The Art of Living Well Podcast®

Are you constantly being told your labs are "normal" but still don't feel like yourself?

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbitt to discuss the critical health information women were never taught—and why so many women are falling through the cracks of today's healthcare system.

We explore hormones, self-advocacy, sexual health, menopause, weight stigma, symptom tracking, and how women can become more informed and empowered when it comes to their health.

If you've ever felt dismissed by a healthcare provider, struggled with symptoms that don't seem to have answers, or wondered whether what you're experiencing is truly "normal," this conversation is for you.

Topics Covered

• Women's health myths
• Hormones and perimenopause
• How to advocate for yourself at the doctor's office
• Using AI and ChatGPT to prepare for appointments
• Sexual health and libido in midlife
• Weight stigma in healthcare
• The healthcare system's biggest blind spots for women
• Why symptom tracking matters
• The future of women's health

Timestamps:

01:00 Why women aren't taught enough about their bodies

07:45 The biggest gaps in women's healthcare

12:00 Becoming your own health advocate

22:30 Hormones, perimenopause, and symptom tracking

26:20 Nutrition, food noise, and eating for nourishment

33:30 Sexual health, libido, and menopause

39:30 Understanding desire in midlife

43:40 The future of women's health

47:00 What it means to truly live well

About Meghan Rabbitt

Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. After more than 20 years covering women's health, she has interviewed hundreds of clinicians, researchers, and experts to help women better understand and advocate for their health.

Resources

Learn more: newrulesofwomenshealth.com

Follow Meghan: @meghanrabbitt

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Ready for a Reset, On Your Own Time?

If you've been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, foggy, or just not like yourself, our Vitality Reboot Anytime is a simple way to give your body the reset it's been craving.

This is our do-it-yourself version of The Art of Living Well Podcast® community detox, designed so you can move through the program whenever it works best for you.

You'll receive everything you need to support your body with nourishing foods, targeted detox support, and simple daily practices that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized.

A fun summer night of mahjong, connection & community. Join The Art of Living Well Podcast® for a fun summer evening of mahjong, connection, community, and giveaways. Come enjoy the love of the game, meet other mahjong lovers, and spend a lighthearted night out playing, laughing, and connecting. Wednesday, July 22nd 6:30–8:30 PM $20 to play Location: Edina or Minnetonka, depending on weather Sign up here: https://l.bttr.to/t9qKg

Subscribe to our Substack for wellness tips, episode updates, and your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist: theartoflivingwell.substack.com

Follow us: Instagram: @theartofliving_well YouTube: @theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: The Art of Living Well Podcast TikTok: @theartoflivingwel Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Connect with your hosts: theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

Do you feel exhausted but can't seem to wind down? That wired-but-tired feeling so many women experience in midlife has a name, and a cause most doctors never address.

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie are joined by Dr. Scott Sherr, a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in health optimization, to explore the connection between chronic stress, hormone changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dr. Scott introduces the concept of the "sympathetic spiral of doom" — the cycle of stress, poor sleep, and cellular energy breakdown that keeps so many women stuck, and shares practical, science-backed ways to break it.

The conversation covers methylene blue (what it is, how it works, and who should use it), GABA and nervous system support, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Scott also explains why only 6% of US adults have optimally functioning mitochondria, and what the other 94% can do about it.

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic stress and hormone fluctuations directly impair mitochondrial function

• Estrogen is a critical mitochondrial optimizer, losing it in perimenopause has real cellular consequences

• Only 6% of US adults are metabolically healthy; symptoms of the rest range from brain fog to poor sleep to slow recovery

• Methylene blue supports mitochondrial energy production and works as a bridge while you optimize your health more broadly

• If a GABA supplement works for you, that's a warning sign worth paying attention to

• Down-regulating the nervous system too fast, without mitochondrial support, can cause a crash

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most effective once you have a foundational health plan in place

