Women Mastering Midlife
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Women Mastering Midlife episodes

  • 61. The Estrogen Alzheimer’s Connection: Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl on Menopause, Brain Health & Cleopatra RX

    Could the key to protecting women's brains during menopause already exist and be overlooked for decades?

    In this groundbreaking episode, I sit down with Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, UCLA neurologist and internationally recognized researcher, to explore the powerful link between estrogen, menopause, and cognitive health. Dr. Voskuhl breaks down her decades of research on sex differences in neurological disease and the role of estriol, a lesser-known estrogen unique to pregnancy, in protecting brain function.

    We discuss:

    • Why 70% of menopausal women experience cognitive decline and how it’s often dismissed

    • The overlooked role of estriol in brain protection and how it differs from estradiol

    • Her creation of Cleopatra RX and the science behind its formulation for cognition, not just hot flashes

    • What her clinical trials in MS patients revealed about estrogen’s neuroprotective effects

    • The future of menopause care, Alzheimer’s prevention, and women’s brain health

    • The difference between FDA approval, safety data, and why estriol has been used safely in Europe for 40+ years


    Dr. Voskuhl shares why she believes we must stop ignoring the brain in menopause and how Cleopatra RX is aiming to fill that gap with a safe, affordable, and research-backed solution for cognitive decline in midlife women.

    This is a must-listen for any woman experiencing brain fog, verbal memory lapses, or focus issues during perimenopause and menopause.

    🔗 Resources & Links:

    • Learn more: https://www.cleopatrarx.com

    • Research publications: Cleopatra RX → RCare → Scientific Publications

    • Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl’s UCLA profile: HERE


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  

    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  


    51 min
  • 60. From Pause to Power: How Stay-at-Home Moms Can Reinvent Themselves and Thrive in Midlife with Sharon Macey

    In this inspiring episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes Sharon Macy — motivational speaker, content creator, and host of the globally ranked podcast Mom to More. Sharon shares her journey from two decades as a stay-at-home mom to becoming a celebrated podcaster and community builder.

    Together, Victoria and Sharon dive into the often invisible value of motherhood, reframing career "pauses" as strategic and powerful foundations for a new chapter. They explore how the skills women gain during motherhood — from emotional intelligence and conflict resolution to project management and leadership — are deeply transferable and deserve recognition.


    Listeners will walk away with:

    • Practical steps for rediscovering your purpose after motherhood

    • Ways to reframe fear and self-doubt when stepping into something new

    • Inspiration from other midlife women who started small and created massive impact

    • How to identify and own the "invisible resume" of your stay-at-home years

    • The importance of community and connection during reinvention


    Whether you’re reentering the workforce, starting something entirely new, or simply trying to rediscover yourself after years of caregiving, this episode is a must-listen.


    Connect with Sharon Macy:

    🎙 Podcast: Mom to More

    📧 Email: [email protected]

    🌐 Website: www.momtomore.com

    📸 Instagram: @momtomore

    🔗 LinkedIn: Sharon Macy on LinkedIn

    📘 Facebook: Mom to More Facebook Page


    Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    40 min
  • 59. Rebuilding, Reinventing, & Rising: Thriving Through Divorce, Motherhood, & Midlife Business with Annie Evans

    Today on Women Mastering Midlife, I’m joined by Annie Evans- entrepreneur, single mom, skincare expert, and all-around powerhouse, for a refreshingly real conversation about navigating life after divorce, building a thriving business, and embracing self-care and community during the midlife years. Annie shares how she went from reluctant business owner to founder of two successful locations and her own skincare line, all while raising her two children and learning how to prioritize her own well-being.

    We dive into the realities of midlife dating, the challenges of managing hormonal shifts alongside parenting teens, why self-care is non-negotiable (even if it looks different than you expected), and how women can leverage their hidden skills to reinvent their lives after major transitions. Annie’s story is packed with wisdom, laughter, and the reminder that reinvention at midlife isn't just possible, it’s powerful.

    If you're a midlife woman wondering how to rebuild, reclaim your identity, or take a leap into something new, this episode is for you.

