The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

In this heartfelt solo episode, Mary shares the passing of her beloved Husky, Ishka. The episode examines overlapping themes of grief and menopause, emphasizing the emotional journeys and transformations women experience during these life transitions. 

Mary highlights the importance of community, therapy, and self-compassion, recalling wisdom from her cognitive behavior therapist about accepting and processing grief. She explores therapeutic practices, notably restorative yoga, which supports emotional release and stress management. Mary also touches on broader societal unrest and personal healing, advocating for self-care as essential to helping others. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, she intertwines her grief with broader themes of renewal, support, and the intrinsic wisdom gained through menopause.

Episodes worth listening to:

• Adult-Diagnosed ADHD and Perimenopause 
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Menopause 
• Mental Health and Menopause: 
• Mindset and Resilience: Moving Beyond Grief in Midlife
• PTSD and Perimenopause

Resources:

• Broken Squirrel Wellness 
• Commune 
• NutritionFacts.org 

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode,  Mary  welcomes Dr. Jenna Dunlop, a scientist, educator, and Attention Deficit Hyeractivity Disorder (ADHD) advocate. 

Dr. Dunlop shares her personal journey of discovering ADHD in her late 50s amidst the cognitive challenges of menopause. The discussion highlights how menopause can amplify neurodivergent traits, leading to increased emotional and cognitive difficulties. They delve into the critical need for awareness, self-care routines, and support systems, emphasizing self-acceptance and practical coping strategies for both personal and professional life. 

Overcoming struggles throughout her life, from childhood trauma to her husband's suicide, coupled with her perimenopause struggles and a late-diagnosis of ADHS and ASD, Dr. Jenna's experiences led her to leave the corporate workforce and venture back into research.

Her discoveries led to her focus her work on improving resilience in all women experiencing ADHD and/or menopause symptoms. Dr. Dunlops contributes her research to Herstasis Health Foundation summarizing into plain language information to support both men and women's health.  

Dr. Dunlop is a graduate from University of Toronto with a double major in Psychology and Anthropology, and achieved her PhD in Biology and an MBA from York University.

Connect:

• More about Dr. Jenna and her online course Taming Your ADHD on her website.
• LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

Resources for Listeners:

•  Herstasis.com 
• A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank (not an affiliate link)
• ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction—From Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey (not an affiliate link)

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode, host Mary Lee chats with Dr. Keith C. Ellis, a Scientist and Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Virgina Commonwealth University who’s pioneering research on long COVID has helped thousands recover and gain back their health.  

Dr. Ellis shares insights on long COVID symptoms and the microclot hypothesis. The conversation also dives into the similarities between long COVID and menopause symptoms, including brain fog, inflammation, fatigue, and gut dysbiosis, as well as the alarming statistic on deaths worldwide still to this day. 

Dr. Ellis uses his extensive knowledge in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and natural products to research the biological mechanisms behind Long COVID and develop therapeutic solutions. His entrepreneurial efforts led to the founding of Science-Driven Supplements and the launch of CircuGuard, a natural herbal supplement designed to aid in recovery from Long COVID microclots. 

Connect:

• Discover Dr. Ellis published work on Substack, or at Science-Driven Supplements Company website
• On LinkedIn and on YouTube

Resources:

• CircuGuard 
• Simon's Sinek, Start With Why (not an affiliate link)

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode, host Mary Lee welcomes Dr. Malaika Woods, a specialist in bioidentical hormones, and integrative and functional medicine to discuss her extensive knowledge about menopause and bioidentical hormone therapy. The conversation get deep into uncovering historical misconceptions stemming from the Women's Health Initiative, highlighting that our current healthcare system is still shrouded in misunderstanding.

Dr. Wood's shares her profound philosophy that the body is a divine design, and that we all possess the self-healing potential within our body. The conversation explores further why many medical practitioners shy away from prescribing, let alone discussing hormone replacement therapy as a viable and safe option for perimenopause symptom management. BHRT aside, the role that diet, lifestyle, and stress managment play in overall health, as well as the importance of discovering the root causes of symptoms can be a game changer for many.  Seeking a comprehensive assessment such as the methods Dr. Woods uses, can be a roadmap to good health and a vibrant menopause experience.

Connect:

• Discover more about Dr. Malaika Wood's practice and her book Physician Unleashed on her website and on LinkedIn.
• Gain access to her secrets: Get Your Menopause Makeover: Stop Feeling Like a Hot Mess! 

Resources:

• Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris, Estrogen Matters  (not an affiliate link)
• Download PDF from the Menopause Society 2022 Position Statement on Hormone Therapy 

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

Today's episode of the Menopause Disruptive Podcast with the host Mary lee examines the important but not well discussed topic of suicide and suicial ideation. Mary's next guest has lived experience.

Gina Cavalier is a filmmaker, an author, artist, and Founder of Liberated Healer, as well as the host of a podcast of the same name.  In the conversation, Gina opens up with her journey from suicial ideation and overcoming childhood trauma to spiritual awakening. She delves into the intersection of menopause and mental health, discussing the alarming correlation between menopause and suicidal ideation.

She shares her self-healing holistic techniques like grounding, color therapy, and energy work she discovered worked and that women have readily available to overcome the negative impact of symptoms and thoughts. The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue for mental health management, and uplifting content to reduce stigma. Gina also shares the inspiration to break the stigma in her two recently publsihed books and an upcoming docuseries aimed at providing support and fostering conversations around suicide prevention.

Connect:
Learn more about Gina Calavlier's work on her website and on Instagram. You can also tune in to her podcast.

