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  GLP-1 Shot or Not: The Weight Health Hormone Playbook Every Midlife Woman Needs with Ashley Koff, RD (Episode 287) 19.08.2026 1год 14хв

  People often think of weight loss drugs like GLP-1 and related agonists (e.g., Wegovy and Mounjaro) as “medications”--which they are, but they work because they mimic our own natural gut hormones to lower blood sugar, slow digestion, blunt appetite, and ultimately reduce weight. In that way, they’re weight health hormone replacement therapies much like estrogen and progesterone are sex hormone replacement therapies, says this week’s guest best-selling dietitian Ashley Koff, RD. We dig into weight-health hormones (GLP-1, GIP, PYY, CCK) that regulate appetite and metabolism, why digestion and hydration have to be optimized before nutrition even enters the picture, and how GLP-1 medications and hormone replacement therapy can work together in perimenopause and menopause. Plus: Ashley's own story of Everesting Mount Rainier at 52.Ashley Koff, RD, is the USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot (HarperOne). With more than 25 years as a practitioner and educator, she's helped redefine the conversation from weight loss to weight health — a science-based framework focused on metabolic function and hormonal regulation. She's been named one of CNN's Top 100 Health Makers and "Hollywood's Leading Dietitian" by InStyle. You can learn more about her and her work at her practice, The Better Nutrition Program.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Saving Muscle in Midlife Menopause: The Case for Blood Flow Restriction with Ashley Selman, CSCS (Episode 286) 12.08.2026 1год 1хв

  Can’t lift heavy loads but still want the benefits of heavy lifting? Blood flow restriction (BFR) training—using cuffs to partially restrict venous blood flow so you can get heavy‑lifting‑like gains with much lighter loads—could be just what you need, says this week’s guest, veteran strength coach Ashley Selman, CSCS. In this episode, we dig into what BFR training is, how it’s done in real‑world workouts, who it’s for, and why it can be a powerful option for midlife athletes who can’t tolerate traditional heavy lifting but still want to build and maintain muscle, strength, bone health, and even VO₂ max.Ashley Selman, MA, CSCS, is a veteran strength coach with 30+ years’ experience working with elite athletes, collegiate programs at Stanford and the University of Oregon, and clients at every level. She was named one of the Top 100 Trainers in the U.S. by Men's Journal and founded Evolution Trainers in Mountain View, California, voted the number one health club in Silicon Valley. After a difficult hip replacement and early menopause at 43 left her losing muscle despite “doing everything right,” discovering blood flow restriction (BFR) training allowed her to rapidly regain strength she hadn’t felt in over 15 years, which inspired her to create Seli Strength, a virtual BFR program now serving hundreds of midlife women. She recently developed "Coaching Blood Flow Restriction Training: The Future of Fitness" with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), for fitness professionals who want to bring BFR training to their clients. You can learn more about her and her work at www.selistrength.comResourcesGet $50 off BFR bands with the code Feisty50 at Selistrength.com/bfr-bandsBlood Flow Restriction Training for Athletes: A Systematic Review hereSystematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of blood flow restriction training on bone health in older adults hereVascular occlusion for optimising the functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial hereFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Land Your Way to Stronger Bones: Impact Done Right with Tracey Clissold, PhD (Episode 285) 05.08.2026 1год 1хв