    What We Cover in This Episode:

    • Annie's journey from economist to esthetician to multi-location business owner

    • Lessons from building a business as a single mom in midlife

    • How divorce reshapes your sense of identity and motherhood

    • The unexpected benefits (and challenges) of dating in your 40s

    • Prioritizing self-care in the busiest seasons of life

    • Letting go of societal expectations and redefining success on your terms

    • The importance of asking for help, building community, and finding joy in solo adventures

    • Why women underestimate their transferable skills — and how to own your experience

    • Words of encouragement for any woman standing at a new beginning


    Resources Mentioned:

    Books: Who Not How, 10x is Easier than 2x, Traction

    Small Business Administration (SBA) resources for women entrepreneurs

    Connect with Annie Evans: https://spruceshoppe.com/

    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses

    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  

    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

    56 min
  • 58. Magnesium and Midlife: The Unsung Hero of Hormone Health, Sleep & Mood

    In this empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, RPh, dives into one of the most underrated minerals for women in perimenopause and menopause: magnesium.


    Often overlooked, magnesium plays a critical role in hormone balance, sleep quality, mood regulation, muscle function, and more. But not all magnesium is created equal—and the form you choose can make a big difference in how you feel.


    Join Victoria as she breaks down:

    • Why magnesium is essential in midlife (and why declining estrogen makes deficiency more common)

    • The signs you may be low in magnesium (hello, insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, and restless leg syndrome!)

    • Top magnesium-rich foods to add to your plate

    • A breakdown of the different forms of magnesium—including glycinate, citrate, malate, L-threonate, oxide, taurate, and chloride—and which ones support sleep, digestion, brain health, and more

    • Dosage guidance and supplement safety tips

    • When to supplement and when to prioritize food sources


    Whether you’re struggling with sleep, mood swings, or muscle tension, magnesium could be the missing piece of your midlife wellness puzzle.

    Mentioned in the Episode

    • 📝 Free Supplement Guide with a magnesium breakdown chart: Get it at www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

    • 🧠 Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s research on magnesium and brain health

    • 📚 Dr. Lara Briden’s Period Repair Manual

    • 🧂 NIH Magnesium Fact Sheet for health professionals



    Want more support for your midlife transition?

    Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

    18 min
  • 57. Why Creatine Is a Game-Changer for Women Over 40: Muscle, Memory & Midlife Strength

    In this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd, licensed pharmacist and integrative women’s health coach, breaks down everything you need to know about creatine supplementation for women over 40.

    Once known only for “muscle bros,” creatine is now backed by solid research for its benefits in muscle preservation, cognitive function, bone density, and energy—especially during perimenopause and menopause.


    You’ll learn:

    • Why women start losing 3–8% of muscle mass per decade after 30—and how creatine helps slow it down

    • What the latest research says about creatine’s effects on strength and performance in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (even without workouts!)

    • Creatine’s brain-boosting and bone-supporting benefits as we age

    • The truth about safety, water retention, and common myths

    • Dosage, timing, and whether capsules or powder work better

    • Victoria’s personal routine and trusted brands (Thorne, Optimum Nutrition, Naked Creatine)

    • Why consistency matters more than timing—and how to easily add it to your day


    👟 Whether you're strength training 3x a week or just getting started, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to decide if creatine belongs in your midlife wellness plan.


    🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned:

    • 💪 Grab Victoria’s Free Strength Training Guide for Midlife Women

    • 📖 Blog post: Creatine for Women in Midlife

    • 🧠 Book a 50-minute Midlife Mastery Clarity Session

    • 📚 Experts to follow: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Stacy Sims


    💬 Let’s Connect: Have questions about creatine or midlife muscle loss? DM Victoria on Instagram @msvictoriabyrd or leave a comment with your takeaways!


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    21 min
  • 56. Midlife Ask Me Anything: Hormone Therapy, Brain Fog, Strength Training, and the Truth About Belly Fat

    Welcome to a special Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode of Women Mastering Midlife with your host, Victoria Byrd, pharmacist, certified menopause practitioner, and integrative health coach. In this milestone episode, Victoria reflects on her journey from pharmacy to midlife coaching and answers your most frequently asked questions about navigating the menopause transition.