• Sleep is one of the most powerful levers for mitochondrial health

00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Scott's background

04:13 – Why midlife women's bodies stop responding the way they used to

07:32 – Progesterone, GABA, and sleep disruption

09:04 – What mitochondria actually do and why they matter

13:16 – The 6% metabolic health statistic

17:00 – The sympathetic spiral of doom, explained

21:01 – Cortisol: misunderstood and mismanaged

29:32 – What methylene blue is and how to use it

33:55 – Who should not take methylene blue

38:33 – Performance, travel, and targeted use

47:17 – GABA support and down-regulating the nervous system

55:18 – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: benefits, timing, and protocols

01:00:52 – One action to take today

01:03:09 – Where to find Dr. Scott and his products

Guest Links: Dr. Scott Sherr: drscottsherr.com Troscriptions: troscriptions.com Use code LIVINGWELL for 10% off

Products mentioned: Just Blue, Blue Cannatine, Tro Calm, Tro Zzz

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com and mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Ready for a Reset, On Your Own Time?

If you've been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, foggy, or just not like yourself, our Vitality Reboot Anytime is a simple way to give your body the reset it's been craving.

This is our do-it-yourself version of The Art of Living Well Podcast® community detox, designed so you can move through the program whenever it works best for you.

You'll receive everything you need to support your body with nourishing foods, targeted detox support, and simple daily practices that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized.

Subscribe to our Substack for wellness tips, episode updates, and your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist: theartoflivingwell.substack.com

Follow us: Instagram: @theartofliving_well YouTube: @theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: The Art of Living Well Podcast TikTok: @theartoflivingwel Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Connect with your hosts: theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

Cancer rates are rising, especially among younger adults and many people are asking deeper questions about prevention, root causes, and what it truly means to heal.

In this powerful conversation, we welcome back Dr. Tony Jimenez, founder of Hope for Cancer Treatment Centers, to explore the evolving landscape of integrative cancer care, emotional healing, metabolic health, and proactive prevention strategies.

We dive into the connection between chronic stress, unresolved emotional trauma, inflammation, immune dysfunction, metabolic health, and cancer risk, plus practical steps anyone can begin taking today to support longevity and resilience.

Dr. Tony also shares fascinating insights into emerging diagnostics, telomere testing, the longevity-associated Klotho gene, hydrogen therapy, detoxification, oxygenation, and why emotional healing may be one of the most overlooked components of wellness.

Whether you're navigating a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to optimize your health proactively, this episode offers hope, empowerment, and actionable insights.

In This Episode, we cover:

• Why cancer rates are increasing in younger populations

• The connection between chronic stress, emotional trauma, and disease

• How metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance impact cancer risk

• The role of mitochondrial health and inflammation

• The importance of sleep, hydration, movement, and personalized nutrition

• Detoxification, immune support, and oxygenation therapies

• Hydrogen water and hydrogen inhalation therapy explained

• The emotional component of healing and releasing stored trauma

• Integrative oncology vs. conventional cancer treatment

• How to advocate for yourself during a cancer diagnosis

• Why hope, mindset, and emotional resilience matter in healing

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction & the current state of cancer care
• 06:15 Stress, trauma & lifestyle factors impacting health
• 19:00 Longevity testing & emerging integrative therapies
• 33:15 Emotional healing, mindset & resilience
• 48:00 Integrative oncology & advocating for yourself
• 1:02:00 Preventing recurrence & creating daily healing habits
• 1:10:00 Final thoughts on hope & healing

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Hope for Cancer Treatment Centers: hope4cancer

• Follow Dr. Tony Jimenez and learn about upcoming webinars and wellness programs: https://hope4cancer.com/webinar-replay-all-access/ (Password: HOPE)

• Testing we discuss: For Longevity (Klotho Test): https://www.jinfiniti.com/product/agingsos-klotho-test/ For Telomeres: https://repeatdx.com/ Link to the new medical wellness center in Cancun: Sevenby7KP.com

• Previous episode: The 7 Key Principles of Cancer Therapy with Dr. Tony Jimenez

Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Follow and Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Connect with Your Hosts

Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching

Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

Episode Summary

When was the last time you did something that truly pushed you outside your comfort zone?

