Robert Brace and Dr. Elizabeth Poynor are on a mission to help women in midlife understand what strength training can make possible across the menopause spectrum—and to create a more informed, effective, and empowering path to long-term health.Enrollment is open now for their formal 12-week, medically supervised research study for women in midlife.Learn how you can connect with Robert and Dr. Poynor, access their work, and apply here to join the study. Less than a year after leaving the hospital at 97 pounds—unable to walk upstairs and having lost nearly all her muscle—Dr. Poynor completed her first clean pull-up at 64 and deadlifted 175 pounds.But this is not simply a fitness transformation.Dr. Poynor is a former cancer surgeon who became the patient herself. In this deeply personal conversation, she and Robert explore what illness taught her about muscle, resilience, aging, longevity, and the expectations placed on women’s bodies in midlife.They also examine why strength training may be one of the most powerful non-pharmacological interventions available to women during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond—and why women need more than the vague instruction to “exercise more.”Strength training can support muscle mass, bone health, metabolic health, physical independence, confidence, mental well-being, and long-term resilience. Yet many women are never taught what to do, how to progress safely, or how to train for meaningful results.Robert and Dr. Poynor are working to bridge the divide between medicine and fitness by combining clinical insight, lived experience, expert coaching, and measurable outcomes.In this episode, they discuss:• Dr. Poynor’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life-threatening complications• What it felt like to lose nearly all her strength and independence• How she rebuilt her body after leaving the hospital at 97 pounds• Completing her first pull-up at 64• Deadlifting more than her body weight• Why muscle is essential for women in midlife• Why chair-based exercise can be a starting point—but should not always be the final point• How strength training changed the way she practices medicine• Why women need evidence-informed exercise prescriptions, not generic advice• What becomes possible when the medical and fitness worlds work togetherHer message to women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond is clear:Your strongest, healthiest, and most embodied years do not have to be behind you.Watch the full episode, then follow the link above to connect with Robert Brace and Dr. Elizabeth Poynor and apply to become part of their mission to help women across the menopause spectrum understand—and experience—the transformative potential of strength training.Chapters:• 0:00 From 97 Pounds to Stronger Than Ever• 1:50 Meet Dr. Elizabeth Poynor• 4:18 From Cancer Surgeon to Patient• 6:38 Cancer, BRCA and Preventive Surgery• 12:20 The Complication That Changed Everything• 16:06 Rebuilding After Losing All Her Muscle• 18:44 From 97 Pounds to a 175-Pound Deadlift• 23:46 How Strength Training Changed Her Medicine• 28:13 Strength Training and Mental Health• 31:56 Why Women Shouldn’t Fear Getting “Bulky”• 38:24 Turning Recovery Into a Research Mission• 42:37 Bridging Medicine and Fitness• 44:11 Menopause, Muscle Loss and Anabolic Resistance• 47:57 The Future of Midlife Women’s Health• 50:54 Getting Strong at Any Age• 54:22 What’s Next: The Research SeriesConnect with Robert Brace:• Website• Instagram • Facebook• LinkedIn

This episode of Grown Woman Talk brings together powerful voices for an honest, eye-opening conversation about menopause, aging, and women’s health. From personal stories to expert insight, the panel dives into everything from brain fog and body changes to the emotional and physical realities women face in midlife. For many, menopause was never discussed growing up—and this conversation breaks that silence in a real, relatable way.Led by Dr. Sharon Malone, the discussion explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT), common misconceptions, and how women can better advocate for their health. The panel also touches on topics like libido, weight changes, bone density, and the importance of lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and exercise. Whether you’re approaching menopause, in it, or just want to be informed, this conversation is packed with knowledge, humor, and empowerment.

In this episode of The Embraced Life, we talk with Suzanne Deegan, a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs who is often called in during moments of crisis and high-stakes decision-making. Suzanne shares insights on leadership, executive presence, navigating power, and making clear decisions under pressure.She also opens up about intuition, knowing your worth, and how personal growth and motherhood have reshaped the way she works and leads. This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it truly means to live and lead well.Timestamps:0:00 – The Role of a Crisis AdvisorSuzanne explains why companies call her in high-stakes moments and how outside perspective breaks “bunker mentality.”2:01 – Welcome to The Embraced LifeIntroduction to Suzanne Deegan — trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs and business leaders when everything is on the line.2:50 – From Politics to CEO AdvisorSuzanne shares her career journey: city government, global PR firms, and advising executives through mergers, crises, and global disruptions.4:15 – What Happens in the Room During a CrisisHow Suzanne walks into high-emotion situations and brings focus, trust, and clarity.7:00 – Speaking Truth to PowerWhy strong leaders need someone willing to challenge them — and how Suzanne does it.8:05 – The Psychology of Presence & PowerFrom “the higher the heel, the tougher the client” to strategic body language — how physical presence shapes influence.9:17 – First Impressions in Two MinutesWhy where you sit, how you shake hands, and what you wear matters more than people think.11:31 – Planning for Worst-Case ScenariosIs preparing for impact negative thinking? Suzanne explains why anticipating problems is actually strategic leadership.13:36 – What the Best Leaders Do in CrisisCharacteristics of effective CEOs: clarity, consistency, humility, and surrounding themselves with truth-tellers.16:24 – Growing Up CompetitiveHow Suzanne’s upbringing — a gym teacher mom, orthodontist dad, and two older brothers — shaped her resilience and drive.18:33 – Working at 13 & Early IndependenceHow starting work young built confidence, identity, and self-reliance.19:57 – Academic Failure & ReinventionFrom high school rebellion to college setbacks — and the self-advocacy that changed her trajectory.21:04 – Changing Majors & Finding Her PathHospitality to advertising and PR — discovering where she truly belonged.22:14 – The Political Internship That Changed EverythingHer internship with the Mayor of Providence and how it sparked her passion for public leadership and communications.