    Tune in as she unpacks powerful and practical advice around:

    •  Why she left pharmacy to become a menopause health coach

    • The evolving role of pharmacists in menopause care and why education and collaboration matter

    • Hormone therapy facts: Is it safe? Who is it for? What the WHI study got wrong

    • Perimenopause brain fog and what Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s research reveals about estrogen and the brain

    •  How to stay motivated during injury recovery and strength training setbacks

    •  Real talk on midlife belly fat, metabolic changes, cortisol, and why cookie-cutter diet plans don’t work


    Victoria also dives into the cultural messaging midlife women have internalized about their bodies and the real reasons sustainable weight loss is more complicated than calories in/calories out.


    Whether you’re deep in perimenopause, navigating the changes of postmenopause, or just curious about your body, this episode is full of insights, validation, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.

    🔗 Resources & Links:

    • 💼 Learn about 1:1 coaching & availability: msvictoriabyrd.com

    • 📩 Submit your AMA questions for the next episode: [email protected]

    • 📚 Free resources for midlife women: msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides

    • 🧠 Book Rec: The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi


    Join the Conversation:

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    38 min
  • 55. Menopause as a Superpower: How Elana Broitman’s Graphic Novel Flips the Script on Midlife

    In today’s empowering episode of Women Mastering Midlife, I sat down with Elana Broitman, author of the groundbreaking graphic novel Holy Menopause! Adventures of a Middle-Aged Superheroine. Elana shares how she turned the often-overlooked midlife experience into a vibrant, hilarious, and deeply relatable story, redefining menopause not as a limitation, but as a superpower. We dive into how her character Mina reclaims her voice, strength, and invisibility to transform everyday frustrations into heroic triumphs.

    Elana’s message is clear: Midlife is not the end of your story, it's just the beginning of a new adventure.


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why Elana chose a comic book to tell a midlife woman’s story
    • How menopause became a metaphor for hidden superpowers
    • The societal invisibility women often face and how to flip it into strength
    • The importance of creativity, play, and rediscovering your passions at midlife
    • Behind-the-scenes stories about using hot flashes, Tide Pods, and gray hair as hilarious weapons
    • How women can stop curbing their own power and step into leadership in life, love, and career

    Special Highlight:

    Elana’s book Holy Menopause! was named Oprah Daily’s #1 pick for Mother's Day-  a must-read (and must-gift!) for every woman redefining midlife on her own terms.


    Connect with Elana Broitman:

    Get your copy of ⁠Holy Menopause! Adventures of a Middle-Aged Superheroine

    Find more on Instagram!


    Join the Conversation:

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

    36 min
  • 54. Celebrating a Year of Women Mastering Midlife: Lessons, Conversations, and What's Next

    Welcome to Season 2 of Women Mastering Midlife! In this special episode, I’m reflecting on one full year of podcasting: 53 episodes filled with powerful conversations, expert interviews, personal stories, and important truths about navigating midlife. From tackling perimenopause and menopause care to rebuilding identity during major life transitions, this community has grown stronger with every listen.

    Today, I’m keeping it short and sweet to say thank you  and to encourage you to dive into our growing library of episodes covering midlife health, wellness, and the messy, beautiful reality of mastering this chapter of life.

    What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

    • A behind-the-scenes look at how Women Mastering Midlife began
    • Highlights from favorite guest interviews on menopause care, launching kids to college, pelvic health, relationships, and chronic dieting
    • Why mastering midlife doesn’t mean having it all figured out
    • How midlife can feel like thriving one day and chaos the next, and why that’s normal
    • A call to action to download, save, rate, and share your favorite episodes
    • A peek at what’s coming in Season 2  including even bolder conversations and unfiltered opinions!


    Featured Past Guests Mentioned:

    • Jacqueline Piasta, Menopause Care Advocate
    • Dr. Ifa O'Sullivan, Women's Health Expert
    • Verena Phillips, Chronic Dieting Recovery Coach
    • Monica, The Closet Therapist
    • Debbie Weiss, Author of Embrace the Middle


    Listener Favorites to Revisit:

    • Chronic Dieting and Breaking Free with Verena Phillips
    • Launching Your Kids and Rediscovering Yourself
    • Understanding Perimenopause: What No One Tells You
    • Stop Hiding in Beige: Finding Your Style Confidence in Midlife


    Take Action:

    • Go back through the Women Mastering Midlife library and tap “save” on the episodes that call to you.
    • Share your favorites with a friend who needs support in her midlife journey.
    • Leave a rating or review to help more women discover this empowering community.
    • Message me to let me know what topics you'd love to hear in Season 2!


