For many women, memory changes during perimenopause and menopause can be unsettling. We find ourselves wondering: Is this just brain fog? Is this normal? Or could it be something more serious?

In this critical episode, Shelley Craft is joined by Professor Ralph Martins, AO, one of the world’s leading Alzheimer’s researchers, to help us separate fact from fear and to understand what’s really going on in our brains as we age.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death for women in Australia, yet so few are talking about it. This conversation is about breaking the silence, reducing fear, and creating a proactive plan to protect our brain health — starting today. Here's a snapshot of our conversation:

Professor Martins unpacks what really matters in prevention:

https://alzheimersresearch.org.au/research/professor-ralph-martins-ao/  

https://www.alz-net.org/

https://alzheimersresearch.org.au/about-us/our-people/professor-hamid-sohrabi/ 

https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/sharon-naismith.html

https://www.maggiebeer.com.au/products/maggie-s-recipe-for-life-cookbook 

We know that words like DNA, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics can feel a bit overwhelming.
They sound scientific, complicated — even a little intimidating.

But here’s the truth: this knowledge isn’t just for researchers or doctors.
It’s for you.
Because your genes hold powerful insights about your health — and understanding them can change everything.

That’s why we created this mini-series.
To demystify the science, answer your questions, and show you exactly how The Fitgenes Program works — and why we believe it should be available to everyone.

So, get ready to go behind the scenes.
To meet the experts including Darren Schliebs the CEO of FItgenes and our favourite Clinical Nutritionist Lynsey Koch . To hear the stories. And to understand why your DNA is the starting point for a smarter, more personalised approach to your health.

Enjoy this second episode of The Fitgenes Podcast Series.

We know that words like DNA, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics can feel a bit overwhelming.
They sound scientific, complicated — even a little intimidating.

But here’s the truth: this knowledge isn’t just for researchers or doctors.
It’s for you.
Because your genes hold powerful insights about your health — and understanding them can change everything.

That’s why we created this mini-series.
To demystify the science, answer your questions, and show you exactly how The Fitgenes Program works — and why we believe it should be available to everyone.

So, get ready to go behind the scenes.
To meet the experts including Darren Schliebs the CEO of FItgenes and our favourite Clinical Nutritionist Lynsey Koch .
To hear the stories.
And to understand why your DNA is the starting point for a smarter, more personalised approach to your health.

Enjoy this first episode of The Fitgenes Podcast Series.

Your DNA. Your Blueprint. Your Breakthrough.

In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Sheridan Genrich — Nutritionist, Naturopath, and author of DNA-Powered Health — as she shares her powerful journey of survival, healing, and science. After experiencing a traumatic event while travelling in China, Sheridan’s body remained trapped in a prolonged state of stress. Everything changed when she discovered how to decode her DNA and regulate her nervous system. Today, she helps others do the same — blending cutting-edge genetic testing with the art of truly personalised, trauma-informed care.

Together we explore the science behind DNA-powered health, the truth about being “stuck in survival mode,” and why no diet or supplement will work if your nervous system doesn’t feel safe. Sheridan also shares her signature C.A.R.E. Framework, created to help people rebuild their health from the inside out — with clarity, compassion, and heart. Whether you're feeling wired-but-tired, stuck in overwhelm, or simply want a more personalised path to wellness, this conversation could be the game-changer you've been waiting for. 💡

What You’ll Learn: 

*How unresolved trauma disrupts your health at a cellular level

*Why your DNA holds the blueprint for personalised healing

*The freeze response, survival mode, and nervous system dysregulation

*Gut health, emotional sensitivity, and the brain-gut connection

* How to use DNA insights to take targeted, effective action

👥 Perfect For: Women feeling chronically fatigued, anxious, or stuck. Anyone curious about the intersection of genetics and health. Listeners exploring trauma recovery, gut health, or stress regulation. Women over 40 seeking a more personalised, empowered path to staying well. 

Learn more about Sheridan Genrich  https://sheridangenrich.com/ 

Or https://www.instagram.com/better_brain_health/ 

Grab Sheridan's Genrich's Book DNA Powered Health

https://www.amazon.com.au/DNA-Powered-Health-Unlock-Potential-ebook/dp/B0CW2RRWHK 

“Your cholesterol is high.” It’s a phrase millions hear each year—often followed by a statin prescription and little else.

But with statins now the most prescribed drugs on the planet, why is heart disease still the world’s #1 killer? And why are we not talking about the bigger picture? In this hard-hitting episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ross Walker, one of Australia’s leading voices in preventive cardiology, to challenge the mainstream narrative—and ask the questions that could save lives.

We explore: 

The truth behind cholesterol—what it is, what it isn’t, and why one number shouldn't define your risk.

Statins: miracle drug or misunderstood medicine? Who really benefits, and at what cost?

The role of genetics—including the common but underdiagnosed condition, Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Visit the DNA Screen Project to learn more: https://dnascreen.monash.edu/ 

Why prevention struggles to compete with Big Pharma—and what needs to change.

The 30-Day Heart Health Plan every listener should hear, with Dr. Walker’s actionable advice on food, movement, stress, and testing.

This episode is not anti-medication—it’s pro-information. Because your heart health deserves more than a prescription.

🎧 Listen now to rethink what you’ve been told, and what you’ve accepted. Your life—or the life of someone you love—may depend on it.