  We’ve all heard jumping can help build our bones. But here’s the catch: the gains don’t come from the jumps; they come from how you land. This week we break down the mechanics of bone-building and how to make your skeleton stronger no matter what your age with bone health researcher Tracey Clissold, PhD. Tracey explains what it really takes to turn bone “on” with impact—and why just walking, running, or weight-bearing exercise is not enough for midlife women who want stronger skeletons. We unpack why bones respond to how you land, not just that you jump; what “bone-jarring” stiff, flat-footed landings are, and why they need to happen quickly to stimulate bone remodeling. You’ll also hear success stories, including one woman who went from a hip/spine T-score of –3.8 at age 65 to out of the osteoporotic range at 70 using impact, food, and vitamin D—without medications.Tracey Clissold, PhD has over 30 years of academic experience as a lecturer and researcher in Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition and Women’s Health. She is currently a lecturer at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in New Zealand and is a nutrition consultant for national and international athletes and coaches. Tracey completed a PhD at Auckland University of Technology on ‘The effects of an osteogenic jump-landing programme on bone health in premenopausal women,’ and her research is ongoing. She and the OSTEO-GAINS team have created a Women’s Bone Health Phone App which is receiving incredible attention in NZ and worldwide. Tracey is the mother of two and has previously represented New Zealand in distance running, winning several national and international marathon titles, including winning the Auckland Marathon four times. For more information about the OSTEO-GAINS Bone Health Program, please visit osteo-gains.com and on Instagram.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  When BRCA1 Means Young, Surgical Menopause: Relief, Grief, and Starting Over with Sara Aranda (Episode 284) 29.07.2026 1год 14хв

  Trail runner, writer, and BRCA1 gene carrier Sara Aranda grew up watching breast and ovarian cancer devastate the women in her family and ultimately lost her mom while she was in college. This week, she brings us her story–what it was like choosing prophylactic mastectomy and bilateral salpingo‑oophorectomy in her mid‑30s, going from FKT‑strong to surgical menopause overnight, and the collision of relief and grief that follows. Sara shares how she used a massive “lowest to highest” FKT and a prayer run for missing and murdered Indigenous women as both metaphor and preparation, how she’s navigating hormone therapy, sleep, body composition, bone worries, and shin splints, and why she wants other medically and/or surgically menopausal athletes to know they are not alone.Sara Aranda is a creative writer, trail runner, and coach who is passionate about craft, community, and challenging perceived notions of language and body, notably what it now means for her to be an athlete in surgical menopause. From adventure storytelling to posting too much on Strava to sweeping run club runs to attempting FKTs, she is both young and menopausal, and still very much full of dreams. Past accomplishments include receiving a Notable Mention in the Best American Essays 2019 anthology, placing 1st Female at the Colossal Vail 50/50 55K, setting 22 FKTs, and receiving the Spirit of No Man's Land Award at No Man's Land Film Festival for her 2025 film, Ofrenda.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Rethinking All the “Shoulds” of Menopause with Maria Luque, PhD (Episode 283) 22.07.2026 1год 7хв

  In this episode, we welcome back exercise scientist Maria Luque, PhD, to talk about her new book New Moves in Menopause: A Fearless Guide to a Stronger, Healthier, Saner Midlife and the mindset shift it asks of midlife women. Maria explains why she moved beyond traditional “fix your body” fitness narratives to focus on helping women feel better in their bodies through movement and create their own personalized “map” for midlife. She shares how becoming a mother to her daughter Charlie forced her to confront her own body image struggles and led to the “Charlie Test,” a practical filter women can use to reframe negative self-talk and diet culture messages. We explore how to untangle fitness from aesthetics, bring joy and play back into movement, and build a baseline of daily activity that supports real-life adventures, quality of life, and menopause-specific needs.Dr. Maria Luque is a fitness expert, menopause coach, Air Force veteran, former health science professor, and founder of Fitness in Menopause. With a PhD & MS in Health Sciences and over two decades of expertise, she's one of the most credentialed and trusted voices in women's midlife fitness—and the menopause coach to Halle Berry. Her book, New Moves in Menopause – A Fearless Guide to a Stronger, Healthier, & Saner Midlife, offers practical information as well as transformational explorations that help women understand what's happening in their bodies, build mental and physical strength and engage with midlife as a time of freedom, rather than a collection of symptoms. You can check out her new book at NewMovesInMenopause.comFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  PCOS to PMOS: Metabolism, Menopause, and GLP‑1s in Active Midlife Women with Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD (Episode 282) 15.07.2026 1год 2хв

