Learning to Thrive: A Runner’s Midlife Reinvention with Megan Eastwood (Episode 225)

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#Hit Play Not Pause #Women's Health #Health and Well-Being #Fitness #Mental Health #Hot Flash #Fooducate Podcasts #Society #Lifestyle #Women's Corner #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

1:54

Jerry Seinfeld jokes about the phrase "it is what it is' in his Netflix special, "23 Hours To Kill".

about a year ago 1:06:18

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Megan Eastwood never considered herself athletic. She was the girl no-one wanted on their sports team at school. Now 50+ she’s finding the confidence to see what her body is capable of.

She found ultra trail running in the UK in her early 20s, but an eating disorder ended any sports activity by the age of 30. Through career, marriage, and raising a family, she hit 39, overweight and not even able to run around the block. She knew she couldn’t enter her 40s like this and started running again. Living in Vancouver, Canada she quickly found the ultra-marathon scene.

Perimenopause hit hard. Like many women she couldn’t understand why everything was going wrong. She dug into research and resources and turned her situation around. Her message to anyone struggling to stay fit through menopause is keep going (and strength train), you will come through the other side eventually.

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251 episodes

Learning to Thrive: A Runner’s Midlife Reinvention with Megan Eastwood (Episode 225)

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83 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Megan Eastwood never considered herself athletic. She was the girl no-one wanted on their sports team at school. Now 50+ she’s finding the confidence to see what her body is capable of.

Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co

Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page

Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause

Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099

Support our Partners:

Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/

Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off

Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/

251 episodes

#Hit Play Not Pause #Women's Health #Health and Well-Being #Fitness #Mental Health #Hot Flash #Fooducate Podcasts #Society #Lifestyle #Women's Corner #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

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1
Bone Health, HRT & the Invisible Impacts of Menopause with Nicole Oh (Episode 230) 47:18

5 days ago47:18

47:18

“The person who wins is often the one who is fending off the menopause the best!” Those were words of advice a fellow competitor once gave this week’s guest, physiotherapist and competitive cyclist Nicole Oh. That would be something Nicole would come to learn firsthand just a few short years later, as she found herself navigating mysterious joint pain, hot spells, and concerning bone loss. This week Nicole talks candidly about how she preserved performance during the transition, why she now champions DEXA scans for midlife athletes, and the role of plyometrics in protecting bone health. She also discusses the importance of being proactive—not reactive—when it comes to training, recovery, and maintaining power, and her personal mission to crack 1000 watts. Nicole Oh is a physiotherapist from Sydney who specializes in the management of cyclists and triathletes. Nicole combines her cycling knowledge and physiotherapy skills to offer bike fitting services for all levels of riders. She also writes for the UK magazine Cycling Weekly on bike fitting, health and injury. Nicole was a late comer to endurance sports, starting as a triathlete, then switching to road racing in 2012 at the age of 35, racing in the UK, Europe, and now Australia. She has won National Masters titles in road and criterium racing, time trialling and cyclocross. You can learn more about her and her work at thebodymechanic.com.au/nicole-oh Resources: At 46 menopause took me by surprise - here’s how I’ve coped with the changes and adapted my training. Cycling Weekly I hit menopause and found I was osteopenic - this is what cyclists (male and female) need to know. Cycling Weekly Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Why Education is Everything at Feisty Media 36:22

7 days ago36:22

36:22

Over the past eight years, Feisty Media has grown into a go-to resource for women’s health and performance education. In this special episode, Feisty CEO Sara Gross and Hit Play Not Pause host Selene Yeager reflect on how Feisty’s content has evolved to meet the real-life needs of active women. From menopause and nutrition to strength training and brain health, Feisty is offering more than ever—including a new suite of comprehensive, on-demand courses. In a world overflowing with wellness advice, Feisty stays grounded in science. With trusted experts and evidence-based content, their goal is to give women clear, practical guidance for every stage of their health journey. Now, for the first time, all Feisty courses are available on-demand —including our three brand-new offerings: A Perimenopause Starter Pack (All New!) Your Quick-Start Guide to Hormone Therapy (All New!) Brain Power: Understand, Protect, and Optimize Your Brain Health (All New!) Fueled: The Science, Psychology, and Strategy of Nutrition for Active Women Strong: The Complete Strength Training Course for Women Navigate Menopause: A Menopause Guide Built for Active Women Whether you’re training, transitioning through menopause, or simply looking to take charge of your well-being, these courses deliver the knowledge and support you need—when and where you need it. Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Hormones & Heavy Lifts: The Menopause Blueprint with Holly Rilinger (Episode 229) 49:27