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we share our experience attending a hiking and endurance retreat on Vancouver Island and the powerful lessons we brought home from it.

This was not your typical retreat. It was not about relaxation or escape. It was about challenge, growth, community, and reconnecting with yourself in a deeper way.

We open up about the fears, self-doubt, and mindset shifts that showed up, along with the unexpected moments of joy, connection, and clarity that came from being fully present in nature.

This conversation is about more than one experience. It is about why stepping outside your routine, disconnecting from distractions, and surrounding yourself with new people can be transformative, especially for women in midlife.

If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or craving something different, this episode will inspire you to take that next step.

Key Takeaways

• Why getting outside your comfort zone leads to growth

• The mental and emotional benefits of being in nature

• How disconnecting from your phone improves connection and presence

• The power of community and meaningful conversations

• Why midlife is the perfect time to try something new

• How self-doubt shows up and how to move through it

• The impact of challenging your body in new ways

• Why you do not need a full retreat to create transformation

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

00:00 A question that sparks growth 02:30 What this retreat was really about 06:00 The power of nature and disconnecting 10:00 Letting go of distractions and being present 13:30 Facing self-doubt and physical challenge 18:00 Pushing past comfort zones and mindset shifts 22:00 The importance of community and connection 26:00 Why meaningful conversations matter 30:00 Lessons from being around different ages and backgrounds 34:00 Why you deserve experiences like this 38:00 How to bring these lessons into your everyday life

Resources and Links

Join our hiking community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368978181038556 Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/ Email: [email protected]

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep.

Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Follow and Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Connect with Your Hosts

Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

Most people think they know how to use a sauna, but what if you've been doing it wrong the entire time?

In this episode, sauna expert Eric Kralovetz returns to break down the real science and strategy behind infrared sauna use and how small shifts in your routine can dramatically improve results.

We dive into how sauna therapy supports longevity, detoxification, mental health, inflammation, and recovery, plus the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to timing, frequency, and setup.

You'll also hear why sauna use is becoming a global wellness trend-from community sauna culture to Scandinavian habits and how to actually integrate it into a busy modern life.

If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing sauna right," this episode will change how you think about heat therapy forever.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The #1 sauna mistake most people make (and how to fix it)
• Infrared sauna vs traditional sauna: what's actually different
• Why you don't need to wait for full temperature to get benefits
• How sauna use impacts inflammation, mood, and mental clarity
• The science behind sauna and reduced disease risk
• Optimal sauna frequency for longevity and health benefits
• Why community sauna culture is exploding right now
• How to fit sauna into a busy midlife routine

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Are you using sauna correctly? 01:30 – Biggest sauna mistake (infrared timing myth) 03:00 – Infrared vs traditional sauna explained 06:00 – Mental health benefits: mood, focus, stress 09:00 – What happens when you stop using sauna 12:00 – Detox, inflammation & feeling better in your body 15:00 – New research + firefighter study insights 18:00 – Sauna science: core temp & heat shock proteins 21:00 – How often you should sauna for real benefits 24:00 – Midlife women: hormones, sleep & skin health 27:00 – Hydration, electrolytes & safe sauna use 30:00 – Red light vs chromotherapy vs infrared truth 34:00 – Community sauna trends + social wellness 37:00 – Choosing a quality infrared sauna (what matters) 41:00 – Making sauna part of a busy lifestyle 44:00 – Where to find Good Health Saunas 46:00 – What "The Art of Living Well" means to Eric

Connect with Erik:

• 262-220-4992
• [email protected]
• goodhealthsaunas.com
• IG: @thesweatfanatic
• Podcast: The Sweat Fanatic Podcast

Links and Resources

Vitality Reboot Program: Join our DIY anytime reboot program. Sign up here

Special offer: Energybits: go to www.energybits.com for 20% code with code LIVING

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep.

Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.co or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Loved This Episode

Share it with a friend who has been feeling off lately. This might be exactly what they need.

If this episode resonated, please rate and review the podcast. It helps more people find us.

Looking for more support and inspiration in between episodes? Join us over on Substack for more insights and our free resource guides.

If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Your support helps fund podcast production and allows us to continue bringing you meaningful, high-quality conversations.

https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/

Feeling off lately? Low energy, more cravings, poor sleep, or just not like yourself?

You are not imagining it, and you are not alone.

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we dive into why spring is the ideal time to reset your body, support your liver, and reclaim your energy without extreme dieting or restriction.

Your body is naturally primed for renewal this time of year, yet many people feel stuck, inflamed, and out of sync. We break down what is really happening in your body, why your symptoms are showing up, and how to support your system in a way that feels nourishing and sustainable.

If you have been curious about detoxing but feel overwhelmed or skeptical, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective.

Think nourishment, clarity, energy, and momentum instead of deprivation.

Key Takeaways

• Why spring is the ideal time to reset your body
• The real reason you may feel sluggish, inflamed, or crave sugar
• What a liver detox actually means and what it does not
• How to support detoxification pathways naturally
• The connection between stress, cravings, and daily habits
• Why detoxing is about more than food and includes emotional health
• Benefits you may notice including improved sleep, energy, digestion, and mood
• The power of doing a reset in a supportive community

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

00:00 Why you may be feeling off right now 03:20 Why spring is the best time for a reset 07:45 What is really happening in your body and liver 12:10 Common detox myths and what actually works 18:05 How stress, cravings, and habits are connected 24:30 Emotional detox and mindset shifts 30:15 What results you can expect from a reset 35:40 Why community support makes a difference 40:10 How to get started

Ready for Your Reset

Our 7 Day Spring Vitality Reboot is starting soon and designed to help you feel like yourself again.

More energy Fewer cravings Less inflammation Better sleep Clearer mind

Join the Spring Vitality Reboot here: https://theartoflivingwell.practicebetter.io/#/5d9e4ff82a982309080c1519/bookings?c=6978e69a9d181a0bd142f4c9&step=course

Spots are limited and you will need time to receive your detox kit.

Prefer flexibility? We also offer a "Do It Anytime" version with the same protocol on your schedule.

Links and Resources

Spring Vitality Reboot Program: https://theartoflivingwell.practicebetter.io/#/5d9e4ff82a982309080c1519/bookings?c=6978e69a9d181a0bd142f4c9&step=course

Connect with us: [email protected]

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep.

Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.co or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Loved This Episode

Share it with a friend who has been feeling off lately. This might be exactly what they need.

If this episode resonated, please rate and review the podcast. It helps more people find us.

If you've ever struggled with your relationship with food, felt disconnected from your body, or wondered how to actually listen to what your body needs, this episode will give you a new perspective on mindful eating and body awareness.

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie sit down with Cassandra Bodzak, author of The Mindful Table, actress, holistic wellness guide, and mom, to talk about how to heal your relationship with food, understand food sensitivities, and reconnect with your body using intuitive and mindful eating practices.

Cassandra shares her personal journey from body image struggles, disordered eating patterns, and unexplained digestive pain to a much deeper connection with her body and intuition. This conversation explores emotional eating, long-standing conditioning around food, and how women can begin to break generational patterns tied to body image and restriction.

