If you’re a woman in your 40s or beyond wondering why your body suddenly isn’t responding like it used to — this episode is for you.

Host Dawne Hanks sits down with Allyson Spungin to unpack what’s truly happening during the pre and post-menopausal transition. From the science of hormonal shifts (hello, estrogen and progesterone drops) to real talk about body composition changes, emotional curveballs, and why fasting or workouts that once worked suddenly don’t, this episode offers insight, empowerment, and practical ways forward.

Allyson shares how she supports women through this season by looking at the whole person not just lab results or symptoms. They discuss the importance of asking the deeper questions: Where are you at? What’s your story? Where do you want to go from here?

This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to stop feeling like your body is betraying you and start learning how to work with it.

In this intimate and honest episode, host Dawne Hanks and guest Veronica Roberts dive into the personal lessons learned through female friendships. From quick catch-ups to four-hour dinners filled with laughter and layered truths, the duo reflects on the kind of conversations that change how we see ourselves—and the world.

They explore how their closest friendships have taught them about emotional safety, identity, and how to truly show up.

Dawne and Veronica get real about how romantic relationships can sometimes pull us away from our female friendships, how age shifts our expectations, and why the desire for authenticity becomes non-negotiable with time. They also unpack the contrast between how women interact in private versus public spaces, and how powerful it can be to maintain a tight-knit, intentional circle.

If you've ever learned something life-changing over a glass of wine or walked away from a conversation feeling more whole, this episode is for you. It's a celebration of the people who meet us where we are—and help us grow into who we're meant to be.

In this heartfelt episode, host Dawne Hanks sits down with longtime friend and healthcare operations leader Veronica Roberts for a deeply honest conversation about healing, identity, and learning to trust your gut.

Veronica shares how, after her divorce, she struggled with the desire to be wanted; often ignoring her intuition in the pursuit of external validation. Through leadership training and deep self-reflection, she began to unlearn these patterns and reconnect with her inner voice. Now, she’s embracing a life where her worth isn’t determined by attention, beauty, or approval; but by how fully she loves and honors herself.

Together, Dawne and Veronica talk about the emotional layers of self-trust, the journey from fantasy to truth, and how real partnerships; starting with the one you have with yourself—are where the healing happens.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks is joined by Alyson Spungin for a vulnerable, honest conversation about what it means to truly take up space—and how that looks different for everyone.

Together, they unpack the pressure women face around body image, productivity, and performance, especially within the dance community. Alyson shares how her personal experiences with therapy and psychology shaped her understanding of health, healing, and autonomy. She also opens up about her practice of celebrating small wins offline—without social media, without external validation, just presence.

Dawne and Alyson both reflect on how we often expect others to “fix” us when all we really need is a safe space to exist. They honor the quiet, supportive men in their lives—like Alyson’s father, who drove hours just to check in during her first year of college, or Dawne’s stepfather, who offered small gestures that made a big impact. These moments model the kind of support that empowers rather than overcomes.

This episode isn’t just about movement or mindset. It’s about redefining what health, growth, and support look like on your own terms—and how giving ourselves permission to take up space is a radical act of self-trust.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, we dive into the complex world of consumerism, ethics, and financial empowerment with Dawne and returning guest, Gina Jacobson. Dawne reflects on her growing desire to vote with her wallet — to spend her money in alignment with her values — and how difficult that can be in today’s landscape of corporate consolidation and marketing manipulation.

Dawne explores the challenges of trying to avoid companies and brands that don’t have her best interest at heart, and how frustrating it can feel when those same brands dominate the market. The duo gets candid about the emotional weight of wanting to do the “right thing” while navigating convenience, cost, and access.

But this isn’t just a critique — it’s a rallying cry. Dawne shares her belief in the power of women as a collective force. When women begin to see their everyday purchases as tools of protest and protection, real change becomes possible.

She also challenges us to rethink our definition of wealth: if your household brings in more than $40,000 a year, you’re wealthier than most of the global population. That means your money can make a difference — even when it doesn’t feel like it.

This episode is for anyone trying to align their values with their spending — and wondering if it’s even possible. Spoiler alert: it is.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Zhou Fang, a journalist with a unique perspective on navigating privilege, gender, and success across two cultures. Zhou’s journey from growing up in a STEM-heavy family in China to transitioning into journalism in the U.S. offers invaluable insights into the complexities of being an immigrant in the workplace.

Zhou reflects on how she initially believed in the myth of the American Dream—thinking that working hard and keeping her head down would be enough to "make it." But as she entered the tech and compliance industries, the realities of privilege, networking, and identity began to surface. Zhou shares her experiences of being told to “smile more” in performance reviews and being constantly assumed to be junior due to her age, gender, and immigrant status. At 30, she found herself grappling with how to break through these biases.

