Meet Monica, a holistic health enthusiast, personal development junkie, and the author of A New Way to Be: Becoming RESILIENT one breath, habit, and moment at a time. She's also the co-founder of The Leadership Wellness Group, offering transformative workshops and coaching for individuals and organizations. 

In this episode, you'll discover the keys to unlocking your inner resilience and supercharging your personal development.

Please enjoy these gifts from Monica.

A free Companion Workbook that goes with her book.

Monica is also offering listeners $200 off of her Certified Resilience Coach Program. Please use discount code PERIMENOPAUSE.

Connect with Monica:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this episode, we discuss:

2:00 - Resilience
Monica shares how a personal injury became the spark for her transformative book: A New Way to Be: Becoming RESILIENT one breath, habit, and moment at a time.

10:00 - Physical Resilience
We learn how physical resilience is just as important as mental resilience. Monica highlights the pivotal role of sleep and shares practical strategies from her book to bolster your physical resilience.

15:06 - Mindfulness Triggers
Monica explains the power of mindfulness triggers teaching us to pause, set small intentions, and watch them grow stronger with practice throughout the day. Because what we practice grows stronger.

5:46 - The Joy of Laughter
Monica shares how a daily dose of comedy can shift your perspective and fuel positivity.

29:34 - What’s the one thing?
Monica shares her beautifully simple advice on how we can all become resilient.   

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

In today’s episode, we meet Ellyn, a crazy dame with a kind heart who has decided to turn breast cancer into a full time business. Ellyn is a wife, mother, marketing entrepreneur, mentor, advocate and, as of a year ago, a breast cancer survivor.

She is also the author of the bestselling book Flat Please Hold the Shame and co-creator of AskEllyn, the world's first conversational AI designed to support people with breast cancer.

Ellyn’s story has been featured in People Magazine, Globe and Mail, CTV and the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

 Connect with Ellyn
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

In this episode, we discuss:

1:59  - Ellyn’s Story
Learn about Ellyn’s breast cancer journey from diagnosis, through choosing a double mastectomy, going through both chemotherapy and radiation and deciding to remain flat.

7:03 - Flat Please and Hold the Shame
Ellyn shares the inspiration behind her book. She began journaling as a way to make sense of her own experiences, ultimately writing an article in the Globe and Mail that delved into the stigma surrounding mastectomies. Her article struck a chord with readers, leading Ellyn to write a book. Her goal was to not only share her personal story but also to help others by sharing resources she had discovered along the way; information she wished she had throughout her breast cancer journey.

12:01 - Remaining Flat
Ellyn opens up about the considerations that led to her decision to remain flat following her double mastectomy and sheds light on the fact that the choice to remain flat is not always presented as a viable option for women with breast cancer.

22:20 - The Importance of Self Advocacy   
Ellyn offers valuable guidance on how to be a strong advocate for yourself. This includes understanding your rights regarding essential screenings and being informed about the density of your breast tissue.

27:36 - Ask Ellyn
Introducing AskEllyn, a groundbreaking conversational AI tool designed to be a resource for individuals on their breast cancer journey. She’s a web application that incorporates lived experiences and provides links and resources to further answer your questions. She aims to bridge the patient experience gap that currently exists in healthcare.

39:16 - The Photo Essay
Collaborating with photographer Hilary Gauld and Dense Breast Canada, Ellyn helped create "I Want You To Know", an inspiring photo essay that unveils the stories of survivors spanning across various ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

43:06 - One Thing
Find out what Ellyn wants everyone to know about breast cancer.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Most of us would rather not think about breast cancer until we are forced to do so. Kate Ellis is on a mission to change that paradigm. Whether you have been impacted by breast cancer or not, you don't want to miss our raw and honest discussion about Kate’s breast cancer experience. Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42, at the height of the pandemic, and again at 43. She has undergone a single mastectomy, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy, forced menopause, plus an oophorectomy, and nipple reconstruction. Kate hopes to make some lemonade out of the lemons cancer has given her, and it is her biggest wish that people with breasts and chests get to know their bodies and advocate for themselves, even if they are “too young” for breast cancer.

Here are some other things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

2:55 - Kate’s Story
Kate takes us through her breast cancer journey from diagnosis to recovery.

6:38 - Personalized Medicine
Kate tells us about genomic testing and how there are various types of treatment based on your type of cancer. 

7:44 - Slammed Into Menopause
It’s a different experience and comes with different challenges when younger women are forced into menopause because of a cancer diagnosis.  Kate tells us about some of the options that were available to her based on her type of cancer to aid in dealing with symptoms.