12 days ago49:27

49:27

When some of the biggest names in menopause medicine want to learn to lift heavy, they turn to this week’s guest, Nike Master Trainer and midlife fitness advocate Holly Rilinger, founder of the LIFTED Method. Because Holly gets it. She’s been through her own journey with damaging diet culture, body image issues, and a challenging perimenopause that has left her navigating sheet soaking night sweats, brain fog, and fatigue. Through a midlife-specific training plan and tailored hormone therapy regimen (including testosterone), she’s been able to reclaim her energy and power and is devoted to helping others do the same. This week we dive into the science and strategy behind Holly’s Lifted Method and her Blueprint programs designed specifically for women in midlife, as well as for those using GLP-1 medications. This conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and a lot of muscle. You can learn more about Holly and her programs at www.theliftedmethodcoaching.com Holly Rilinger is a Nike Master Trainer, author, and founder of the LIFTED Method: An in-person and virtual platform with the focus of empowering people at all levels to strength train. Holly is dedicated to delivering innovative, science-backed training methods in an environment that prioritizes growth, resilience, and a lifelong passion for fitness. Holly coaches in her East Hampton studio and on her virtual platform. She is also the founder of LIFTED Blueprint, formerly Menopause Bootcamp, a program designed specifically to help women in midlife get stronger, feel more energized, and gain confidence as they navigate this powerful phase of life. She is also the creator of LIFTED’s newest program for SLP-1 patients–GLP-1 Blueprint in partnership with Dr. Alexandra Sowa of So Well. Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Running a Record-Setting 366 Marathons at 55 with Hilde Dosogne (Episode 228) 50:24

19 days ago50:24

50:24

At the start of 2024, 55-year-old ultrarunner Hilde Dosogne set out to achieve the female World Record for the most consecutive days to run a marathon distance run by completing a marathon every day for a year. On December 31st of last year, she clocked her 366th 26.2 mile run (it was a leap year, which means she had one extra day to run) and her record was verified by Guinness in March. And we had questions, mostly how? How did she stay healthy? (Spoiler, she didn’t, but kept going.) Is she managing menopause symptoms? (Yep.) What does she want others to take from her feat? (The power of the mind and so much more.) This week we share our conversation about her journey to set that Guinness World Record. Hilde Dosogne is a Belgian ultrarunner who started running at 41 and found her stride as a world-class endurance athlete quickly thereafter. Her career highlights include 100km Race Belgian Champion in 2023; 4th place in Ultrabalaton, a 210km race around Lake Balaton in Hungary; finishing Spartathlon in 2022 and 2023, and Marathon Des Sables, a 250km stage race in the Moroccan desert in 2021. She is also a mother of four and a bio-engineer. In 2024, she set a Guinness World Record by running 366 consecutive marathons in support of breast cancer research. Hilde is dedicated to pushing the limits of human endurance and proving what we’re capable of when we set our mind to it. You can learn more about her and her accomplishments at www.hildedosogne.be/en Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Mind Over Midlife: Brain Health Tips for Midlife with Therese Huston, PhD (Episode 227) 1:10:18

