Smart Women Talk

Is midlife the beginning of the end—or the start of something powerful?

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott welcomes Pam DeRose and Julie Fidel, co-authors of Midlife Upgrade: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Finding Power in the Pause.

Together, they challenge outdated beliefs about menopause, hormones, sex, and self-worth—and reveal why this season of life can be a profound opportunity for renewal. You’ll learn how to stop accepting vague answers from providers, ask the questions that matter, and find strength in sisterhood. Whether you're navigating hot flashes, brain fog, or just craving deeper connection, this conversation offers guidance, community, and real talk.

Julie Fedeli is a devoted mother and passionate advocate for women’s well-being. As an inspirational entrepreneur, mentor, certified health and longevity coach, speaker, and author, Julie provides one-on-one consulting for women seeking holistic support through the complexities of midlife. Whether leading large-scale women's events or creating intimate spaces for connection in her community, she helps women gather with purpose and intention. Julie’s joy is rooted in rich experiences—delicious food, beautiful travel, inspiring art and music, daily swims, and the incredible people who surround her. Her work is guided by a deep belief in every woman’s capacity to thrive, transform, and rise.

Pamela DeRose is a wife, mother, and businesswoman whose own midlife "crisis" became the catalyst for her life's purpose: helping women navigate this transitional stage with clarity, courage, and grace. An experienced speaker, coach, and wellness advocate, Pamela equips women with practical tools to reconnect with their health, purpose, and authentic voice during midlife and beyond.When she's not supporting clients or speaking at events, Pamela can be found hosting family gatherings filled with incredible food, or enjoying peaceful strolls with her husband and beloved rescue dog, Stella. She is passionate about holding space for women ready to write their next chapter—with confidence and heart.

Connect with Julie and Pamela at midlifeupgrade.com and on IG @wearemidlifeupgrade

Disclaimer:
The content in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns, diagnoses, or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard on this program.

Ready to create your own miracles?

Dr. Mark Mincolla reveals the secrets behind extraordinary recoveries and profound health transformations by merging ancient energy healing methods with state-of-the-art nutritional science.

Dr. Mincolla teaches you practical tools to unlock your highest potential, reduce stress, and embrace miraculous health and well-being.

Tune in and start your journey to living in the miracle zone! During this show, you will learn:

How Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Learn how combining ancient Chinese energy healing techniques with advanced nutritional science can dramatically improve your health and wellbeing.

Practical Tools for Miraculous Living: Discover actionable strategies to tap into your super-consciousness, effectively reduce stress, and unlock your personal potential for extraordinary health transformations.

How to Create Your Own Miracles: Understand how the mind-body connection can facilitate miraculous recoveries, empowering you to actively create miracles in your daily life.

Dr. Mark Mincolla is an acclaimed nutritional therapist and quantum energy healer, renowned for transforming the health of over 60,000 individuals through his groundbreaking work. Over the past 35 years, Dr. Mincolla has expertly blended ancient Chinese energy healing techniques with cutting-edge nutritional science, pioneering an innovative method known as Electromagnetic Muscle Testing.

He is the recipient of the prestigious 2021 Divine Contribution to Humanity Award, and his groundbreaking film, The Way of Miracles, was honored as the best health awareness film of 2021. Dr. Mincolla is the bestselling author of seven influential books and has appeared on numerous national TV and radio programs, including Dr. Oz and Better TV.

Connect with Dr. Mincolla at markmincolla.com or thewayofmiracles.com.

#PodcastEpisode #SmartWomenTalk #WayOfMiracles #DrMarkMincolla #QuantumHealing #EnergyMedicine #Superconsciousness #HealingAfter50 #VibrationalHealing #SpiritualAwakening #HolisticHealth #SelfHealing #WomenOver50 #HighVibrationLiving #HeartChakraHealing #GammaBrainwaves #MindBodySoul #NewAgeWellness #MiracleMindset #ConsciousLiving #LiveInTheMiracleZone

Are you craving more joy, purpose, and freedom—but feeling stuck in the wrong place? Join us as author and wellness expert Emily A. Francis shares her bold story of leaving behind the familiar to start over in Malta, a Mediterranean island paradise.

Discover how relocating for health, happiness, and alignment led Emily to not only rewrite her life—but to rediscover herself. From growing olive trees to working with local farmers and writing for a top tourism magazine, Emily’s journey proves it’s never too late to leap. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living in the wrong geographic location, this is your sign.

Learn how place can influence purpose, how to trust your inner knowing, and how to become the breakout star of your second act. 

Tune in to discover:

• How stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock happiness you never imagined possible.
• Why it's never too late to rewrite your life story.
• How your environment can profoundly influence your spiritual growth and well-being.

