In this episode, Dr. Ingrid Clayton, licensed clinical psychologist, transpersonal psychology specialist, and author of Fawning joins us to discuss her groundbreaking insights into an often-overlooked trauma response: fawning.

Most of us are familiar with the three F's of trauma—fight, flight, or freeze—but there's a fourth response, fawning, that's rarely discussed. Unlike codependency or people-pleasing, fawning is a survival strategy that drives us to seek approval, appease, and draw closer to people who may hurt us—even when it's detrimental to our well-being.

If you've ever found yourself apologizing to those who hurt you, obsessing over approval, befriending bullies, or suppressing your voice to maintain peace, this episode is for you. Dr. Clayton offers hope, tools, and compassion for anyone ready to break free from the cycle of chronic fawning and step into their authentic life.

key topics:

· Defining Fawning: Beyond People-Pleasing and Codependency (0:00)

· The Power of Relational Therapy for Complex Trauma (8:59)

· How to Recognize Fawning: It's Not Just 'Not That Deep' (15:05)

· The Unfawning Journey: Building Internal Safety from Within (27:06)

· How to Find the Right Support for Your Healing Journey (43:30)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare TipsSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

GUEST INFORMATION Website: https://www.ingridclayton.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ingridclaytonphd/Website/ Book: Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves–and How to Find Our Way Back

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Midlife doesn't just change your body — it can completely upend your sex life. In this episode, I sit down with board-certified OB/GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Dr. Maria Sophocles. She is the author of The Bedroom Gap and is on the show to unpack what's really happening when estrogen declines, desire shifts, and intimacy starts to feel complicated. We go beyond surface-level advice and talk honestly about biology, relationship dynamics, and the cultural conditioning that teaches women to prioritize everyone else's pleasure over their own. If sex has become uncomfortable, infrequent, or emotionally loaded, this conversation is for you. Please share it with a friend.

KEY TOPICS:

· Introduction: Michele Lamoureux Welcomes Dr. Maria Sophocles (0:00)

· Writing The Bedroom Gap: Women's Desire, Shame, and Sexual Health (2:51)

· Understanding Testosterone: Benefits for Female Libido and Overall Health (27:40)

· Where to Find The Bedroom Gap + Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up (52:02)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare TipsSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

GUEST INFORMATION Website: https://mariasophoclesmd.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/ Book: The Bedroom Gap: Rewrite the Rules and Roles of Sex in Midlife TedTalk: What Happens to Sex in Midlife

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Hello! I am so excited to share the new name of my podcast with you, and the direction I see the show and this community going. I believe women are craving a forum where they can be seen, supported and to grow within themselves. I hope to offer more of that with the podcast, newsletter, and via in person gatherings. I hope you like the new name and where we're headed! Be sure to share the podcast with a friend and to subscribe to the newsletter and show. And let me know your thoughts! I appreciate you!

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

· Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

· Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole

· Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS

· Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Sources of the stats I quoted:

· 1. ~5.6–5.8% of CEOs in the Fortune Global 500 are women Women remain underrepresented at senior levels — only 29% of C‑suite roles are held by women. And we wonder why women compete with each other. There are far too few seats at the table. This needs to change.

· 2. Women earn 83 cents for every dollar men earn. How is this possible in 2026? We know from the research that companies that have women in leadership generate more revenue. "Companies with more women on boards or in senior management generate stronger returns and financial outcomes compared with less‑diverse peers."

· 3. We take on more household and caretaking responsibilities even when women earn the same or more than their male partners. And this doesn't even include the mental load we carry.

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Our guest today, Dr. Lucky Sekhon, is a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist practicing in New York City, who has guided thousands of individuals and couples through their fertility journey, combining cutting-edge science with compassionate care to help them overcome infertility, preserve their options, and build the families of their dreams. She's the author of a new best-selling book, The Lucky Egg. We dive into fertility, infertility, IVF, egg freezing, the mental health side, the myths, and more. This is for any woman who wants to understand fertility and to support those who want to start a family or who have been unable to conceive. Please share it.