26 days ago1:10:18

1:10:18

As estrogen drops, our midlife brains go through a lot of changes. The activity in our dopamine network declines, which can leave us going from highly motivated to “meh.” We can experience bigger cortisol spikes and have elevated levels of the stress hormone longer. We can end up feeling constantly stressed out and in a doom spiral we can’t quite escape. And it doesn’t exactly help that many of us are also firmly entrenched in the most demanding period of our lives. This week’s guest, cognitive neuroscientist Therese Huston, PhD, is coming to the rescue with a host of simple–and quick–ways to boost our dopamine, keep cortisol in check, and help our midlife brains be their best. Therese Huston, PhD, is a cognitive neuroscientist at Seattle University and the author of four books. She’s always asking, “How can we remove the pesky obstacles that get in the way of smart people?” Her latest book, Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science, offers science-backed actionable strategies, many of which take 5 minutes or less, to help you make the most of the brain you’ve got. Therese received her MS and PhD in cognitive psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. She completed a prestigious post-doc in cognitive neuroscience at the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition and earned a degree in Organizational Leadership at Oxford University. She frequently gives talks and runs workshops for organizations like Microsoft, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Strava, and the Cleveland Clinic. She also loves a good 5K, especially when the rain takes a pause in her hometown of Seattle. You can learn more about her, her work, and her books at www.theresehuston.com . Resources: The Healthy Minds Program app here Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Midlife Fueling 101: Essential Sports Nutrition Advice for Peri & Postmenopausal Women with Kristen Arnold, MS, RDN, CSSD (Episode 226) 1:00:57

5 weeks ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Muscle and bone loss. Inflammation. Bloating, diarrhea, and other GI issues. Peri and postmenopausal active women can face myriad training and performance challenges. But the good news is that a lot of them can be helped with proper nutrition practices. This week we dive into the basics on how to fuel your active midlife body, including what to know about carbohydrates, ultraprocessed foods, energy availability, protein, anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, and more with sports dietitian Kristen Arnold. Kristen Arnold MS, RDN, CSSD is a board-certified sports dietitian, cycling coach, retired professional athlete, and team sport director for USA Cycling and professional cycling teams. Her private practice is centered around empowering women through evidence-based sports nutrition coaching and information, and she has done research on improving postmenopausal women's health through nutrition strategies and counseling. You can learn more about her and her work at sportsnutritionforwomen.com . Resources Black Cohosh review here Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Learning to Thrive: A Runner’s Midlife Reinvention with Megan Eastwood (Episode 225) 1:06:18

6 weeks ago1:06:18

1:06:18

This week’s guest ultrarunner Megan Eastwood is a portrait of perseverance. She’s lived through trauma, battled eating disorders, and been flattened by perimenopause. Through it all, she’s learned, grown, evolved, and ultimately thrived. Now 55 and postmenopausal, Megan is out in nature every week, running, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, basically anything she can do outdoors. She’s completed numerous multi-day running events, where she generally posts top five in her age group, and currently has her sights set on 70.3 Ironman triathlon events. We talk all about her journey and learnings and what she wants other women like her to know. Megan Eastwood never considered herself athletic. She was the girl no-one wanted on their sports team at school. Now 50+ she’s finding the confidence to see what her body is capable of. She found ultra trail running in the UK in her early 20s, but an eating disorder ended any sports activity by the age of 30. Through career, marriage, and raising a family, she hit 39, overweight and not even able to run around the block. She knew she couldn’t enter her 40s like this and started running again. Living in Vancouver, Canada she quickly found the ultra-marathon scene. Perimenopause hit hard. Like many women she couldn’t understand why everything was going wrong. She dug into research and resources and turned her situation around. Her message to anyone struggling to stay fit through menopause is keep going (and strength train), you will come through the other side eventually. Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Respinning Menopause: Movement, Mindset & Midlife with Maria Luque, PhD (Episode 224) 59:19

7 weeks ago59:19

59:19

Active and athletic women can be hit hard by the menopause transition. Many of us have become accustomed to our bodies responding in a predictable way to our training and nutrition, only to have that sense of control slip away during the menopause transition. That can leave us feeling desperate for solutions–and vulnerable to predatory marketing. That’s where mindset, especially acceptance, becomes an essential tool in our midlife toolbox. While there are steps we can take to feel and perform our best at every age and stage of life, there will always be some changes outside of our control. Accepting that isn’t “giving up”, it’s freeing yourself to stop battling your body and to truly appreciate all it does for you. This week we talk all about movement and mindset during midlife and menopause with fitness expert Maria Luque, PhD, menopause coach with Respin Health. Dr. Maria Luque is an energetic and accomplished fitness and menopause expert, former health science professor, and USAF veteran. With a PhD and MS in Health Sciences and over two decades of fitness experience, she combines academic expertise with practical insights. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist. Dr. Luque is passionate about helping women in midlife re-imagine exercise, body image, and well-being. She’s the founder of Fitness in Menopause, a company dedicated to helping women be healthier, stronger, saner, and more open to fun and adventure. In her role as head coach at Respin health, she has worked as the menopause coach to founder Halle Berry. You can learn more about her work at www.FitnessInMenopause.com and www.DrMariaLuque.com . You can find her at Respin at www.respin.health/coaches Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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The Fast Lane After 40: Perimenopause Training Tips with Marissa Axell (Episode 223) 58:09