Emily A. Francis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Wellness and a Master’s in Kinesiology/Human Performance. As a Clinical and Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, she authored five influential healing books.

In pursuit of vibrant health and happiness for her family, Emily boldly relocated from the U.S. to Malta, reinventing her life in a GMO-free Mediterranean paradise. Today, she writes passionately for Malta’s tourism magazine and has a local book under contract exploring the island’s farming culture, sponsored by Malta Tourism. A dedicated media host and avid learner, Emily has developed a profound love for Malta's local farms, immersing herself in the seasonal ingredients that define Mediterranean living. For Emily, eating in the Mediterranean means embracing life locally, seasonally, and mindfully—far beyond just food.

Connect with Emily at ohmymalta.com.mt or on social media @emilyafrancisbooks

#SmartWomenTalk, #LifeAfter50, #MidlifeReinvention, #EmilyAFrancis, #LivingInMalta, #SecondActSuccess, #WomenOver50, #RewriteYourLife, #MidlifeWellness, #MediterraneanLiving, #ExpatWomen, #MaltaDreamLife, #FindingJoy, #ChangeYourLife, #LeapOfFaith #PurposefulLiving #HolisticHappiness #InspiredLiving, #SmartWomenPodcast, #OliveTreesAndFreedom

Why do bad things happen to good people?

n this deeply moving episode of Smart Women Talk, Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld joins Katana to explore how adversity shapes purpose.

From personal tragedy to spiritual awakening, Rabbi Cantor Judy shares her journey of resilience, faith, and finding meaning. Discover how ancient prayers, movement, and daily practice can help you reconnect with your soul—and stand in your personal power no matter what you face.

Join Rabbi Cantor Judy and Katana as they discuss:

• Why bad things happen to good people.
• How life isn't happening to you - it's happening for you.
• Why true power is owning your full story.

Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld is a lifelong entrepreneur, published author, and spiritual leader who blends ancient wisdom with modern wellness to guide forward-thinkers on their journey of personal growth. Her path was shaped by profound loss—the tragic death of her father when she was just 16—which sparked a lifelong exploration of healing through somatic dance, dream work, meditation, sound healing, and the mystical teachings of Kabbalah.

Today, as Senior Rabbi and Cantor at Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, Judy is committed to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where women of all backgrounds can connect, heal, and explore their unique purpose. Her work is rooted in the belief that adversity can be a powerful teacher—and that when we honor both the body and the soul, we step into our truest selves.

Learn more about Rabbi Cantor Judy at www.rabbicantorjudy.org.

#SmartWomenTalk, #RabbiJudyGreenfeld, #AdversityToStrength, #SpiritualHealing, #WakeUpWithPurpose, #DreamWork, #DailyRituals, #FaithAndFeminineWisdom, #SoulfulLiving, #WomenInLeadership, #JewishWisdom, #FindingTheGift

Feeling stuck in a successful career? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.  

This episode features Arivee Vargas, former Big Law litigator turned executive coach and author of Your Time to Rise. Arivee shares her powerful story of career reinvention and the mindset shifts that helped her—and now help others—escape the career trap.  

You’ll learn how to spot the red flags of misalignment, how cultural expectations and perfectionism keep high-achievers stuck, and how to take the first bold steps toward work that actually feels like success.  

Whether you’re ready to pivot or just starting to question the path you’re on, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to change course—with purpose.  

Join Arivee and Katana as they discuss:  

• Breaking free from feeling stuck.
• Redefining success on your own terms.
• Practical strategies for career realignment.

Arivee Vargas is an award-winning executive coach, author, and CEO of Humble Rising LLC. She helps high-achieving women, especially leaders and lawyers, break free from feeling stuck and realign with their true purpose. Host of The Humble Rising Podcast, she shares inspiring stories and strategies for sustainable success. Her book, Your Time to Rise, offers a four-part framework to navigate career and life transitions. Featured in Oprah Daily, Forbes, and more, she’s a sought-after speaker on empowerment and career development.

Learn more about Arivee at ariveevargas.com.

#CareerClarity, #RedefineSuccess, #ExecutiveCoach, #CareerChange, #HighAchievers, #WomenInLeadership, #PurposeDrivenWork, #MindsetShift, #LeaveTheCareerTrap, #AriveeVargas, #YourTimeToRise, #AuthenticSuccess, #WorkWithPurpose, #UnstuckYourCareer

What if the root of your chronic symptoms isn't in your head—but in your immune system? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Tom O’Bryan joins Smart Women Talk host Katana Abbott to break down the truth about autoimmune diseases and what you really need to know to take control of your health. Together, they explore:

• The 5 pillars behind the development of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
• What autoimmune disease actually is—and why awareness is your first defense
• How genetic and environmental triggers contribute to disease—and what you can do about it

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is a world-renowned expert on gluten and its connection to autoimmune conditions. With four decades of clinical and research experience, he’s a trusted voice on the complications of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, and the growing epidemic of autoimmune conditions affecting millions worldwide.  

