🎙️ The Real Girls Guide to Over 55 with Angela Burk

I met Angela in the comments section of Instagram while going down the rabbit hole of everything menopause. Something about her instantly stood out — her humor, her honesty, her unapologetic confidence. Within minutes, I knew I didn’t just need to talk with her — we needed to be friends.

Angela is the real deal — smart, funny, and unfiltered. She’s here to spill the truth about everything from her own menopause journey — what she’s learned, what she would have done differently (hint: educated herself sooner about the decrease in hormones), and how she’s navigating what she calls Phase 3 of menopause mayhem. 

A little more about Angela:

She’s survived C-suite meetings, single-parent mayhem, and red-eye flights from San Francisco to Melbourne, so yes — Angela has stories and strategies, all of which she’s poured into her blog on Substack, The Real Girls Guide to Over 55, AND soon to be a book (DECEMBER 2025!) — where she’s rewriting the narrative of what life after 50 really looks like.

Each segment of The Real Girls Guide to Over 55 blog dives into the raw, relatable, and ridiculously funny truths of midlife:
💬 How to parent adult kids without duct-taping your own mouth shut
💼 Why un-retiring might be your best career move yet
❤️ Love that spans time zones and rule books
🔥 Health, hormones, and embracing your glorious, saggy-kneed self
💰 Money, power, and finally taking the damn mic

Subscribe, share, and join Angela as she helps rewrite the script on midlife — because the second half? Spoiler alert: it’s going to be badass!

Substack: @realgirlangela

Instagram: @realgirlsguide55

Website: https://www.realgirlsguide55.com/

Interested in participating in our upcoming LIVE Midlife Table Talk, where we will have Menopause experts there to answer your questions? Shoot Angela or me a note via Instagram, or send us an email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Meet Fliss Holyle, born and raised — and still living — in the UK. At just 17, her world was turned upside down after a horrific car accident that set off a chain reaction of mental and physical health challenges. What followed was years of battling depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and an eating disorder — and later, a severe medication reaction that triggered bipolar disorder and led to her first stay in a psychiatric hospital.

For the next sixteen years, Fliss had to rebuild herself, piece by piece, while facing new diagnoses like seizures, PMDD, and IBS. But instead of giving in to despair, she found purpose in helping others. Fliss discovered that the best way to quiet her own struggles was to lift others through theirs.

Today, Fliss used her lived experience to train teachers, healthcare professionals, and businesses on how to better support people living with mental health disorders. She’s also a sought-after inspirational speaker, sharing her story at universities and nurse training programs across the UK.

In this episode, Fliss shares what it really takes to rebuild your life from the ground up, how empathy can transform pain into purpose, and why hope is never lost — even when everything seems broken.

Questions? Need help navigating your mental health issues? Reach out to Fliss (and follow!) on Instagram @fliss_thepatientadvocate

Need urgent, IMMEDIATE HELP in the UK? Visit https://hubofhope.co.uk/ to search for crisis support services near you or call one of the numbers below:

NHS

Call 111 and select option 2
(service available across England, Wales, and Scotland, open 24 hours)

Lifeline | Lifeline helpline

Call 0808 808 8000
(service available across Northern Ireland, open 24 hours)

Give Us A Shout

Text SHOUT to 85258

Hormones and sobriety — guess what they have in common?!!! You've got just me talking today from a recent Instagram LIVE. Let's dive in!

1. Just like sobriety, hormone health requires ongoing attention, monitoring, and support. Ignoring either one can set us back.

2. Our bodies change, our needs shift — which means treatment and support must evolve too.

3. Community, education, and ongoing care are the pillars of both hormone health and sobriety.

4. Neither is a quick fix. Both are lifelong journeys that deserve respect and commitment.

5. The more we talk about this, the more people will understand that tending to hormones and sobriety is health care, not weakness.

Taking care of ourselves isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing investment in living our fullest, healthiest lives. 💪✨

Do you still need a menopause doctor? Visit the National Menopause site to search for docs in your area: https://menopause.org/

Need help with over-drinking? Try non-AA meetings with She Walks Canada! https://www.shewalkscanada.com/coaching/

You’re Going to Love Today’s Guest!

This week, I’m beyond honored to welcome the magnificent Katherine Rhadans to the podcast!

You may know her as the brilliant and HILARIOUS mind behind “No Wine in the Carpool Line” (don’t worry—we get into how that gem came to be), but there’s so much more to this fierce, funny, and fearless woman. Katherine is almost 12 years sober, a mother of five, a prominent voice in the quit lit community, and living proof that you can rewrite your story—even after addiction and a traumatic divorce.

In one of the darkest chapters of her life, Katherine entered rehab while her children remained with their father. Her worst fears had come true—but instead of giving up, she chose to dig in and do the work. And that decision changed everything.