8 weeks ago58:09

58:09

Perimenopause can blindside us in unexpected ways. Fatigue hit this week’s guest, elite cyclist and coach Marissa Axell, so hard she thought she had cancer. Now the creator of the Cycling Success System wants everyone to know what can happen during this phase of life, and importantly what active women can do to counteract it. We talk all about how Marissa tailors her coaching for 40+ women, focusing on proper fueling, strength development, and smart exercise programming so they can keep crushing their active and athletic goals. You can learn more about her and her work at www.axnfitnessandcoaching.com Marissa Axell is the founder of AXN Fitness and Coaching, LLC, and on a mission to get more women on more start lines! She coaches her athletes to success by showing them how to climb hills stronger, ride farther, at faster average speeds, while creating more energy to ride day after day. As a result, her athletes are setting personal bests on their rides and landing top 10 placings at their races. Marissa has been coaching and personal training since 2008. She’s stood on a dozen national masters podiums, been top 5 in the UCI World Masters Track Championships 4 times, holds a cycling coaching certification from UESCA and is working on a nutrition certification from ISSA. She is a USAC category 1 cyclist, and holds an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Willamette University. She believes that love is love, Black lives matter, Transwomen are women and belong in sports, no human is illegal, and bikes are a form of therapy. Resources A Role for Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Reducing Central Fatigue here Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Underwear, Estrogen & Ultras with Lauren Puretz, DO (episode 222) 53:57

9 weeks ago53:57

53:57

We’ve got a grab-bag of gynecological goodness for you this week, as we sat down with elite ultrarunner, gynecologist, and Paradis pro ambassador Dr. Lauren Puretz. We dive into her running life, including how she navigates elite ultra training with two kids and a medical practice; the common gynecological issues she helps peri and menopausal women navigate, how to find quality care, and of course, what makes a good pair of performance underwear. Lauren Puretz, DO, is a gynecologist dedicated to helping women especially during transitions in life. She’s an elite ultra runner, a mom of two, and recently opened up a private practice in Colorado Springs, CO. Last year, at age 41, Lauren finished third at the 2024 Javelina Jundred, running 100 miles in 15:00:50, the ninth-fastest time by a woman on the course. She came in 3rd at the Black Canyon 100k, securing a Golden Ticket for the Western States 100, which she competed in later that year. She also won the 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championship. Lauren is also a pro ambassador for Paradis Sport, performance underwear by and for women. You can read more about her and her work in her ambassador profile here . Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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The Nervous System, Hormones & Trauma with Paula Rastrick (Episode 221) 1:03:11

10 weeks ago1:03:11

1:03:11

If you’ve ever felt like your mood has a mind of its own during PMS, pregnancy, or perimenopause, you already know that hormones like estrogen and progesterone don’t just affect your body — they shape your entire sense of well-being. And if you’ve lived with trauma or neurodivergence, like ADHD, you also know how reactive the nervous system can be. What happens when all of that collides during midlife and menopause…and hormone therapy gets added to the mix? For some women, the results are anything but balanced. This week’s guest, trauma therapist Paula Rastrick, knows that firsthand. She opens up about her harrowing experience with high-dose hormone therapy — an intervention that nearly unraveled her — and shares what she’s uncovered about the deep, complex relationship between hormones, nervous system sensitivity, trauma, and stress. Paula Rastrick is a trauma therapist, author and creator of The Brain-Body Method, an integrated trauma-informed and neurodiverse approach to hormonal sensitivity. She is a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Psychology; has postgraduate certification in Psychological Trauma, Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EDMR) Trauma Therapy, is a Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner and has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), pain science, and integrated kinetic neurology. She’s also done trauma-informed continuing professional development work in yoga therapy, applied polyvagal theory in yoga, vagus nerve integration, HRV training, performance psychology, and somatic psychology. You can learn more about her work at www.thebrainbodymethod.com and check out her e-book at https://subscribepage.io/hormonal-sensitivity-els-trauma-pdf Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Why Toughing Out Perimenopause Isn’t the Answer Carrie Tollefson (Episode 220) 58:56