KEY TOPICS:

• Introducing Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Her New Book (0:00)
• Dr. Sekhon's Mission: Empowering Women with Fertility Facts (2:02)
• Fertility Fundamentals: Eggs, Ovulation, and Seeking Expert Help (6:59)
• In Vitro Fertilization: Process, Success, and Emotional Realities (12:38)
• Emotional Impact: Jennifer Aniston's Story and Dr. Sekhon's Journey (20:33)
• Self-Advocacy: Understanding Your Cycle and Normalizing Pain (32:41)
• Busting Fertility Myths: Egg Count, Male Factor, and Costs (39:56)
• Empowering Women: Balancing Life, Biology, and Seeking Support (45:49)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare TipsSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

GUEST INFORMATION Website: https://theluckyegg.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en Book: The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and How to Get Pregnant NOW

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

This is episode 400! I can't believe it! I am so excited to share what's coming next on the podcast with you. Be sure to tune in next week, Feb 11, 2026. I'm rebranding the show and will share the new name, so if you enjoy tuning in be sure to follow on your favorite podcast player and subscribe to my newsletter. There are links below to make it easy for you. Thank you to this amazing community of women I appreciate each and every one of you!! So much more to come! Be sure to share the show with a friend. xo, Michele

There is an interview this week as well, so be sure to check.

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF7djlya5z4 Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Our guest today, Dr. Stephen Cabral, is a Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy and founder of the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute and EquiLife. In his online practice, he uses Personalized Wellness Plans to help people rebalance their mind and body to recover from autoimmune, thyroid, fatigue, hormone, weight gain, digestive, childhood, mood, skin, and dozens of other hard-to-treat health conditions. His mission is to help people understand that there is always a reason why you have not achieved your ideal wellness or weight loss goals and that you can and will get well again.

KEY TOPICS:

· Understanding Bio-Individuality with Dr. Stephen Cabral's Personomics (0:00)

· Dr. Cabral's Personal Path to Functional Medicine (3:17)

· Unpacking the Interconnectedness of Your Biological Ecosystem (7:30)

· Decoding Your Body's Signals: Energy, Sleep, and Mood (11:25)

· The Link Between Digestion, Immunity, and Functional Medicine (15:35)

· How Skin Signals Relate to Aging and Preventable Diseases (19:15)

· The Future of Health: AI's Impact on Cancer Research (23:20)

· Empowering Women: Prioritizing Self-Care for a Longer Life (26:14)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION Website: https://personomics.io/ IG: @stephencabral

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of second-guessing yourself—at work, at home, everywhere? You're not alone. In this episode, we break down the real reasons self-doubt keeps showing up (especially for women!) and get right into the science of what's really happening in your brain. You'll hear relatable stories, the latest research, and simple, powerful tools you can use TODAY to separate from that nagging inner critic and to build confidence. It's time to stop letting old beliefs run the show. You'll learn how to trust yourself again, take bold action, and finally feel like the most confident version of you. If you're ready to get out of your head and into your life to create your best life—this episode is for you.

KEY TOPICS:

· Unpacking Self-Doubt: The Origins of Big Trust (0:00)

· Cognitive Load: Why Women Experience Amplified Self-Doubt (5:33)

· The Four Core Drivers of Self-Doubt (13:23)

· Cultivating Self-Acceptance: Saying No with a Deeper Yes (20:32)

· Turning Feedback and Failure into Actionable Growth (34:26)

· Why Action Precedes Confidence: Building Personal Agency (42:09)

· Mastering Emotions: From Overwhelm to Grounded Adaptability (48:53)

· Reclaiming Your Power: Autonomy and Conscious Choice (1:02:37)

· Empowering Your Journey: Final Insights and Resources (1:08:52)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION Book: Big Trust: Rewire Self-Doubt, Find Your Confidence, and Fuel Success Website: https://www.shadezahrai.com/bigtrust IG: https://www.instagram.com/shadezahrai/

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Award-winning journalist Meghan Rabbitt shares evidence-based women's health advice for every life stage — from puberty through menopause and beyond.