Today, Katherine is thriving. With her husband Matthew by her side and five incredible kids—Sumner, Witt, Woods, Waylon, and Macklin—she’s built a life rooted in recovery, authenticity, HUMOR, and deep, unwavering love. In this conversation, Katherine shares how sobriety not only saved her life, but gave her the tools to inspire others and turn pain into purpose.

In this episode, we talk about marriage (and divorce), shame, second chances, and what it really means to reclaim your life from the grip of addiction. Prepare to laugh, cry, and walk away feeling deeply inspired.

Where to find Katherine:

Follow Katherine on Instagram @katrhadanswhere you can stay up to date on everything this queen is doing, including a book in the works!

Head to her new website! Katrhadans.com

Need  getaway? Katherine is hosting an AMAZING retreat this Fall! See below for details:

🌟Palm Springs, CA
17 October 10-12th, 2025
Visit: sundrenchedandsoulful.com

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Welcome to the show! Today we’re joined by Dr. Jacci Tomsic, a highly accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon who’s blazing trails in a field still largely dominated by men.

Dr. Tomsic is passionate about serving her community (Cleveland, OH)!) —not just through surgery, but through genuine connection. Oral and maxillofacial surgery isn’t just about fixing jaws or removing wisdom teeth. It’s about helping people heal both physically and emotionally. Many of her patients are navigating trauma, facial differences, or deep-rooted confidence issues, and Dr. Tomsic approaches each case with empathy, precision, and care.

And we have to say—she was an absolute joy to talk to. Warm, funny, and full of heart—not always what you expect from a surgeon, but such a refreshing and inspiring surprise.

We’re thrilled to have her with us today. Please welcome, Dr. Tomsic!

You can learn more and connect with Dr. Tomsic below!

Instagram: @doctorjacci

Website: https://www.jaclyntomsic.com/about-jacci

🎓 Dr. Tomsic's Education and Training:

Dr. Tomsic trained at the Detroit Medical Center, gaining extensive experience across several Level I trauma hospitals, including Detroit Receiving, Henry Ford, and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State University, and completed both her general surgery internship and chief year in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Detroit.

She then completed a prestigious fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., specializing in jaw reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and sleep apnea surgery under Dr. Jeffrey Posnick.

Her surgical journey continued at Washington Hospital Center, D.C.’s busiest Level I trauma center, and at the Oral Facial Surgery Institute in St. Louis, where she focused on facial cosmetic and TMJ surgery. In 2017, she was proudly inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

This is a re-release from my badass friend, Andy Matthews Helander — and trust me, it’s a MUST LISTEN.

Lies, deceit, gaslighting, and then Andy’s life was flipped upside down -- her husband announced they were getting divorced. What followed? — the kind of emotional chaos that feels more like a true crime series than real life. But Andy didn’t stay down for long.

She made a bold decision to reclaim her power and applied to the Wonderwomen coaching program. After a rigorous application process, she was accepted — and that’s when the real transformation began.

In this episode, Andy shares the raw truth behind her story:
 💔 The heartbreak and betrayal
 🔥 The fight to get her voice and identity back
 💪 The healing and personal power she’s now owning unapologetically

Her journey is messy, real, and unbelievably inspiring. If you’ve ever felt stuck, betrayed, or like your past is defining you — this one’s for you.

💡 Key takeaway: You are not your old story. You are who you choose to be today.

📲 Follow Andy on Instagram: @im_andy_matthews

Below is a little blurb from a recent post from Any on her Instagram: 

"Looking in my mirror the other day, I was struck hard by how different I feel now when I see my reflection, than I did most of my life. I actually REALLY LOOK, without seeing a fun-house distortion as I used to. Finally, after nearly 60 yrs, I can look objectively at my reflection & see me, the real me; the good, the bad & ugly too, w/out turning away & making myself a million promises of how I would change from that moment on."

This week’s episode features a raw, real, and powerful conversation with Terry Tateossian — an entrepreneur, startup founder, and now a passionate advocate for health and wellness.

Terry’s story begins in Eastern Europe under a Communist regime. At just 11 years old, she defected with her parents, spent two years in a refugee camp, and eventually made it to the U.S. to start a new life.

She went on to build a thriving career in tech and media — raising two children, living in a beautiful home — on the outside, it looked like she had it all.
But behind the scenes, Terry was silently battling burnout, which was showing itself with food addiction, alcohol dependency.

Her health was spiraling. Her energy was depleted. And her sense of self? Nearly lost.

💥 But Terry didn’t give up.

In her late 30s, she made a radical shift — facing her addictions head-on, and ultimately losing over 80 lbs. But it wasn’t just about the weight. It was about healing from the inside out — emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

That transformation inspired her to found THOR, a holistic wellness center in the Smoky Mountains, where she now helps midlife women reclaim their health, energy, and confidence.