    Final Thoughts:

    Mastering midlife isn’t about perfection it’s about showing up, learning, falling, thriving, and doing it all with strength and grace. Thank you for being here. Season 2 is going to be bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful. I can't wait to keep growing with you.

    Join the Conversation:

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.


    11 min
  • 53. Why Midlife Women Feel Overwhelmed: The Hidden Impact of the Invisible Load on Mental Health

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Victoria wraps up Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful conversation about the invisible mental load so many midlife women silently carry. From managing family schedules, emotional labor, aging parents, and career shifts,  all while navigating perimenopause and hormonal changes — it's no wonder we feel anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed.

    Victoria dives deep into how constant low-grade stress actually reshapes the brain, impacting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. She explores why the midlife transition feels like a "pressure cooker," the role hormone loss plays in our mental resilience, and the hidden ways the mental load weighs heavier than we realize.

    You’ll leave this episode with practical, compassionate strategies to lighten your load — including brain dumps, cognitive boundaries, nervous system support, and reclaiming moments of joy in your day.

    If you’ve ever felt exhausted by noon, snapped over something small, or forgotten why you walked into a room, this episode is for you. You are not alone.

  • What You'll Learn:

    • What the "invisible load" really is — and why it goes unnoticed

    • How constant low-grade stress physically changes your brain

    • The impact of perimenopause and hormone shifts on stress resilience

    • Signs your mental load may be too heavy to carry alone

    • How to set cognitive boundaries and lighten the emotional burden

    • Simple strategies to reclaim your autonomy, protect your brain, and find more joy


    Powerful Takeaways:

    • 72% of mothers report feeling solely responsible for managing the household, even with a partner (YouGov 2022).


    • Chronic cortisol exposure shrinks the hippocampus (your brain’s memory center) and over activates the amygdala (your anxiety response).

    • Estrogen loss in midlife makes women more vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress than younger women or men.

  • Join the Conversation:

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 

    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.  

    28 min
  • 52. Regulate, Don’t Overwhelm: Nervous System Tools for Midlife Women with Jessica Addeo

    What if the real reason you're feeling frazzled, forgetful, or reactive isn't about willpower, but about your nervous system?

    In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Victoria sits down with nervous system coach Jessica Addeo to explore why midlife women are so often living in a state of chronic dysregulation and what to do about it.

    From the myth of “regulate once and done” to the science of sensory input and co-regulation, Jessica breaks down the nervous system in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how your body communicates through stress, overwhelm, and even that scroll-you-can’t-stop moment, and why your gum-chewing, weighted vest, or crunchy snack might be doing more than you realize.


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why nervous system dysregulation is normal (and not something to fix)

    • What "fight, flight, and freeze" really look like in daily life

    • How chronic stress shows up as brain fog, memory issues, sleep disruption, and gut problems

    • The real reason mindset alone won’t calm you down and what to use instead

    • Personalized tools to support your nervous system using sensory input (like seltzers, ankle weights, spicy snacks, and yes, your neck fan)

    • Why co-regulation is critical in midlife relationships and how loneliness affects our physiology

    • How to shift out of survival mode without adding more to your plate



    Key quote: "Your regulated nervous system isn’t always calm and quiet, it’s the version of you that feels the most present, connected, and capable. That’s what we’re building." – Jessica Addeo


    Resources Mentioned:

    • Jessica Addeo:@jessicaraddeo on Instagram

    • Her website: jessicaraddeo.com


    Tune in, take a breath, and walk away with real-life tools to help you move through midlife with more resilience and regulation.


    Join the Conversation

    Get your FREE guides HERE: www.msvictoriabyrd.com/free-guides 


    Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife  and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  

    Find more information on our website: www.msvictoriabyrd.com 

    Join the Community! www.msvictoriabyrd.com/community 

    Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses


    Subscribe & Review  

    Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife with strength and resilience.  


    Disclaimer  

    This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  

    Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast. 

    53 min

About Women Mastering Midlife

From the publisher's feed

Women Mastering Midlife is the podcast for women in their 40s and 50s who want real answers about what is happening inside their bodies, and the confidence to advocate for themselves in every room they walk into.