Whether you're navigating food sensitivities, emotional eating, or simply want to feel more aligned in your body, this episode will help you take a more intuitive, empowered approach to eating and wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Healing your relationship with food starts with listening to your body • Body image patterns often begin early and are deeply conditioned • A food + mood log can reveal powerful personal insights • Mindful eating is about awareness, not restriction • Naming your inner critic helps you break old patterns • Food choices become easier when driven by how you want to feel • You can break generational cycles around food and body image • Nourishment is a foundation for living with more energy and purpose

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Cassandra Bodzak and The Mindful Table 01:17 – Simple ways to reconnect with your body 02:50 – Body image, dance culture, and early conditioning 05:15 – The health crisis that changed everything 08:28 – Why this conversation matters for women 11:28 – Becoming a "food detective" 13:50 – How to reconnect with a disconnected body 16:35 – Practical tools to listen to your body 19:26 – Using a food + mood log for awareness 23:31 – Emotional eating and food conditioning 26:26 – Social media, family patterns, and body image 32:34 – Naming the inner critic and reclaiming power 41:52 – Why this is more than a cookbook 48:34 – Favorite recipes and mindful indulgence 54:14 – Where to buy the book 55:46 – How nourishment supports your bigger life 57:18 – What the art of living well means

Guest Links:

Cassandra Bodzak https://www.cassandrabodzak.com Special offer: Sign up to get FREE body wisdom meditations and audio chapters on the book page: https://youtu.be/YtH5S5JA_Vw?si=li8NXRwjrUdaOryG or grab Cassandra's FREE meditation bundle when you subscribe to her substack: https://substack.com/@cassandrabodzak

The Mindful Table https://www.cassandrabodzak.com/themindfultable

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cassandrabodzak/

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial-grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations and be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for your exclusive special pricing. https://goodhealthsaunas.com

Want a Reset Before or After Travel?

Join our Spring Vitality Reboot (starts May 3) or choose our DIY option you can start anytime.

Sign-up Now!

Freebie + Stay Connected Beyond the Podcast

Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox.

Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here.

If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Your support helps fund podcast production and allows us to continue bringing you meaningful, high-quality conversations.

https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/

Follow & Connect:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468

Connect with your Hosts:

https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

Have you noticed the Mahjong craze popping up everywhere lately?

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we're diving into why this classic tile-based game is making a major comeback and why it might be one of the most powerful (and fun) tools for brain health, longevity, and connection in midlife.

What started as curiosity quickly turned into a weekly ritual for us—and it's about so much more than just a game.

We're talking about:

• The cognitive benefits of Mahjong (hello, neuroplasticity!)

• Why learning something new in midlife is critical for brain health and memory

• How Mahjong creates meaningful social connection and community

• Why this game forces you to get off your phone and be fully present

• The surprising link between friendships, joy, and longevity

• How to get started—even if you've never played before

Whether you're feeling stuck in a routine, craving more connection, or looking for a fun way to challenge your brain—this episode will inspire you to try something new.

Join Us: Spring Vitality Reboot 🌿

Our 7-Day Spring Vitality Reboot starts May 3rd!

This is your chance to:

• Reset your energy

• Support detox + liver health

• Rebuild healthy habits

• Do it all in a supportive community

👉 Sign up here.

Mahjong Freebie + Stay Connected Beyond the Podcast

Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox.

Grab your free Mahjong cheat sheet guide (compliments of Sarah Suk)

If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Your support helps fund podcast production and allows us to continue bringing you meaningful, high-quality conversations.

https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/

Follow & Connect:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468

Connect with your Hosts:

https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

If you've ever felt successful on the outside but misaligned on the inside, or wondered how to design a life that truly feels meaningful and aligned, today's episode will give you a powerful new way to think about your future.

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie sit down with designer, author, educator, and longtime host of the Design Matters podcast, Debbie Millman. Debbie shares the powerful 10-year life design exercise she has taught students for more than 15 years that helps people imagine their future without limitations.

Many people appear successful on the surface yet feel disconnected from what truly matters to them. Debbie explains how writing a declaration about your future can help you reconnect with what you actually want, move past fear and self-doubt, and begin taking courageous steps toward the life you envision.

Whether you're navigating midlife transitions, career shifts, or simply feeling called to something more meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and ask yourself one powerful question: If not now, when?

