Discover the surprising connection between menopause and brain health as we unpack the mysteries of estrogen's role in protecting against dementia. Bree Luck shares the latest insights, including those from Dr. Lisa Mosconi's revelatory work, alongside personal anecdotes and lifestyle tips for cognitive well-being. 

We're also delighted to welcome artist and podcaster, Zya Be on the show, as we uncover the power of intuition and balance through physical activities, and the transformative potential of life's second acts. Zya  joins us to celebrate the 'hell yes' life, illustrating the courage it takes to redefine one's identity and the unexpected gifts the pandemic has bestowed upon us in the form of new passions. Her story is a vibrant mosaic of artistry and podcasting, a testament to the beauty of embracing change and the joy in pursuing what makes your heart sing. Be inspired to unleash your own creativity and find fulfillment at any stage of your journey. Wrapping up with a candid discussion on the challenges of personal transformation, we explore the importance of setting boundaries, affirming one's self, and saying yes to life's electrifying moments. 

Whether you're curious about establishing a nurturing routine or diving into a creative endeavor, there's wisdom to be gained from Zya Be's artistic pursuits and Your Hell Yes Life community. Tune in for an episode that champions growth, passion, and the pursuit of a life lived vibrantly.

More about Zya B:

Zya Be (Artist, Podcast Host, Hell Yes Life Trailblazer) is an abstract artist, podcast host, and best-selling author who is passionate about encouraging and celebrating women as they courageously forge lives aligned with their inner wisdom. After leaving a 25-year career as an entrepreneur and consultant driving transformative change for Fortune 500 companies, she changed her name and her life. Now, she creates vibrant and bold abstract paintings that ignite spaces and inspire viewers. She also hosts the Your Hell Yes Life podcast for women who want to live differently, finding more meaning and freedom.

Zya Be's Links:

https://yourhellyeslife.net

https://www.instagram.com/zya.be/

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

Menopause and the Brain Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/177192239-the-menopause-brain

https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2023/10/study-suggests-estrogen-to-prevent-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-warrants-renewed-research-interest#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20estrogen%20has,disease%20outnumber%20their%20male%20counterparts.

Creative Mornings:

https://creativemornings.com/

Get in Touch with Bree!

Leave me a message at the Pause to Go Podcast FB Group

Or on our Pause To Go Podcast Webpage.

This has been an Awkward Sage Production

with special guest, Ann Douglas

In this episode we delve deep into the heart of midlife with insights, stories, and a healthy dose of reality. We're joined by Ann Douglas, a renowned author and speaker, who shares her journey from being Canada’s go-to parenting advice author to exploring the nuanced and vibrant terrain of midlife. Listen in as we discuss the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected joys of navigating the middle chapters of our lives, debunking myths and celebrating the strength and wisdom that come with age.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Navigating the Messy Middle: A fiercely honest and wildly encouraging guide for midlife women" by Ann Douglas. Available on Amazon.

Connect with Pause to Go:

• Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia

Special Offer:

• Don’t forget to participate in our giveaway for a chance to win a copy of "Navigating the Messy Middle." Share a screenshot of you listening to this episode on your IG story, tag @awkwardsagemedia and our guest, @annmdouglas, and we'll draw the winner's name on March 19th!

Thank you for tuning in to Pause to Go. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us bring more stories and insights that matter to you.

This week, we sit down with the vibrant Sonia Hunt, author of the book “Nut Job: How I Crushed my Food Allergies to Thrive”. Sonia shares her personal journey from diagnosis to empowerment, offering invaluable insights and tips for anyone looking to navigate the often daunting landscape of food sensitivities. Whether you're a seasoned food allergy warrior or just starting to explore the impact of diet on well-being, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a generous sprinkle of humor.

Please note: This podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please seek medical attention from a trusted provider if and when you need it.. 

What You'll Learn:

• Sonia's Story: From her initial diagnosis to becoming an advocate for food allergy awareness, Sonia's journey is both inspiring and relatable.

SONIA HUNT is a Chief Marketing Officer, Best-Selling Author, and Global Speaker on Health and Wellness. Her mission is to create a world in which everyone can thrive by building a personal foundation of health and well-being.

Over her 20-year marketing career, Sonia has transformed the stories and products of global wellness brands such as Apple, TiVo, Califia Farms, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and Sephora, with whom she won the 2015 WWD Digital Innovator of the Year award.