💬 In this episode, we explore:

• Her courageous journey from refugee to tech founder
• The hidden battle with food and alcohol that nearly broke her
• The tools she used to heal and rebuild her life
• How she empowers peri- and post-menopausal women to thrive
• What it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife

🎧 Whether you’re facing burnout, struggling with your health, or simply looking for inspiration — this episode is for you.

📍 Now streaming on all major podcast platforms.
 👉 Listen, share, and don’t forget to subscribe!

You can find Terry here:

@how.good.can.it.get

Thor Wellness Retreats: https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/

In this week’s inspiring episode, we sit down with Heather Ritts — a powerhouse mom of three, small business owner, transformation coach, fitness competitor, and co-founder of FitLife Method, a holistic fitness program designed specifically for women. Together with her sister, Heather is building a movement that goes far beyond workouts, integrating education, nutrition, training, and hormone health to support women in every aspect of their wellness journey.

Heather’s story is one of grit, resilience, and unstoppable determination. From a young age, she refused to accept limits — if someone told her she couldn’t, she did it a thousand times over. That same drive carried her through an unexpected health crisis: a random "whiplash" event that left her bedridden for a year.

In this raw and uplifting conversation, Heather opens up about what it took to rebuild — physically, mentally, and emotionally. We explore the mindset behind true transformation and what it means to become the miracle you need.

Whether you're a mom, an entrepreneur, or simply seeking a more empowered approach to health and wellness, this episode delivers energy, insight, and motivation you won’t want to miss.

You can find Heather here:

Instagram: @heatherr_fit

The FitLife Method website: https://www.fitlifemethod.com

"No more tiny meals. No more food fear.  Just real coaching, real results, and a method that actually works."

 🔺 Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussions of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please know you are not alone—there is help, and there is hope. Resources can be found below❤️.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we meet Sam—a bright, dependable woman whose life was turned upside down by a force few saw coming: menopause.

What started as a series of relentless UTIs spiraled into debilitating anxiety, insomnia, and eventually, a psychiatric hospitalization. Sam had no trauma history, no warning signs. Just an invisible unraveling that even doctors couldn’t explain—until someone finally asked the right question.

We dive into Sam’s story not just to share her pain, but to shed light on the hidden mental health impacts of menopause. This episode challenges the silence around women’s hormonal transitions and mental wellness, and offers hope to those who feel like they’re falling apart with no clear reason why.

In this episode, we explore:

• The overlooked connection between menopause and mental health
• How anxiety and depression can emerge without trauma
• The danger of misdiagnosis and the power of being believed
• Why menopause is still such a taboo in medicine and society
• What hope and healing can look like, even after a crisis

For every woman who's ever wondered, “What’s happening to me?” — this one’s for you.

THANK YOU TO SAM, for being so courageous, for being willing to share your story with the hope that it might help even just one person to navigate the season of menopause. We deserve MORE. We deserve BETTER. If your doctor won't listen, then find another. And if that one won't listen, find another! Continue until you receive the assistance you need. 

XOXO,

Heather

________________________________________________________________________________________________

📞 Crisis Resources:

🇺🇸 United States
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Available 24/7, free and confidential.
Website: 988lifeline.org

🇨🇦 Canada
Talk Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 PM–12 AM ET)
Website: talksuicide.ca

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7, free)
Website: samaritans.org

🇦🇺 Australia
Lifeline Australia – Call 13 11 14 (24/7)
Website: lifeline.org.au

🌍 Other Countries
Find crisis support near you via Befrienders Worldwide, a global network of emotional support centers.

🎙️ Re-Release: A Must-Listen Conversation with Becky Parker

This episode is a re-release, but with a twist—it's a trimmed-down version that puts the spotlight right where it belongs: on Becky Parker. When I first recorded this, I was still finding my rhythm as a host (and probably talked a little too much 😅). Since then, I’ve learned a lot—and this conversation deserves to be heard with full focus on the absolute fire Becky brings.

Becky is a certified life success coach and practitioner, and her story honestly blew me away. You would never guess she once struggled with confidence or felt unworthy. It just goes to show—you really can’t judge a book by its cover.

In this episode, Becky shares how she helps people break free from limiting beliefs, negative emotions, and toxic patterns to build powerful relationships with themselves and others. Her business, Relationship Success 4 Life, offers coaching, individual therapy, and couples counseling—all tailored to help clients achieve their personal and relationship goals.

💫 Becky has such an incredible gift for helping people—and she truly deserves to be heard.

Learn more about her work:
🌐 www.relationshipsuccess4life.com
📱 Instagram: @beckyparkerrr