The conversation also touches on the gender pay gap and why pay transparency is essential for achieving real equity in the workplace. Zhou explains how, without transparency, it’s nearly impossible to assess whether pay is equitable, especially when employees can’t compare their salaries with their peers. This lack of visibility leads to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for anyone to determine if they’re being fairly compensated.

Throughout the episode, Zhou emphasizes how the fight for women's financial equality is often slow and invisible. The intersectionality of her immigrant status, gender, and age plays a major role in the challenges she faces. This conversation provides a candid and insightful look into the obstacles women face in industries that undervalue them and underscores the importance of transparency in creating a more equitable future.

This episode offers a powerful conversation about navigating the realities of being a woman of color in a biased workplace and the need for real pay transparency. Tune in to hear Zhou’s perspective and why these issues matter now more than ever.

In this powerful episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Evelyn Kocher to discuss a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true identity.

Evelyn opens up about her transformative experience in 2020, a year marked by uncertainty, depression, and a search for meaning. After facing a lack of academic validation and grappling with feelings of disconnection, Evelyn realized that she couldn’t continue living a life that didn’t feel authentic to her. At 24, she came to terms with her identity as a transgender woman. This was her catalyst for change, a turning point that set her on a path to living authentically — even though it meant confronting her deepest fears.

Dawne and Evelyn dive into why change can be so frightening, especially when it forces us to face things we’ve been avoiding. The episode explores how society’s fear of the unknown often leads to resistance and how personal growth often requires us to confront discomfort head-on.

Evelyn’s journey isn’t just about gender identity; it’s about the universal experience of embracing who we truly are despite the noise and judgment of others. As Evelyn continues to wake up each day in a body that once represented her greatest shame, she now sees it as a symbol of strength. Her story is a reminder that confronting our deepest fears can unlock our greatest potential.

This episode is a moving and thought-provoking conversation about self-acceptance, personal transformation, and the courage it takes to live in your truth.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP... WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Vision Capital Wealth Advisor Gina Jacobson to dive into a conversation that’s essential for every woman: financial security. Many women wrestle with the fear, “Am I going to be okay?” when considering their long-term financial futures. Whether it's planning for retirement or ensuring they aren’t a burden on their children, these concerns are real.

Gina shares that while men are often more willing to take financial risks, women are less likely to invest at all. But the good news? Women who feel comfortable with strategic risk-taking often end up with diversified portfolios that grow steadily over time. It’s about planting seeds, not putting all your eggs in one basket.

In this episode, we also explore the important concept of women putting on their oxygen masks first—especially for mothers. So often, women feel guilty about prioritizing their own needs. But when it comes to finances, it’s essential to secure your own future first. Whether it's managing your net (wealth and investments) or your nest (home and security), planning today is key to ensuring you're ready for the next 30-40 years.

Join us for a powerful discussion that’ll give you the confidence and knowledge to take control of your finances and start building a future of financial independence and security.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks dives deep into the complexities of power, wealth, and equality in today’s world. She reflects on the historical and ongoing struggles women face, from the fight for financial independence to the exclusionary practices within modern feminism. Dawne opens up about her own journey—how she used to shop mindlessly for the dopamine hit but has since learned to approach her financial choices with purpose and intention.

The episode explores the intersection of money and power, how access to wealth drives success in a capitalist society, and why it’s crucial for women to control their financial futures. Dawne emphasizes that true feminism and equality can only be achieved when we advocate for all women, including women of color, transgender women, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. She challenges listeners to rethink what true growth and progress look like and encourages women to capitalize on their strengths to create a secure and prosperous future.

Join Dawne for an insightful conversation about wealth, purpose, and the path toward genuine equality. Tune in and let’s get smarter about how we invest in our futures!

In this solo episode of WAIT. HOLD UP... WHAT?, Dawne Hanks reflects on the power and significance of being called “weird.” Inspired by a conversation with her nephew, who was labeled "weird" for playing outside alone at school, Dawne dives deep into how the word "weird" is often used to belittle, but it actually carries a much more powerful meaning.

Dawne shares her personal journey of being called “weird” from childhood through her professional life, and how these moments made her shrink and question whether she could just be “normal.” But in this episode, Dawne uncovers the fascinating truth behind the word “weird” – it comes from WYRD, an old English term meaning fate or destiny. Being weird isn’t something to hide from; it’s a sign that you’re following your own path.

Dawne encourages listeners to embrace their unique, beautiful weirdness and stop conforming to societal rules that try to box us in. It’s time to lean into what makes you stand out and show up as your true, authentic self. This episode is a reminder that your weirdness is your destiny, and it’s what makes you who you are.