Sonia overcame a lifetime of over 32 severe food allergies, and chronicled her journey in her #1 Best-Selling book, NUT JOB, and her TEDx Talk (1M+ views). 

Hunt is an advisor to global organizations, celebrities, and CEOs focused on solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and a food allergy activist. She’s the creator of Three to Be™, a holistic health and well-being program that guides people to Be Healthy, Be Safe + Be Well™ to thrive. 

She furthers her mission to younger generations as a Guest Speaker at Drexel University, and is a Faculty Speaker with 1863 Ventures, advising and empowering new majority CEOs to shape an equitable future of thriving humans and business.

A proud woman of color, Sonia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s of Science in Environmental Engineering from Drexel University, is a LinkedIn Top Leadership Voice, and a Top 100 Keynote Speaker by Databird Business Journal. 

Connect with Sonia at https://soniahunt.com.

Closing:

In this heartening episode of the Pause to Go podcast, host Bree Luck invites listeners on a journey of resilience and self-discovery during midlife. Multiple guests - Susan, Matthew, Anna, James, Betsy and more - share their engrossing personal journeys spanning careers, health battles, and deepening self-awareness. From embracing our shadow selves to returning to old passions, these stories inspire all to navigate the ebbs and flows of life with courage and optimism. The episode celebrates the wisdom that comes with experience and age, and the joy of midlife transformations, urging listeners to pause, reflect and savor the transitions that enrich our lives.

00:00 Introduction to Pause to Go Podcast

00:45 Sharing Stories of Midlife Transformations

02:12 Susan's Journey: From Acting to Writing

06:07 Matthew's Transformation: Embracing the Shadow Self

10:50 Anna's Story: Rediscovering Filmmaking

14:04 Sabina's Awakening: Embracing Intuition and Inner Knowing

17:31 James's Career Transition: From Journalism to Theater Management

22:08 Betsy's Perspective: Embracing Aging as an Opportunity

25:37 A Story of Resilience: Overcoming Divorce and Trauma

29:22 Conclusion: The Power of Stories and Gratitude

Thank to:

Susan Burke

Matthew Reynolds: https://www.mrrconsulting.org/services

Anna Ma

James Sanford

Betsy Link

And other listeners who have shared your stories.

Important Links:

Leave us a message at the Pause to Go Podcast FB Group

Or on our Pause To Go Podcast Webpage.

Produced by Awkward Sage Media

Find us on Instagran at https://www.instagram.com/awkwardsagemedia/

In this episode, we delve into topics revolving around midlife transitions, self-discovery, sensuality, and sexuality. Bree Luck speaks with expert guest Chloe DeSousa, a sex, intimacy, and relationship coach with a focus on somatic approaches to engaging with oneself and others. Together, they navigate interesting aspects of body image, aging, trauma, and relationships. DeSousa explains her appreciation for Tantra's philosophy of connecting the body and spirit and shares tips on shedding shame around sensuality. Through personal stories, insights, and expert advice, this episode affirms the importance of taking time to foster one's individual relationship to sexuality and sensuality, in the pursuit of an enriched and empowered life journey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest

06:46 Exploring the Journey of Self-Discovery and Aging

15:27 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Connection

27:53 Embracing Aging and Sexuality

28:40 Influences and Heroes in the Field of Embodiment

31:49 Exploring Self-Love and Sensuality

Awkward Sage + Feral Grace go LIVE - Feb 21st

Q&A with Chloe, February 21st at 4pm ET/9pm GMT

Register HERE:

https://awkward-sage-media.ck.page/6ba944671f

Chloe de Sousa is ready to answer your questions about intimacy in midlife, somatic paths to healing, and tapping into the feral self. Bree Luck will read your anonymous questions online! 

We will be discussing sensitive topics in this episode that may include, but are not limited to trauma, body dysmorphia, sexuality, intimacy, grief, and relationships

Want to send us a question for Chloe to answer? Here are three ways to do it:

1. Leave us an anonymous voicemail at : https://www.awkwardsagemedia.com/show/pause-to-go-podcast/ (click the tab that says 'Send a voicemail" on the right)

2. Join the private FB Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231466982303099 and post a question anonymously in the group!

3. Follow Awkward Sage on IG at HTTP://Instagram.com/awkwardsagemedia and send me a DM (not anonymous, but I won't share your name unless you want me to!)

