Have you heard of the vagus nerve? Maybe it's been popping up all over your social media feed. And if it hasn't, ask yourself this...

Do you constantly feel stressed, anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed, or like your body just can't relax?

For many women over 40, these symptoms are often dismissed as "just stress," "just hormones," or simply part of getting older. But your nervous system—and specifically your vagus nerve—may be playing a much bigger role than you realize.

In this episode of Wellness After 40, I'm joined by Dr. Elissa Chambers, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner specializing in women's health and nervous system function. Together, we break down the science behind the vagus nerve, what it actually does, and why understanding it may help explain everything from poor sleep and digestive issues to brain fog, anxiety, inflammation, and feeling stuck in survival mode.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the vagus nerve is and why everyone is talking about it
• What really happens when you're stuck in fight-or-flight
• Why stress often becomes more physical during midlife
• How hormones, chronic stress, and the nervous system work together
• Common signs your nervous system may be dysregulated
• The connection between stress, digestion, inflammation, metabolism, and immune health
• What social media gets right—and wrong—about "healing" the vagus nerve
• Realistic ways to support your nervous system without completely overhauling your life

Connect with Dr. Elissa Chambers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelissachambers/

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What if gratitude isn't about staying positive?

We've been sold a version of gratitude that looks a lot like suppression with better branding — smile through it, focus on the positive, don't dwell. In this episode, I sit down with Laura Bratton, founder of Ubi Global and author of Harnessing Courage, to talk about what gratitude actually is when you strip away the toxic positivity.

This conversation will change how you think about the "just be grateful" advice you've probably given yourself a hundred times. We get into why honesty — not optimism — is what actually builds resilience, how gratitude and hard emotions can coexist instead of canceling each other out, and what it looks like to navigate a season that doesn't match what you planned for your life.

If you've ever felt like you were "failing" at gratitude because you were also struggling, this episode is going to feel like permission.

In this episode:
— The real difference between gratitude and toxic positivity
— Why honesty is the foundation of resilience, not the opposite of it
— How to hold gratitude and difficult emotions at the same time
— Practical ways to build a gratitude practice that's honest, not performative
— Navigating life when it doesn't look like what you expected

This one's for anyone in a season of change, uncertainty, or midlife recalibration — which, let's be honest, is most of us right now.

Connect with Laura:
Website: https://www.laurabratton.com/

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Have you ever wondered if that expensive serum, LED mask, or trending skincare device is actually worth it?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with licensed esthetician and functional medicine practitioner Samantha Dench to talk about how our skin changes after 40 and what we can realistically do about it.

We discuss the differences between over-the-counter and medical-grade skincare, which products may be worth investing in, and what to know about popular devices and treatments. We also explore some of the deeper reasons skin can change in midlife, including hormonal shifts, inflammation, gut health, and other factors that may be contributing to concerns like dryness, sensitivity, acne, and rosacea.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the skincare industry or unsure where to spend your money, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about your skin and overall wellness.

Connect with Samantha:
Website: https://www.skindeepil.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.dench/

You can also learn more from Samantha through her podcast, The Functional Aesthetician.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more women find evidence-based wellness information for life after 40.

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In this episode of Wellness After 40, I'm joined by Tess Cheng, MS, health and wellness coach and author of Confident You, to discuss one of the topics many women worry about most as they age: brain health.

Women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases, but how much of our risk is genetic—and how much can be influenced by the choices we make every day?

Tess breaks down the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, why women may be at greater risk, and the lifestyle habits that research suggests can help support long-term brain health.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease
 • Why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer's
 • The connection between menopause, hormones, and brain health
 • The powerful role of exercise and movement
 • Why sleep is essential for memory and cognitive function
 • How stress, blood sugar, inflammation, nutrition, and alcohol affect the brain
 • Supplements that may support brain health
 • What family history really means for your risk
 • Simple habits you can start today to support healthy aging

If brain health has ever felt overwhelming or frightening, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies and a hopeful perspective on what we can do now to support our brains for the future.

Resources from Tess

🌐 Website: https://glowithtess.com/

📖 Confident You: https://amzn.to/4ae7Sbo

😴 Free Sleep Tracker: https://tinyurl.com/GWTSleepGuide

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Peptides are one of the fastest-growing topics in health and wellness, with claims ranging from improved recovery and muscle growth to better metabolic health, healthier skin, and increased longevity. But how much of the excitement is backed by science?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with Dr. Christine Boev to explore what peptides are, how they work in the body, and who may benefit from them. We discuss the current state of peptide therapy, potential risks and benefits, common misconceptions, and why peptides should be viewed as one piece of a larger wellness strategy—not a replacement for healthy habits.

Whether you're curious about peptides for aging, recovery, body composition, or overall wellness, this conversation will help you better understand the science and separate fact from fiction.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What peptides are and how they work
• Potential benefits for recovery, metabolic health, and longevity
• Common myths and misconceptions about peptide therapy
• Risks, considerations, and who may not be a good candidate
• Why medical guidance matters when considering peptides
• How peptides fit alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other healthy lifestyle habits

Connect with Dr. Christine Boev:

Website: https://vitalize-fitness.com/bio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristineboev/

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Wellness After 40, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us continue bringing evidence-based wellness conversations to women navigating midlife and beyond.