Links and Resources 

Listen to Dr Ross Walker's Healthy Living Radio Show

https://www.2gb.com/show/healthy-living/

Learn More About Dr Ross Walker

https://www.drrosswalker.com/ 

If the heaviest thing you’ve lifted lately is your iPhone, this one’s for you. Over the years, have you gotten stronger—or weaker?

The truth is strength doesn’t disappear overnight; it slips away quietly. One day you’re opening jars, the next you're asking for help. It’s common, but it’s not inevitable.

Today’s guest, Dr. Stacy Sims, is here to flip the script. She says strength is a CHOICE—and you make that choice every single day. Dr. Sims is an internationally recognised exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who specialises in women’s health, performance, and aging.

Her message? Women are not small men—and we need to train, eat, and recover differently. 💥

In This Episode:

🔗 Dr. Stacy Sims’ Website:
www.drstacysims.com

💻 Menopause 2.0 Course:
https://www.drstacysims.com/menopause 

We’re joined by Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, a pioneering psychiatrist and Director of HER Centre Australia, who has spent her career transforming how we understand and treat women’s mental health — especially through perimenopause and menopause.

🔹 Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Please prioritise your wellbeing and skip this conversation if needed. Support is available via Lifeline and Beyond Blue.

Women aged 45–49 have the highest suicide rate of any age group in Australia.

For 20–30% of women, the emotional and cognitive effects of menopause aren’t just “hormonal mood swings” — they can become severe, debilitating, and life-threatening.

We’re shining a light on the women who’ve been unseen, unheard, and misdiagnosed, and offering real support for those still navigating this in silence.

What really happens to the brain during perimenopause and menopause — and how hormonal changes affect mood, memory, and emotional regulation.

The truth about menopausal depression: why it’s still so misunderstood, and how to recognise the signs early.

The women most at risk — including those with no history of mental illness — and what puts them in danger.

Why standard treatments like SSRIs often fall short, and the growing role of natural therapies and personalised care.

How genetics, lifestyle, trauma, and social stress amplify mental health risks in midlife.

💡 The MENO-D Tool: A screening tool every woman should know about to assess menopausal mental health and advocate for better care.

🧠 Professor Kulkarni’s 30-Day Mental Health Reset: A practical guide to take back control of your mental wellbeing — through sleep, movement, nutrition, connection, and support.

This episode is dedicated to the women whose stories were never told — and to every listener who deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek better care.

Thank you, Professor Kulkarni, for your tireless advocacy and for giving voice to so many.

Links and Resources

Meno-D Tool

Download the Meno D Tool 

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/uploads/Webinars/MENO-D-score-sheet.pdf 

Connect with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni

https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/jayashri-kulkarni 

https://www.cabrini.com.au/find-a-doctor/profjayashrikulkarni/ 

https://www.instagram.com/prof_jayashri_kulkarni/

Today’s conversation might just shift the way you see the world — and the people in it.

Because chronic illness isn’t rare. It’s everywhere. It’s the invisible battle so many people are fighting — quietly, bravely — while going about their everyday lives.

And when it strikes, it doesn’t just touch the body. It reshapes everything: careers, relationships, dreams, even how you move through a single day.

The truth is, most of us are already connected to chronic illness — either living with it ourselves, or loving someone who is.

But we don’t often stop to talk about what that really feels like — or what it truly takes to keep showing up.

Today, we’re opening that conversation with Brooke Campbell Bayes — whose life changed overnight, from healthy one day to a diagnosis she never saw coming.. 

Connect with Brooke Campbell Bayes 

https://www.instagram.com/brookecampbellbayes/p/DHO4vBDTorz/ 

Show and Tell Podcasts

https://www.instagram.com/showandtellpodcasts/ 

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Charlie Teo joins us to explore the most complex and misunderstood organ in the human body: the brain. From memory and movement to emotion and decision-making, our brains are truly super-computers—yet most of us know shockingly little about how to protect them.

Dr. Teo sheds light on the current brain health crisis, revealing that dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australian women, and delves into the hidden dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—often overlooked but with life-altering consequences.

We explore how everyday habits—like chronic stress, screen time, poor diet, and social isolation—are quietly damaging our brain function. Dr. Teo also introduces Cingulum Health, his innovative brain clinic, offering cutting-edge tools like fMRI assessments and TMS therapy to personalise and transform brain care.

Plus, we hear inspiring recovery stories about Owen Wright and others reminding us that healing is possible with cutting eyes software from Omniscent 

Key Takeaways:

Brain health is in crisis—but it's not too late to act.

TBIs can be subtle yet have long-term effects on mood, memory, and cognition.

Daily lifestyle choices play a significant role in brain function and longevity.

Cingulum Health is pioneering personalised brain care with impressive results.

The future of medicine is brain-focused, proactive, and tailored to the individual.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be proactive and take control of their brain health. 

 Connect with

Cingulum Health - https://www.cingulumhealth.com/ 

Omniscient - https://www.o8t.com

In this powerful episode of The Aging Project, we sit down with Alex Isaac—PRE-VIVOR, BRCA1 gene carrier, and fearless advocate for women navigating the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and cancer prevention. 

Alex shares her deeply personal story of making proactive choices to protect her health and how those decisions launched her into a broader mission: to challenge medical gaslighting, demand better care for women, and open up conversations around menopause that are long overdue. 

This is an episode about courage, choice, and the quiet strength of women rewriting their health destinies.

Connect with Alex Isaac:  

https://www.instagram.com/alex.isaac.health/ 

https://alexisaac.com.au/  

https://www.instagram.com/sohot.rightnow/