Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a Friend

Midlife fitness for women 45+ is not about trying harder—it’s about training smarter for perimenopause and menopause physiology. In this powerhouse episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Dr. Stacy Sims—exercise physiologist, TEDx speaker behind “Women Are Not Small Men,” and author of ROAR and Next Level—to break down exactly why your old workouts and “eat less, do more cardio” strategies stop working in midlife… and what to do instead.We get practical (and refreshingly no-BS) about the real midlife playbook:Why estrogen shifts change metabolism, muscle power, recovery, and body compositionWhy heavy lifting matters (and why it won’t make you “bulky”)The difference between HIIT vs. Sprint Interval Training (SIT)—and why many “HIIT classes” aren’t actually HIITWhere Zone 2 fits (and why it’s great for mental health, but not your best lever for optimization)The truth about fasted workouts and intermittent fasting for women—and how it can backfire on appetite, cravings, energy, and sleepHow to think about protein needs in midlife (including the “1 gram per pound” conversation and how to distribute it)Why creatine is having a moment (brain, muscle, mood, performance, and aging)—and what dosing typically looks likeRecovery upgrades in perimenopause/menopause: sleep, mobility, heat/sauna (and why cold plunge isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool for women)Why testing and metrics like DEXA (bone density + body comp) and VO2 max can be useful for longevity-focused womenIf you’ve been standing in your kitchen wondering where your “30-year-old metabolism” went—and why you can’t out-discipline midlife hormones—this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and a realistic path forward.You can find her newsletter and blog at: https://www.drstacysims.com/ You can receive 15% off her online courses at https://www.drstacysims.com/product_guide using the code DRSTACYSIMS15OFFhttps://www.instagram.com/drstacysimshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPD55VPa1ZWx1a_nzWC2VJA_________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected] If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you care about protein quality, metabolic health, inflammation, and long-term strength, this episode will change the way you shop for meat.On this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan pulls back the curtain on the modern meat industry with Cloe Parker, CEO of Parker Pastures, to expose the truth behind misleading meat labels—and why most consumers are unknowingly getting it wrong.Cloe explains what labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, and Product of the USA really mean—and why up to 85% of grass-fed beef is imported, yet still legally labeled as American. You’ll learn how conventional feedlot practices affect omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, inflammation, nutrient density, and overall protein quality—especially important for women focused on muscle preservation, bone health, and longevity.In this episode, we cover:Grass-fed vs grass-finished: what actually mattersHow grain-fed meat impacts inflammation and metabolic healthGlyphosate, pesticides, and contaminants in conventional meatWhy protein quality matters more than quantityThe truth about chicken, pork, and beef sourcingHow to shop smarter without chasing perfectionWhy food choices today impact strength, mobility, and independence later in lifeCloe also shares her powerful personal story—stepping into leadership of her family ranch after losing her mother—and how that loss shaped her mission to provide food that heals instead of harms.This conversation isn’t about fear or food rules. It’s about making informed choices that support strength, energy, and health for decades to come.🎧 Listen now and learn what your meat label isn’t telling you—and how to choose protein that actually supports your body.https://parkerpastures.com/Follow Cloe Parker on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parkerpasturesgrassfed/_________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected] If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

What if healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—but adding energy, clarity, and purpose to the years you already have?In this episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Eric North (aka “The Happiness Warrior”), a wellness speaker and coach who’s redefining what it looks like to be strong—emotionally and physically—at 61. Eric is the creator of the Happiness Workout, a simple daily practice that blends breathwork, functional movement, and mindset training to help people build resilience, reduce stress, and regain momentum in midlife.This conversation dives into what it really takes to stay well in your 40s, 50s, and 60s—especially when life feels heavy, habits slip, or motivation disappears. You’ll hear practical tools for rebuilding confidence, getting out of “survival mode,” and creating small daily rituals that support mental fitness, consistent movement, better sleep, and emotional strength. Michele and Eric also discuss why community matters, how to reintroduce movement without overwhelm, and how to shift from fear-based aging to intentional living.If you’ve felt stuck, tired, or like you’ve been playing small, this episode is your reminder: you’re not finished yet.Follow Eric North: Instagram @thehappinesswarriorofficialHappiness Warrior Website Follow Michele: @askingforafriend_pod and subscribe for weekly midlife wellness + fitness insights._________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected] If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Midlife can feel like a perfect storm—menopause, stubborn weight gain, bone loss, shifting identities, and an unexpected rise in loneliness. In today’s episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and 60s: disconnection—and why rebuilding community may be as powerful as lifting heavy or optimizing your hormones.My guest, Terry Tateossian, is a Harvard-trained, ISSA-certified personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats, where hundreds of midlife women have transformed not just their bodies—but their confidence, connection, and sense of purpose.We talk about:Why loneliness is the new smoking for women in midlifeHow community improves metabolic health, adherence, motivation, and emotional resilienceTerry’s personal transformation from obesity, burnout, and hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women's wellnessThe recurring struggles she sees in midlife women—under-eating protein, chronic dieting, hormone confusion, and the pressure to stay smallHow retreats create safety, belonging, and joy—often sparking lifelong friendshipsThe smallest, simplest steps you can take today to feel less aloneWhy lifestyle foundations matter more than ever—protein, strength training, stress reduction, and nervous system regulationIf you’ve been feeling isolated, stuck, or unsure how to reconnect with the adventurous, vibrant woman you used to be, this conversation is going to speak straight to you.You can find Terry Tateossian at:https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/https://www.instagram.com/thor.wellness/ https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get/_________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected] If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If you can talk about hot flashes and wrinkles but freeze up when the conversation turns to sex, this episode is for you.This week I’m joined by Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the U.S., to talk about everything we don’t discuss enough in midlife: pelvic floor health, recurrent UTIs, vaginal dryness, low libido, pain with sex, and what’s really going on with your microbiome and your mojo.We dig into the gut–brain–sex connection and how stress, antibiotics, diet, and hormone shifts in menopause all collide to affect your pelvic health, your confidence, and your desire. Dr. Betsy breaks down why so many women over 50 struggle with recurrent urinary tract infections, vaginal odor, and irritation—and why the answer isn’t just another round of antibiotics.We also get real about:Recurrent UTIs & vaginal infections in midlife and how the vaginal and gut microbiome are connectedWhy vaginal estrogen is such a game-changer (and what to do if you can’t tolerate certain forms)Pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence & fecal incontinence—what’s actually happening and when to seek helpHow probiotics, fiber, and fermented foods support pelvic health and sex driveThe truth about low libido in midlife, stress, and why “sex and stress can’t coexist”What we know (and don’t) about the G-spot, squirting, and the O-ShotWhy self-pleasure counts as pelvic physical therapy and how “use it or lose it” is very realReframing intimacy when you’re dealing with pelvic pain, dryness, or body confidence issuesDr. Betsy’s Pelvic Floor Store and what’s actually worth putting in your cart (lubricants, devices, and more)This conversation might make you blush, but it might also change how you think about your body, your pleasure, and what’s possible for you in midlife and beyond.🎧 Listen in if you’re a 50+ woman who’s tired of suffering in silence and ready to feel comfortable, confident, and connected again—down there and everywhere.You can find Dr. Betsy Greenleaf at https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf/Her Pelvic Floor Store https://pelvicfloorstore.com/_________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected] If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.