Important Links:

Check out the fabulous Honey Pot Meditation

Free Chapter: How to Live Your Feral Self

The Red School

The Body Keeps the Score

About Chloe De Sousa:

Chloe De Sousa is not your average love, sex, and relationship coach; she's a luminary with over two decades of experience guiding individuals through intimacy and self-discovery. As a seasoned 5 rhythms dance teacher and a dance movement psychotherapist, she's not just about theory; she's all about embodiment and transformation.

With a passion for unlocking the boundless potential within each person, Chloe empowers her clients to embrace their ecstatic sexuality and step into their own unique leadership journey. Her approach is rooted in trauma-informed practices, blending the latest findings in modern science with the timeless wisdom of ancient tantra.

Known as a "legend of space holding" and hailed as the "queen" of 5 rhythms dance facilitation, Chloe's reputation precedes her. Her influence extends globally, offering 1-1 coaching, transformative courses, and captivating talks that bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.

Beyond her spoken words, Chloe is also a published author, sharing her profound insights with the world. In her eyes, pleasure is not a privilege but a birthright for everyone.

www.feralgrace.net

In this episode of Pause to Go, host Bree Luck engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Cathy Ames Turner, a pastor, coach, scholar, and mother who achieved her doctorate in her sixties. Reflecting on her transformative journey from middle school to menopause, she speaks about her self-discovery, the evolution of her relationships, and her strides in education. The discussion shifts to meaningful experiences concerning issues like racial disparities in healthcare, the need for better menopause care, particularly for women of color, and the importance of de-stigmatizing conversations about puberty and menopause. The episode ends with Dr. Cathy expressing her faith, her belief in everyone having a life assignment, and her aspiration to help individuals impacted by mass incarceration through coaching.

0:00 PTG_CathyAmesTurner

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

01:10 Guest Introduction: Dr. Cathy Ames Turner

02:57 Dr. Cathy's Journey to Education and Self-Discovery

06:23 The Challenges and Triumphs of Menopause

24:47 Understanding Empathy and Self-Care

27:43 Journey of Personal Growth and Education

31:54 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

40:25 The Power of Faith and Community

Meet Dr. Cathy Ames Turner

With a specific focus on issues related to carceral systems, foster care, and life-altering experiences, Cathy is committed to guiding individuals and families through successful reintegration or personal discovery.

As a pastor in Central Virginia and clergy at the local regional jail, Cathy has witnessed the profound impacts of incarceration on families and children in the foster care system. This firsthand experience led her to earn a doctorate from Fielding Graduate University in 2023, focusing on the experiences of formerly incarcerated African American men during reintegration. Her research underscored the crucial role of relational reintegration and the support from faith communities, families, and reentry professionals for successful outcomes.

In her coaching practice, Cathy provides a nurturing space for clients to cultivate self-awareness, engage in reflection, and take purposeful action. Drawing on psychology, human development, spiritual truths, and group dynamics, she facilitates progress with empathy and expertise.

Cathy extends her transformative expertise to teams, fostering an environment where members grow together with open communication, trust, and a shared commitment to client success. In essence, Cathy Ames Turner embodies a multifaceted professional deeply committed to facilitating positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and teams.

Connect with Bree

Instagram: http://instagram.com/awkwardsagemedia

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

Join the FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pausetogopodcast

Connect with Dr. Cathy Ames Turner

https://www.communityhealingcoalition.org/

https://www.tableturners.org/

https://www.ricministries.org/

Production credit: Awkward Sage Media, LLC

Did you love this episode?

Check out other shows on the Awkward Sage Network!

Her Leading Story

Finding Harmony Podcast

Welcome to this fourth episode in a series on Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Today, we're getting into the nitty-gritty of selecting the right healthcare provider for your menopause journey, recognizing the warning signs when it's time to reconsider your current provider, and exploring effective non-hormonal treatment options.