Resources:

• Yoni Egg  (not an affililate link)

00:14 The Intersection of Mental Health and Menopause
02:02 Gina's Personal Journey
04:40 Understanding Suicidal Ideation
07:27 The Importance of Open Conversations
10:09 Gina's Healing Techniques
19:43 Energy Work and Grounding
27:27 Releasing Energy and Grounding Techniques
27:53 Personal Journey with Female Health
29:07 Visualization and Consciousness
33:20 Color Therapy for Healing
36:12 Empowering Self-Healing
36:39 Service and Giving Back
39:02 Supporting Menopausal Women
42:17 Gina's Books and Resources

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode, host Mary Lee, engages in an insightful conversation with female mental health expert Dr. Charlynn Ruan to discuss the critical need for women to address perimenopause and menopause starting in their early forties.

Dr. Ruan highlights the significant mental health impacts that accompany hormone changes and explains how women can thrive during this often overlooked transition. She shares her personal journey and motivations behind founding Thrive Psychology Group, a practice focused on empowering and supporting women through various stages of life, including menopause.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, self-care, and emotional maturity in navigating this period. Dr. Ruan also covers practical strategies for dealing with stress, rage, and maintaining peak performance during menopause, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to women's health. This episode aims to break down stigmas, encourage open conversations, and provide actionable advice to help women transform their perimenopausal and menopausal experiences positively.

Dr. Charlynn Ruan is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of a large group practice, Thrive Psychology Group. She works extensively with female founders and CEOs using practices such as meditation & mindfulness-based treatments, EMDR, CBT for Insomnia, trauma, anxiety. Her expertise covers many areas in women's mental health, including trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth, women’s empowerment and peak performance, fertility, pregnancy, motherhood, the mental health impact of perimenopause and menopause, stress management and reduction, overcoming shame, self-esteem, boundary development, and personal growth and development. Dr. Ruan is truly the 'psychologist for the modern woman!"

Connect with Dr. Charlynn Ruan through her website and on Instagram and Facebook

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode, host Mary Lee dives into the intricacies of menopause and hormone health with Dr. Liz Lyster, an OBGYN, author, speaker, and expert in perimenopause and menopause.

The discussion highlights the misconceptions brought about by the Women's Health Initiative study, emphasizing the benefits of hormone replenishment therapy using bioidentical hormones. Dr. Liz shares her personal journey, the importance of proper hormone testing, and effective ways to advocate for one's health. Key topics include the impact of hormone therapy on sleep, weight gain, brain fog, and overall well-being, the role of testosterone for women and managing health concerns with a family history of breast cancer.

Dr. Lyster is a graduate of Cornell University and completed her medical schooling at UC Irvine and received her Masters degree at UCLA in Community Health Education. In her private practice in the San Francisco Bay area, she helps women and men in midlife and beyond lose weight, have more energy, increase their motivation and drive, and generally feel great.

Connect with Dr. Liz through her website and on Instagram and Facebook

Resources:

• Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris, Estrogen Matters  (not an affiliate link)
• Dr. Lisa Mosconi, PHD, The Menopause Brain (not an affiliate link)
• Download PDF from the Menopause Society 2022 Position Statement on Hormone Therapy 
• Dr. Liz Books 

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode of the Menopause Disruptor Podcast, host Mary interviews Intimacy Whisperer Pauline Ryland of Queensland, Australia. Together, they delve into the intricate relationship between trauma, menopause, and sexual wellness, discussing how unprocessed trauma and suppressed sexual energy can impact overall vitality and health.

Pauline, a certified somatic sexologist and author of 'Empowered Conscious Sexuality from Prude to Pleasure,' shares effective techniques such as the Havening Technique and NLP to help release blocked energies and transform beliefs about sexuality. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing past traumas, understanding sexual energy, and integrating practices to enhance intimacy and well-being during menopause.

Connect with Pauline on her website at www.paulineryeland.com, on Facebook, Instagram as the intimacywhisperer, and on LinkedIn.

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this inaugural 2025 episode of the Menopause Disruptor Podcast, the focus is a comprehensive recap of the most impactful insights from 2024. 

Host, Mary Lee brings a recap episode that emphasizes embracing midlife with the right mindset, addressing key health areas - heart, bone, muscle, brain health, sleep, and nutrition, while highlighting the importance of managing stress and body image. 

These clips also extend to menopause advocacy in the workplace, personal growth, and community support. Practical advice covers handling menopause-related changes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, understanding neurodivergent conditions, and the transformative power of self-awareness and personal acceptance. 

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this episode, host Mary Lee interviews Dr. Tayo, a former radiologist who has transformed into a menopause wellness expert. Dr. Tayo share her invaluable insights on hormone therapy, advocacy, and the urgency for more menopause awareness and education in the workforce .

Dr. Tayo opens with her personal journey dealing with menopausal symptoms and exposes the unfortunate lack of medical training in this vital area of women’s health. The conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding menopause that so many women face and the importance of women asserting themselves and demanding they be recognized and appreciated for their worth beyond menopause. 

We take no prisoners when addressing pressing societal issues, including misogyny and ageism, as well as the economic impact resulting from a lack of workplace support for those affected at work. 

When it comes to symptom management, an indivdualized approach is key and, while menopause hormone therapy (HRT) has its benefits, Dr. Tayo advocates for a whole-body approach. Crucial lifestyle factors, including sleep, brain health, and stress management play a vital role in our overall wellness. With this approach, Dr. Tayo shares arevolutionary Five Superpower System for managing menopause without risky medications.

Connect with Dr. Tayo on her website
Download her free guide:  The Dynamic Woman's Sleep and Fat Burning Menopause Power Pack

Resources Mentioned:

• Menopause Foundation of Canada: Menopause Inclusive Workplace
• Menopause at Work: It's Always Been Part of the Equation

Let us know if you're liking the show!

Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. 

Connect with Mary: 

• Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast
• LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.