Jeanine Liburd reflects on a career spent shaping culture, community, and leadership at the highest levels. But this episode of the Embrace Life Podcast goes deeper, host Robert Brace explores how Jeanine helped define BET as a year-round cultural force, long before “Black Excellence” became a mainstream phrase.

Together, they unpack storytelling as power, leadership through transition and grief, and how community, sisterhood, and intention sustain a life beyond titles. From creating iconic moments like Love and Happiness to taking a sabbatical and redefining success, Jeanine shares lessons on resilience, presence, and living well, insights that resonate far beyond media.

Chris Hansen takes on Roblox in his latest investigation, uncovering shocking dangers in one of the world’s most popular platforms for kids. But this episode of the Embrace Life podcast goes deeper — host Robert Brace explores how Hansen has built brand longevity and media influence from To Catch a Predator to launching TruBlu.

Together, they break down what it takes to expose predators, hold platforms accountable, and still craft a career that lasts. Hansen reveals the power of authenticity, resilience, and storytelling — lessons that apply to anyone building a lasting personal brand in today’s fast-changing world.

Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/More From Founder Robert!https://www.instagram.com/robertbrace/In this video, Robert explores the metaphor of the body as a temple, urging listeners to value their bodies for inner strength, resilience, and purpose rather than outward appearance. Emphasizing that true wellness goes beyond aesthetics, Robert encourages a holistic approach, honoring the spirit within and nurturing both body and mind. Listeners are inspired to recognize their intrinsic worth, cultivate self-discovery, and use their bodies as vessels for positive impact and personal growth. The video ultimately promotes self-care as a means to unlock one’s greatest potential and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/Learn More From Dr. Chiomahttps://nyweightlossmd.com/In this episode of the "Embrace Life" podcast, Dr. Chioma, a family medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist, joins host Robert Brace to discuss the complexities of weight management and the impact of aging on health. They explore the role of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic in weight loss, emphasizing their mechanisms and effectiveness. Dr. Chioma highlights the importance of a holistic approach, including maintaining muscle mass, addressing hormonal changes, and ensuring proper nutrition. The episode underscores that weight loss should be part of a broader strategy for long-term health and wellness, rather than a quick fix.

Want To Learn More About Robert? | CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/robertbrace/?hl=enWant To Learn More About Nadja? | CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/nadjabellan/Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/In this episode of the "Embrace Live Podcast," host Robert Brace, owner of brace life studios interviews Nadja Bellan-White, a veteran in brand building and advertising. Nadja, known as "the fixer," shares her journey through senior leadership roles, including being the first CEO of SNK and global CMO at Vice Media. She discusses her transformation post-divorce, emphasizing wellness and self-care, and the challenges of being a Black woman in corporate America. Nadja highlights the importance of resilience, community support, and spiritual grounding. Her story underscores the power of prioritizing well-being and cultivating meaningful connections amidst professional and personal challenges.

In this episode of the "The EmBraced Life Podcast," Robert Brace interviews Cara Robinson, former CEO of Shea Moisture. They discuss Cara's impressive career journey, including her roles at Clinique and L'Oréal Paris, and the cultural significance of Shea Moisture in the Black community. Cara shares the challenges she faced after the brand's sale to Unilever, her personal growth, and her evolving spirituality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, authentic leadership, and self-discovery. Cara also highlights the need for Black entrepreneurs to view selling businesses as a wealth-building strategy and the significance of taking breaks for mental and emotional well-being.

In this episode of the "Embrace Live Podcast," host Robert and guest Mori Taheripour, author of "Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly," explore the theme of negotiation, focusing on self-negotiation and cultural contexts. Mori shares her journey as an entrepreneur, her struggles with self-doubt, and her 2010 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The discussion underscores the importance of self-compassion, recognizing achievements, and positive self-talk. Mori highlights the impact of supportive relationships and finding the right medical care. The episode aims to inspire listeners to honor their journeys and face life's challenges with resilience and confidence.Check Out Brace Life Studios!

https://bracelifestudios.com/