Learn more about Dr. Tom at thedr.com.

Medical Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

What if the key to energy, strength, and independence in your second half isn’t more exercise—but the right kind? In this powerful episode, Debra Atkinson joins Smart Women Talk host Katana Abbott to bust myths about fitness after 50 and reveal how to master your metabolism at any stage of life. You’ll learn:

• The #1 exercise priority that determines long-term independence.
•  How to know if your fitness routine is actually working—or wasting your time.
•  Why most women are measuring success the wrong way (and what to do instead).

Debra Atkinson has helped over 250,000 women “flip” their second half with hormone-smart fitness. She’s the bestselling author of You Still Got It, Girl and Hot, Not Bothered, and the host of Flipping 50 TV and the Flipping 50 Podcast—an AARP top podcast with over 2.5 million downloads. Debra’s TEDx talk, "Everything Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be a Lie," has inspired women worldwide to rethink their approach to fitness and aging. Debra also created the first and only hormone-balancing fitness membership for women in menopause, along with the Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist training for professionals.

Learn more at flippingfifty.com

Medical Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning a new fitness or health program.

Join Joanna and Katana as they discuss:

• How to find hidden stories in your life.
• Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
• How authenticity and self-trust are your superpowers.

Joanna Klein, founder of Journey to Legacy, is a renowned speaker, writer, and transformational coach who became an entrepreneur at age 65.
 
Drawing on her Master's in Social Work and decades of experience creating personal development programs, she guides people to uncover the hidden wisdom in their life experiences, using these insights both to shape their future and create meaningful legacies.

Joanna's innovative approach to life story work has been featured in AARP and Medium, and she has presented at the RootsTech Family Search Conference for three consecutive years. Through her signature online courses and workshops in legacy development, she's helped hundreds of individuals discover the power of their personal narratives and reconnect with their authentic selves.

At 71, Joanna continues to inspire others by demonstrating that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your dreams.

To learn more about Joanna, visit www.journeytolegacy.com.

Join Shannon and Katana as they discuss:

• How to embrace change as an opportunity.
• How to recognize transferable skills for your next act.
• How to design a roadmap from here to there.

Shannon Russell is a Television Producer turned Entrepreneur and Career Transition/Business Coach. She is also an Exit Strategy Expert, YouMap® Coach, Author, Speaker, and Host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast and the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast. 

Shannon supports women who are unhappy with their 9-5 jobs as they pivot towards a "second act," building a business and being their own boss. She provides exit strategy guidance and helps her clients transition from employees to entrepreneurs.

Shannon began her career by spending over 16 years as a television producer in New York City and Los Angeles, working for MTV, E!, Yahoo!, Pop Sugar, A&E, TLC, VH1, etc. She then pivoted to open her own business, running a Snapology franchise that teaches children STEM education so that she could be more present for her children.

As a certified Career/Business Coach, Shannon supports women as they change careers, start businesses, and follow their passions to the fullest. Shannon’s motto is "produce your best life!" Her company, Second Act Success®, allows her to share her journey and experience as a television executive turned business owner and mom with others.

Shannon's mission is to motivate more women to make big life moves. She does so through her coaching practice, podcast, speaking engagements, and forthcoming book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life.

To learn more about Shannon, visit www.secondactsuccess.co.

Take Charge of Your Finances with Eva Moulton, CFP®

Join Eva and Katana as they discuss:

• The first steps to building a healthy financial foundation for taking control of your money.
• The best resources and strategies to help you manage and grow your finances.
• The one simple step you can take today to make a lasting impact on your financial future.

Eva started her career with Ameriprise as a financial advisor over 25 years ago and now runs a practice focused on empowering and guiding clients to financial stability and fulfillment by offering comprehensive solutions, through expertise and unwavering integrity. As a mom of three girls, and a daughter to a woman who was widowed at 57, she is an ardent advocate of women in finance and was the president of the Ameriprise Women's Empowerment network which sought to not only educate and engage women in finance both personally and professionally but also to empower them to strive for financial equality.

To learn more about Eva, visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com.

#SmartWomenTalk #EvaMoultonCFP #MoneyMatters #WomenWhoInvest #InvestSmart
#FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #FinanceForHer #BudgetLikeABoss #CFPTips


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