12:27 - The Importance of Self-Advocacy
Kate emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself when it comes to your treatment plan and overall health care. She believes her self-advocacy helped her get treatment sooner.

19:52 - Breast Cancer and Genetics
Is breast cancer genetic? Kate shares some statistics with us and talks about the concept of a false sense of security.

20:58 - Know Your Lemons
Get to know your body and do regular self-breast exams. Kate believes this can help you get diagnosed earlier. She recommends a great resource called Know Your Lemons, which aims to improve early detection of breast cancer worldwide.

22:04 - Size Doesn’t Matter
We discuss what it means to have dense breasts and what that means for your cancer risk. Kate recommends a website called Desnse Breast Canada to learn more about dense breast tissue.

27:48 - Breast Cancer, COVID, and Mental Health
Kate describes how breast cancer impacted her mental health and how that was further exacerbated because of COVID.

32:24 - Lumps Into Lemonade
Follow Kate’s journey through her Instagram page. She tells us how talking publicly about her journey led her to a community where she has connected with women all over the world.

36:37 - Talking to Your Kids About Cancer
Kate gives us advice on how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis. She recommends the book, Cancer Hates Kisses, which is helpful for kids between the ages of 4-8.

42:35 - The Best Gift
Find out why Kate named her tumors Carol Baskin & Joe Exotic. 

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

In this inspiring episode, we delve into Michelle's remarkable journey of self-discovery, where she pursued her lifelong passion for dance, tried teaching, and eventually found her calling as an entrepreneur. Join us as Michelle candidly shares the ups and downs of her journey, and what led her to her current adventure, Breath + Fire.

Her personal recovery journey has given her the gifts of insight and compassion, deepening her commitment to help others connect to their breath and ignite their fire.

For our listeners, Michelle would encourage you to try her 12 Days of Breath + Fire Challenge for free!

Connect with Michelle.
Breath + Fire Website
Instagram
Spotify: Michelle Breath+Fire

Here are some other things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

3:51 - Dancing from the Beginning
Michelle talks about her passion for dance and movement and how dancing gave her an opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

5:58 - Embarking on Entrepreneurship
We learn what drew Michelle to entrepreneurship and hear all about the various ideas and companies she has started and grown over the years. We also discuss entrepreneurship and motherhood and the challenges that come with having a business and starting a family.

13:10 - Hips, Drinks + Recovery
Michelle talks candidly about her double hip replacement, struggles with addiction and her road to recovery.

21:55 - The Genesis of Breath + Fire
We hear what inspired Michelle to create Breath + Fire and learn all about the Breath + Fire experience.

34:18 - Alcohol + Perimenopause
We share personal anecdotes about alcohol and its effect on what we experience during perimenopause. Michelle also talks with us about the concept of being sober curious. 

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

On today’s episode, we welcome Shelby Sheppard, a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with a passion for women’s health and preventive healthcare. Shelby currently works at Preventous Collaborative Health, a preventative health clinic in Calgary, Alberta.

She has a Master of Nursing-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has attended the Academy of Preventative & Innovative Medicine Bioidentical Hormone Optimization Series.

Shelby started a program called Hormone Optimization by Preventous, to address the gap she saw in medicine and its management of hormonal concerns. Shelby embraces an evidence-based and holistic approach to hormone health, integrating wellness pillars such as movement, sleep, nutrition, and mental wellness, along with individualized supplementation, to achieve optimal hormone balance.

To learn more, connect with Shelby here:

Instagram
LinkedIn

Here are some other things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

5:40 - What is Preventous?

Shelby explains to us what this Calgary-based clinic is and how they take a proactive approach to health care. 

7:05 - Hormone Optimization

Learn how this individualized program focuses on each patient's specific needs.

11:30 - Common Perimenopausal Symptoms

Shelby reviews the various perimenopausal symptoms she sees in her patients. 

17:11 - Feeling Unheard?

We discuss our shared frustrations and experiences talking to medical professionals about perimenopause. 

22:05 - Hormones Galore

Shelby educated us on the various hormone options available. 

24:55 - Women’s Health Initiative

Shelby talks to us about the impact of the study on women’s health. 

35:21 - There is Still a Long Way to Go.

Listen to Shelby’s thoughts on what needs to happen going forward to address the challenges that persist in women’s health. 

38:50 - Making A Plan

Shelby’s advice on how to prepare to visit your healthcare practitioner to discuss your perimenopause concerns.

41:25 - Shelby’s Recommended Resources

Estrogen Matters - Book
The Drive: Dr. Peter Attia - Podcast
Huberman Lab: Andrew Huberman - Podcast
This Is Perimenopause - Website
Hormone Optimization by Preventous - Instagram

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Karen Desrosiers, a distinguished ObGyn specializing in menopause. Dr. Desrosiers dispels common misconceptions about menopause, elaborates on the symptoms, and delves into various treatment options.