Join me as we discuss how to navigate these crucial decisions with confidence and a bit of humor. Whether you're curious about non-hormonal therapies or just need some tips on communicating with your doctor, this episode is packed with everything you need to feel empowered and informed. Let's embark on this journey together!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview

00:01:11 - Finding the Right Medical Care during Perimenopause

00:02:19 - Navigating the North American Menopause Society Resources

00:03:01 - Key Points to Consider in Your Doctor's Visits

00:04:25 - The Importance of a Comfortable Doctor-Patient Relationship

00:05:36 - How to Support the Podcast

00:05:45 - Recognizing When to Seek a Second Opinion

00:08:14 - Signs Your Healthcare Provider Might Not Be the Best Fit

00:09:30 - Exploring Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

00:10:00 - The Role of Lifestyle Changes and Mind-Body Techniques

00:12:05 - EFT Tapping and Hypnotherapy: Alternative Approaches

00:13:07 - A Deep Dive into Herbal and Natural Remedies

00:18:30 - Discussing Non-Hormonal Pharmaceuticals

00:19:26 - Reflecting on the Menopause Journey

00:21:06 - Announcing the Launch of the Awkward Sage Network

00:22:25 - Free Downloadable Resource for Talking to Medical Providers

00:23:04 - Closing Remarks

Key Quotes:

• "Menopause isn't just a phase or a series of symptoms; it's a significant transition in our lives..."

References:

• North American Menopause Society (NAMS)
  • Website: menopause.org

In this heartfelt episode of 'Pause to Go', host Bree Luck diverges from her planned discussion on menopausal hormone therapy to commemorate an episode released a year ago featuring her grandmother, Anne Hodnett, whom Bree recalls as a significant role model. They discuss poignant experiences such as dealing with the loss of loved ones and surviving challenging times, highlighting the value of heartfelt conversations and self-awareness. Bree also invites Ronda Rich, Anne Hodnett's dear friend and bestselling author of “St. Simons Island: A Stella Bankwell Mystery”, to reminisce about Anne and the impact she had made on those around her.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:42 Postponing the Menopausal Hormone Therapy Series

01:21 Reflecting on the Most Popular Episode

01:55 Importance of Role Models in Midlife

02:39 Revisiting the Interview with Mimi

02:51 Introducing Rhonda Rich

03:06 Rhonda's Career and Connection with Mimi

04:59 Rhonda's Relationship with Mimi

05:05 Rhonda's Novel Featuring Mimi

05:38 Giveaway Announcement

05:59 Conversation with Rhonda about Grief

09:29 Remembering Mimi's Filmmaking Career

10:41 Mimi's Character in Rhonda's Novel

10:56 Remembering Mimi's Love for Others

16:35 Mimi's Impact on Rhonda's Life

17:20 Revisiting the Original Interview with Mimi

20:34 Discussing Famous Sayings About Time

20:44 Mimi's Thoughts on Time

26:40 Mimi's Experience with Government Work

27:33 Patience and Time

27:57 Dealing with Loss and Grief

28:56 The Power of Relationships

29:46 Coping with Tragedy

31:01 Finding Strength in Hard Times

31:38 The Healing Power of Work and Purpose

33:04 Generosity and Connection

34:34 Living in the Present

35:18 Appreciating Life's Simple Pleasures

38:58 The Impact of Personal Loss

41:08 Finding Strength in New Life

44:37 Recollections of Childhood and Hard Times

49:00 The Value of Trying New Things

51:14 Reflections and Farewell

Want to know more about Ronda Rich? (you know you do!)

https://www.rondarich.com/

https://www.rondarich.com/store/p/st-simons-island-a-stella-bankwell-mystery

https://www.goldenislesmagazine.com/columns/gim_columns/due-south-the-recipes-that-remind-us-of-loved-ones/article_88046b70-72c6-11ee-b5f9-37c5f2a9c579.html

***Bonus Giveaway: Comment on the IG Post for this Episode at @awkwardsagemedia and be entered in a drawing for a copy of Ronda's book " St. Simon's Island - A Stella Bankwell Mystery"

Special thanks to Gentry Hodnett for the photos used in the YouTube Slide show.

In this solo episode, we dive into the topic of hormones and hormone therapy. Join Bree Luck as she explores the effects of hormones and discusses the various ways menopausal hormone therapy can alleviate side effects of perimenopause. 

00:02 Welcome to Pause to Go

00:44 Hormones and Stress during the Holiday Season

01:46 Understanding Hormone Fluctuations

03:55 What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?

04:47 Types of Estrogen Therapy

07:12 Combination Therapy with Estrogen and Progestogen

14:07 Bioidentical and Compound Hormone Therapies

19:20 Navigating Hormone Therapy and Finding What Works for You

19:57 Share Your Midlife Story

20:59 Thank You and Stay Curious

References: 

https://vajenda.substack.com/

https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-hormone-therapy