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Cortisol gets blamed for everything in midlife—poor sleep, stubborn weight, feeling constantly on edge.

But it’s not that simple.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening in your body when it comes to stress and cortisol—and more importantly, how to support your body so it can actually recover.

I’m joined by Gunjan Bhalla, who takes a more holistic approach to stress by focusing on nutrition, nervous system regulation, and sustainable lifestyle shifts that help your body come out of that constant “go” mode.

If you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or like your body just isn’t responding the way it used to—this one is for you.

Connect with Gunjin:
👉 Instagram: @gonatural_5

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Thank you for listening!

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What should women over 40 actually be paying attention to when it comes to cancer prevention and early detection?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with cancer biologist and TEDx speaker Rebecca Maff for a conversation about cancer screenings, prevention, overlooked health changes, and the importance of proactive care in midlife.

We discuss why certain cancer screening guidelines are changing, what women should know about breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer awareness, and how subtle shifts in the body can sometimes be dismissed as “just aging,” stress, or hormones.

Rebecca also shares insight into the future of cancer detection, the role of AI in healthcare, and why understanding your body and advocating for your health matters more than ever after 40.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Cancer prevention and proactive healthcare after 40 
•  Why colorectal cancer screenings now begin at age 45 
•  Breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer awareness 
•  Subtle health changes women often dismiss in midlife 
•  The importance of routine screenings and family history 
•  Early detection and evolving healthcare technology 
•  AI and the future of cancer research and diagnosis 
•  Stress, overall health, and long-term wellness 

Connect with Rebecca:

•  Instagram: @rebeccamaff
  
  
•  TEDx Talk: Watch Rebecca’s TEDx Talk
  
  

Visit my website for more episodes and wellness resources:
 Living Well With Katie

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow Wellness After 40, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may benefit from it.

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After a season filled with conversations about hormones, migraines, gut health, strength training, relationships, recovery, stress, aging, and everything in between, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the biggest lessons that emerged throughout Season 2 of Wellness After 40.

What surprised me most wasn't just what the experts shared—it was the patterns that kept appearing across nearly every conversation.

In this episode, I'm looking back on:

•  The biggest themes that emerged throughout the season 
•  Why so many women over 40 feel dismissed when it comes to their health 
•  What listeners seemed to connect with most 
•  The shift from chasing wellness trends to seeking real understanding 
•  How midlife is often as much an identity transition as a physical one 
•  My personal reflections from hosting this season 

If you've listened throughout Season 2, thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you've been here since the beginning or discovered the podcast along the way, I'm incredibly grateful for your support, messages, shares, and encouragement.

As we look ahead to Season 3, my goal remains the same: bringing thoughtful, evidence-based conversations about health and wellness to women navigating midlife and beyond.

Connect with Katie

🌐 Website: www.livingwellwithkatie.net

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📱 Follow along for wellness tips, podcast updates, and resources designed to help women move, age, and thrive.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a review. It helps more women find these conversations.

Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in Season 3.

— Katie

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Are you dealing with migraines in your 40s and wondering what’s really causing them—and how to actually find relief?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, we talk with Kim Heintz, FDN-P, HTMA-E, MATD, about what migraines really are and what may be driving them beneath the surface.

This conversation goes beyond symptom management and into the root causes of migraines, including factors like stress, gut health, mineral imbalances, and overall nervous system load.

If you’ve been looking for a more complete approach to migraine relief, this episode will help you better understand where to start and how to support your body.

💡 In This Episode:

•  What migraines actually are (beyond just a headache) 
•  Common root causes of migraines
•  The role of stress, gut health, and mineral balance
•  Supplements that may support migraine relief
•  Simple, practical steps to start addressing migraines 
•  How to combine functional and traditional care

🌿 Resources

Connect with Kim Heintz
 👉 https://www.kimheintz.com/reclaim

Download the Migraine Guide: https://kim-fclwc5hg.scoreapp.com/

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

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GLP-1s, GIP, and weight loss medications are everywhere right now....but what do they actually do in the body, and are they the right choice after 40?

In this episode of Wellness After 40, we talk with Dr. Boev about the most talked-about weight loss drugs today, including GLP-1 and GIP medications. She breaks down how these medications work, why they are effective for appetite and weight loss, and why so many women in midlife are considering them.

This conversation also offers a more cautious perspective on these medications—especially when it comes to long-term health, muscle mass, and sustainability.

Tune in as we cover:

•  What GLP-1 and GIP medications actually do in the body 
•  Why weight loss can happen quickly—and what may be missed 
•  The role of muscle mass and metabolism after 40 
•  Why understanding food, nutrition, and “food noise” still matters 
•  What can happen when you stop these medications 
•  Alternative approaches to support weight loss and long-term health 

If you’ve been curious about GLP-1s or wondering if weight loss medications are the right choice in midlife, this episode will give you a clearer, more grounded understanding.

Of course, these are personal decisions—it’s always best to talk with your medical provider about what’s right for you. But this conversation will give you better questions to ask.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Boev

Learn more about her protocols and work here:
 https://mastermenopause.com/

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Follow Wellness After 40, share this episode with a friend who’s been asking these same questions, and help more women find real, evidence-based conversations around midlife health.

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