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritizing courage is the first step toward designing a life that truly aligns with who you are.
• Writing a 10-year vision for your life can expand what you believe is possible.
• Confidence develops through repetition and taking action, not waiting until you feel ready.
• Many people live lives that look impressive on paper but feel misaligned internally.
• Fear often comes from internal barriers rather than external limitations.
• Declaring your dreams out loud can shift your mindset and create momentum.
• Midlife can be the perfect time to rethink what you truly want next.
• Designing your future begins with giving yourself permission to imagine it.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Designing a Meaningful Life 03:00 – Debbie Millman's Journey and Creative Career 07:12 – The Powerful 10-Year Life Design Exercise 11:28 – Why Declaring Your Future Matters 15:40 – Courage vs Confidence and Taking the First Step 19:18 – Overcoming Fear and Internal Barriers 24:05 – Why Many People Feel Misaligned Despite Success 28:30 – Envisioning Your Ideal Day Ten Years from Now 33:40 – Helping Students Dream Bigger About Their Futures 37:55 – Using the Exercise with Couples or Families 41:05 – Why Midlife Is the Perfect Time to Reimagine Your Life 44:00 – Debbie's Final Question: If Not Now, When?

Guest Links:

Debbie Millman https://www.debbiemillman.com

Design Matters Podcast https://www.designmattersmedia.com

Debbie's Life Design Exercise (referenced in episode) Free download

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial-grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations and be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for your exclusive special pricing.

Freebie + Stay Connected Beyond the Podcast

Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox.

Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here.

If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Your support helps fund podcast production and allows us to continue bringing you meaningful, high-quality conversations.

https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/

Want a Reset Before or After Travel?

Join our Spring Vitality Reboot (starts May 3) or choose our DIY option you can start anytime.

Sign-up Now!

Follow & Connect:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468

Connect with your Hosts:

https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by hormonal changes, skipped meals only to not lose weight, or wondered how to take control of your health in midlife, today's episode is packed with practical strategies to help you thrive.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Amy shares her transformative journey from a stressed-out physician to a wellness advocate for women in midlife. She dives deep into understanding perimenopause and menopause, the critical role of gut health, and the importance of a solid nutrition framework. Dr. Amy also explores stress management, circadian rhythms, supplements, and why regular blood testing is key to staying on top of your health.

Her upcoming book, Hormone Havoc, provides science-backed guidance to help women navigate hormonal changes and live well.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritizing self-care is essential for women.

• Gut health is crucial for hormone regulation and overall wellness.

• Nutrition, including 30 grams of protein and fiber, is key in midlife.

• Skipping meals can lead to poor food choices later in the day.

• Stress management and circadian rhythms profoundly affect health.

• Regular blood testing helps monitor hormonal and overall health.

• Understanding perimenopause empowers women to take control.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Wellness and Midlife Challenges 05:49 – Dr. Amy's Transformative Journey 10:44 – Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause 13:13 – The Importance of Gut Health 16:09 – Nutrition Framework for Midlife Women 20:18 – Common Misconceptions About Meal Skipping 22:20 – Navigating GLP-1s and Nutrition 24:33 – Preview of Hormone Havoc Book 29:13 – The Role of Stress in Wellness 29:32 – Understanding Stress and Hormonal Changes in Women 32:36 – Practical Tips for Managing Stress 38:01 – The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Health 41:04 – Exploring the IM8 Product and Its Benefits 45:23 – Navigating Blood Testing and Hormonal Health

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial-grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations, and be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for your exclusive special pricing.

Freebie + Stay Connected Beyond the Podcast

Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox.

Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Your support helps fund podcast production and allows us to continue bringing you meaningful, high-quality conversations.

https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/

Want a Reset Before or After Travel?Join our Spring Vitality Reboot (starts May 3) or choose our DIY option you can start anytime. Sign-up Now!

Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468

Connect with your Hosts: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us