11 weeks ago58:56

58:56

Many women, like this week’s guest Olympian runner and broadcaster Carrie Tollefson, suffer through perimenopause for far too long because they know they’re tough and they can handle things. But you don’t need to suffer, and you shouldn’t just tough it out. You can get back to feeling better and living more fully by getting the help and care you need as soon as you need it. This week we talk all about Carrie’s challenging seven-year journey through perimenopause, her new running goals now that she finally feels like herself again, and what we all can learn from her experience. Carrie Tollefson is an elite middle distance runner from St. Paul, Minnesota. She was a 13-time state champion (eight in track and five in cross country) and five-time NCAA champion at Villanova. In her post-collegiate career, Carrie was a three-time national champion and represented the U.S. at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Carrie is now a broadcaster for major marathons, podcast host, motivational speaker, and fitness advocate. Living in Minnesota with her husband and three children, she empowers others to pursue active, healthy lifestyles, encouraging everyone to “Get After It!” You can learn more about her and her work at www.ctollerun.com Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Managing Side Effects with Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD (Episode 219) 59:40

12 weeks ago59:40

59:40

Women go on hormone therapy to manage peri/menopause symptoms and feel better. But sometimes to their surprise, they feel worse. Or some symptoms go away while others pop up. That’s because of the hormones! We have hormone receptors all over our body and whenever we switch up the signals they’re receiving, whether through the menopause transition itself or through the hormones we use, they’re going to respond to those changes, and sometimes not in the way we want. Most side effects are manageable with time or by dialing in delivery methods and/or doses. It’s just important to know what to expect. We talk all about it this week with our resident menopause specialist Dr. Carla DiGirolamo. Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD, is a Double Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in infertility and menopausal medicine. She is also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and member of CrossFit Health. She is a MedFit Care provider and provides weekly workouts and medical updates at her Substack Athletic Aging . She is an Endocrine Consultant for Wild Health. Most recently, she has launched her own private practice specializing in helping active and high-performing women reach their performance potential from puberty through menopause. Dr. DiGirolamo is now seeing patients for virtual consultations for menopausal care and performance optimization. Visit her website www.drcarlad.com to learn more about her services and schedule an appointment. Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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Building Strength & Pushing Limits after 40 with Steph Gaudreau (Episode 218) 1:16:22

13 weeks ago1:16:22

1:16:22

Many of us have spent a lifetime trying to shrink ourselves. We grew up being told you could never be too thin. As athletes, especially in endurance sports, smaller, lighter, faster was the ethos of the day. That is changing as we see athletes, especially women, discover that being fueled and strong yields even better performance–and longevity. This week’s guest, trainer and nutrition coach Steph Gaudreau embodies that journey through both her personal and professional life. She shares how, for 40+ women especially, growing muscles is the key to better energy and performance in sport and life, and how strength training is the gateway to midlife self-acceptance. Steph Gaudreau, CISSN, CPT, helps athletic women over 40 fuel themselves better, get stronger, increase their energy, and perform better in the gym. She’s a sports nutritionist and strength coach with multiple certifications including USA Weightlifting coach, Menopause Health & Fitness Specialist, Girls Gone Strong Women’s Coaching Specialist, and Intuitive Eating Counselor. She shares her advice on building strength, proper fueling, and much more as the host of the Fuel Your Strength Podcast . You can learn more about Steph and her work at www.stephgaudreau.com Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co Subscribe to the Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feistymedia.ac-page.com/feisty-40-sign-up-page Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Hettas: Use code FEISTY20 for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Nutrisense: Go to nutrisense.io/hitplay and use code: HITPLAY to get 30% off Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy…

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The Forgotten Athletes: Why Midlife Women Deserve Better Science with Kelly McNulty, PhD (Episode 217) 1:08:02

14 weeks ago1:08:02