/or decrease the risk of chronic disease or just feel fit, strong and confident this program can help. New enrollments will be opening again soon. Click the link below to sign up to the priority list and you'll be notified as soon as the doors reopen.

Opt to Thrive Midlife Reset Priority List

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In this weeks mindful moment, Dr. Corina shares a powerful story about a recent conversation with a friend who seemed to have everything — the dream home, the partner, the businesses, the lifestyle — and yet found themselves caught in an invisible trap: a prison of their own mind.

What started as a casual catch-up turned into a moment of raw honesty about what happens when we spend our lives chasing “the next thing” — and how that constant striving can rob us of the peace, joy, and satisfaction that’s already available to us right now.

This episode is a gentle but profound reminder that happiness doesn’t live at the finish line. It lives in the now — in the process, the presence, the ordinary moments we often overlook while racing to the next milestone.

💡 In This Episode, Corina Explores:

• The hidden trap of success: how having it “all” still isn’t enough when joy is always postponed
• What it means to live in a self-made prison — and how to set yourself free
• Why chasing the next goal rarely gives us the lasting fulfillment we expect
• The power of mindset work and self-reflection in reclaiming peace and contentment
• Why the journey matters more than the destination
• How Corina applies this philosophy in her own full, beautifully messy midlife — balancing business, coaching, medicine, family, and health
• A powerful invitation to check in with your own life:
  Where might you be holding yourself hostage to unrealistic expectations or outcomes?

🔑 Quote of the Episode:

🌱 Ready to Thrive in Midlife?

Dr. Corina Sims is currently supporting 12 incredible founding members inside the Opt to Thrive Midlife Reset Coaching Program — and it's already becoming something truly special.

💌 Missed the first round?
Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors reopen:
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🎧 Listen now

Tune in and take a moment to pause, reflect, and choose joy — right where you are.
 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

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Have you ever dreamed of travelling solo but felt unsure where to start? Whether it’s fear, logistics, or simply not having someone to go with, this episode is for the midlife woman craving adventure — but stuck in doubt. ✈️🌍

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Deanna, a passionate solo traveller I met on the Camino de Santiago. She shares her personal story of transformation on the trail, the mindset shift that made her fall in love with solo travel, and why it’s never too late to pack your bags and explore the world — on your own terms.

You’ll walk away with practical tips, safety strategies, and honest reflections on what it’s like to travel solo as a midlife woman. From air tags to budget hacks, backpack wisdom to the best places to stay — Deanna breaks it all down with warmth, humour, and experience.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The surprising benefits of solo travel in midlife
• How Deanna discovered the Camino de Santiago and what it taught her
• Safety essentials for solo women travellers 
• Realistic budget travel tips that make solo trips accessible

✨ Guest Spotlight: Deanna

Deanna is a midlife woman living boldly, travelling widely, and inspiring others through her solo adventures and travel reels. Follow her journey on Instagram at @deanna.cooks.eats.drinks for behind-the-scenes looks at her trips, meals, and meaningful reflections.

📌 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Camino de Santiago (especially near O Pino and Albergue Turístico Salceda)
• Booking.com tips for choosing stays with reliable reviews
• The emotional and mental impact of solo travel in midlife
• Encouragement for those whose partners don’t (or won’t) travel
• Why it’s OK — and sometimes better — to go it alone 💪

💬 Favorite Quote from Deanna:

🧭 Ready to Opt to Thrive?

This episode will have you reaching for your passport — or at least dreaming of your next adventure. Whether you're already a solo traveller or just considering it, you don’t want to miss this one.

👟 Listen now, be inspired — and maybe even start packing.

🎧 Available on all podcast platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little nudge toward her next solo escape.

Opt to Thrive Midlife Reset Coaching Program Waitlist: Join Here

Opt to Thrive Email List: Join Here

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Is there a song inside of you — a message, an idea, a dream, a calling — that’s been waiting patiently in the wings?

But maybe life happened. You got busy, you got tired, or maybe you got scared. And now, here you are: in midlife, standing on the peak of the mountain, wondering if maybe you missed your chance. 

In this episode, recorded the day after my first live webinar (and the official launch of my coaching program!), I’m reflecting on what it takes to finally back yourself. I’m talking about fear, comparison, courage, mindset, and the quiet magic of deciding to go for it — even when your brain throws up every excuse not to.

Whether you’ve been thinking about launching something, sharing your story, or simply putting yourself first for once… I hope this gives you the nudge you need to say yes.

🔑 In this episode:

• Why midlife is actually the perfect time to start
• The sneaky brain thoughts that keep us stuck in our comfort zone
• My own journey from hesitation to action — and what helped me finally leap
• A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the launch of my new coaching program
• How investing in ourselves isn’t selfish — it’s powerful
• Why your story and experience matter more than six-pack abs or a follower count

🌟 Links & Resources:

• Watch the free masterclass replay (available for a limited time): Here
• Learn about the 10 founding member spots in my coaching program: Here
• Want to hear more about mindset and the thought model? Go back to [Episode 5]
• Join the Opt to Thrive email list: Here

💌 Share the love:

If this episode inspired you, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend or left a review — it helps other amazing midlife women find their spark too 💫