Dr. Karen is an expert in her field completing her ObGyn specialty at Sherbrooke University and is a member of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). She is also a board member of the Canadian Menopause Society, a member of the North American Menopause Society, and is a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner. 

She’s been working through Horizon and Vitality Health Network in Moncton, NB since 2004 as well as in a private gynecology clinic. She’s currently working with BioSyent Pharmaceutical on a new treatment for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Join us as Dr. Karen Desrosiers demystifies menopause, sheds light on treatment options, and imparts valuable advice for women navigating this transformative life stage.

Here are some other things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

6:28 - Dr. Karen’s Personal Story
Dr. Karen shares her personal story about how she felt pressure to be excellent and why and how she prioritized her mental health.

9:26 - Exploring the Physical and Mental Symptoms of Perimenopause
Dr. Karen outlines prevalent perimenopause symptoms she discusses with her patients.

13:26 - There is No Blood Test
We learn that there is no blood test available to determine if a woman is in perimenopause. 

15:18 - Why Is This Phase Of Life Such A Mystery?
The Women’s Health Initiative was published over 20 years ago. Karen explains what has changed and why hormone therapy is a safe option for women in perimenopause.

18:10 - The Internet and Menopause
Besides This Is Perimenopause, Dr. Karen gives us her recommendations of websites that offer reliable and helpful information about perimenopause and menopause. 

Menopause Foundation of Canada
Menopause Society
The Menopause Manifesto by Jen Gunter

19:42 - Talking to Doctor
Tips about how to prepare to talk to your doctor about your perimenopause symptoms and how to best advocate for yourself.

25:55 - Benefits of Estrogen
Dr. Karen elaborates on how estrogen can alleviate both physical and mental perimenopause symptoms and also has some preventative effects. 

29:02 - Natural Doesn’t Equal Good
Dr. Karen explains how natural remedies lack the same rigorous standards as prescription options. 

31:18 - Role of Progesterone in Hormone Therapy

32:24 - The one thing Dr. Karen wants you to know about perimenopause and menopause.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Do you know everything you need to know about perimenopause?

We didn’t either.

Introducing the This Is Perimenopause podcast! We are your hosts Michelle and Mikelle and we know firsthand how confusing, overwhelming, and downright scary this phase of life can be.

We’re on a mission to help others be better informed than we were when we started our journeys. We are excited to talk to a variety of people who are eager to share their personal stories and expert advice. 

Through our podcast and website we will share the resources, tools and information you need to get a better handle on what’s going on in your mind and body during perimenopause.

On today's episode, we share some of our stories about menopause, hormones, our friendship and how This Is Perimenopause came to be.

Here are some of the things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

6:42 - What is This Is Perimenopause?

Mikelle and Michelle tell us the story of how they started the This Is Perimenopause website and podcast and why they are passionate about providing information and support for anyone experiencing symptoms of perimenopause. 

8:28 - Perimenopause vs Menopause vs Post-Menopause Explained.

Mikelle and Michelle explain the differences between all of these terms. And surprise…one of them only lasts for one day!

11:15 - Get to know your hosts!

Hear the story of how Michelle and Mikelle met and how they have supported each other through breakups, marriages, love and babies. 

15:14 - The AC Studio and This Is Perimenopause 

The Accelerator Centre is an incubator for innovators. This Is Perimenopause is part of the AC Studio program. Hear about the support Michelle and Mikelle receive through this program as well as come of the challenges they face as women founders in the start-up space.

21:41 - Real life stories and expert advice

Michelle and Mikelle tell us exactly what you can find on the This Is Perimenopause website, from blogs about changing hormones, women’s health issues, and expert advice on how to manage menopause symptoms and what support and solutions are available. 

Plus, Michelle and Mikelle each share their Perimenopause story and experiences so far. 

31:02 What is the one thing Michelle and Mikelle want you to know about perimenopause?

Hint: it’s not the end it’s just the beginning!

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Do you know everything you need to know about perimenopause? 

We didn’t either.

Introducing the This Is Perimenopause podcast! We are your hosts Michelle and Mikelle and we know firsthand how confusing, overwhelming, and downright scary this phase of life can be.

We’re on a mission to help others be better informed than we were when we started our journeys. We are excited to talk to a variety of people who are eager to share their personal stories and expert advice.

Through our podcast and website, we will share the resources, tools and information you need to get a better handle on what’s going on in your mind and body during perimenopause.

So welcome to our podcast. We’re excited to get started and we’re honoured to be part of your journey.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!