How do you find reliable health information in a world of conflicting advice? Meghan Rabbitt spent three years interviewing over 130 female doctors and medical experts to create the ultimate resource: The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age, commissioned by Maria Shriver.

In this episode, Meghan breaks down pregnancy, hysterectomies, hormone health, preventive care, navigating the healthcare system, and much more. She shares how women can advocate for the care they deserve at every age.

Meghan's work appears in Women's Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, and more. She's known for translating complex medical topics into actionable advice that helps women understand their bodies better. Share this with a friend who needs trustworthy women's health information.

KEY TOPICS:

· Meghan Rabbitt's Guide to Becoming the CEO of Your Health (0:00)

· Addressing the Historical Exclusion of Women in Health Research (4:13)

· Advocating for Yourself: Breast Health and Taboo Topics (7:14)

· My Hysterectomy Journey: Making Informed Medical Decisions (13:49)

· Why Women's Pain Is Dismissed and Systemic Bias (23:41)

· Understanding Women's Heart Disease and Midlife Lifestyle (30:19)

· Practical Steps: Movement, Fiber, and Clinical Trials (36:09)

· Cultivating Inner Connection Through Journaling and Self-Care (40:30)

· Final Thoughts: Believe Your Story and Trust Your Inner Wisdom (46:21)

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION Book: The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every AgeWebsite: https://newrulesofwomenshealth.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/meghanrabbitt/?hl=en

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

Has an underrated way to improve health been right under our noses all along? James Nestor, journalist and New York Times bestselling author of Breath – The New Science of a Lost Art, was shocked when he discovered that the majority of the population breathes inadequately, reportedly exposing them to a higher risk of allergies, sleep problems, and more. His new book considers both ancient practices and ongoing research, while providing tangible solutions that could help improve your life today. Our talk is a blend of eye-opening science, fascinating stories, and specific steps you can take to breathe easier while living a good life. Please share it with a friend!

RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS

Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips

GUEST INFORMATION "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor www.mrjamesnestor.com @mrjamesnestor on Instagram @MrJamesNestor on Twitter

If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player!

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.

"If the average person just more consistently did what they already know they'd be healthier, happier, and be making more money." – Brian Moran

Brian Moran the New York Times bestselling author of "The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months" is going to share how to get more done in less time. He will take us into this execution system he developed while also sharing easy to implement time management strategies. He also connects the dots back to why it is important to create our life vision so we can structure our time and goals around that vision. You will learn tactical steps that you can use today to move closer to the life you desire. Loved this conversation so much! Please be sure to share it with your friends who would benefit from this information. Also be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

Resources Mentioned:

· JOIN THE NEWSLETTER + Receive A List of 52-Selfcare Tips

· CONNECT WITH MICHELE ON IG

· Buy Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love

· Brian's Book: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

· Brian's website – https://12weekyear.com/ –

Thank you for listening to the show!

KEY TOPICS

· Reintroducing Brian Moran and The 12 Week Year (0:00)

· Bridging the Knowing–Doing Gap with The 12 Week Year (2:47)

· Shifting from Annual to 12-Week Planning for Focused Goals (6:38)

· Aligning Your Vision with Measurable Goals and Specific Actions (12:57)

· How to Stay Connected to Your Vision and Manage Time Effectively (22:17)

· Implementing Strategic, Buffer, and Breakout Blocks with Flexibility (27:41)

· Understanding Habits, Routines, and Key Traits for Success (35:27)

· Brian Moran's Morning Routine and Embracing Discomfort for Growth (39:29)

Guest Bio: Brian Moran, President and Founder of The 12 Week Year, has thirty plus years of expertise as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, consultant and coach. Brian is a recognized expert in the field of leadership and execution. His realization that most people don't lack ideas, but struggle with effective implementation led him to the development of 'The 12 Week Year'. His client list includes industry leaders like Allstate, Aon, Becton Dickinson, Dunkin' Brands, Keller Williams, Mass Mutual, Medtronic, Merrill Lynch, Meritage Homes, Nationwide, New York Life, Papa Johns Pizza, Prudential State Farm and Taylor Made just to name a few.

If you enjoyed this interview, please take a moment to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or other podcast player.

*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.