  Could you have PCOS and not know it? You sure can, says reproductive endocrinologist and menopause specialist Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, who is hopeful that the recent renaming of the condition from “polycystic ovary syndrome” (PCOS) to “polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome” (PMOS) will help raise awareness—and improve care. This episode breaks down what PMOS actually is, why the new name matters, and how this androgen‑driven metabolic condition shows up across the lifespan, from irregular cycles and fertility struggles to increased cardiometabolic risk, especially once you hit the menopause transition. We also cover treatment options including metformin, inositol, and compelling new research on GLP‑1 receptor agonists, plus what all of this means for active midlife women when it comes to fueling, Reds/LEA risk, resistance training, and long‑term glucose control.Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD, is a Double Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in women’s performance and menopausal medicine. She is also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and member of CrossFit Medical Society. 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 and Women’s Health Director at Eternal Health. Dr. DiGirolamo is now seeing patients for virtual consultations for menopausal care and performance optimization. Visit her website drcarlad.com to learn more about her services and schedule an appointment.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Frozen Shoulder, Cranky Tendons, and the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause with Tara Findlay, RMT (Episode 281) 08.07.2026 1год

  Registered massage therapist and athlete Tara Findlay nearly lost her life to fibroids, was thrown into chemical menopause, developed a “cranky” shoulder that threatened her career, and watched a long-quiet autoimmune condition roar back to life. This week, she shares how hormones, inflammation, and tissue capacity collide in midlife—and how massage, eccentric loading, “movement snacks,” and better recovery can help active women heal, prevent injury, and keep moving through and beyond the menopause transition.Tara Findlay is a BC Registered Massage Therapist with 26 years of experience, a menopause educator, and a certified menopause coach. After navigating chemical menopause and a hysterectomy, she became passionate about helping women and healthcare practitioners understand the often-overlooked musculoskeletal effects of perimenopause and menopause. She co-created two online, self-paced courses—The Comprehensive Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause for RMTs and The Comprehensive Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause for Healthcare Practitioners—which help providers support midlife women through a perimenopause-informed lens. Known for translating evidence-based research into engaging, relatable teaching, Tara empowers practitioners to bring clarity and confidence to perimenopause care. She lives in Whistler, BC, and is committed to helping women stay active, resilient, and in the game through midlife and beyond. Learn more about her work at perimenopausewhispererResourcesFree Symptom Checklist here Watch on YouTubeFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Midlife Fueling 101: Essential Sports Nutrition Advice for Peri & Postmenopausal Women with Kristen Arnold, MS, RDN, CSSD (Replay) 01.07.2026 1год 2хв

  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.ResourcesBlack Cohosh review hereFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Build a Strong Body for a Messy Life: Training Through Menopausal Chaos with Hailey Babcock (episode 280) 24.06.2026 1год 3хв

  This week’s guest, renowned midlife trainer Hailey Babcock, wants you to know one thing: No one is crushing it 100%. Not the celebrities or big names she trains; not the tens of thousands of women she works with, and certainly not herself. Hailey is currently going through it with brain fog, joint pain, 2 a.m. wake ups, migraines, MIA libido, raw emotions, and low motivation and mojo. That’s before you layer on the stress of running a business and parenting three kids. We dig into how she’s navigating her onslaught of symptoms while she keeps showing up for herself and her clients; why being “fit for your life” matters more than chasing perfection, and how building a strong body matters when life gets messy.Hailey Babcock is the founder of Hailey Happens Fitness, an online fitness and nutrition brand dedicated to empowering women over 35 to feel strong, confident, and energized through every stage of midlife. A former gymnast, runner, and triathlete, Hailey has been a certified classical Pilates instructor for over 20 years and holds multiple certifications including TRX, kettlebell, barbell, foundational training, and ACE Certified Personal Trainer. Drawing on more than two decades in the fitness industry, she has guided over 50,000 women through online programs focused on fat loss, strength training, and sustainable nutrition, with a special mission to convert women in their 40s and beyond to the miracle of strength training. Committed to evidence-based practice, Hailey collaborates with renowned experts like Dr. Vonda Wright and Dr. Stacy Sims to ensure her methods reflect the latest in women’s health and aging science, helping women from all walks of life—high-profile leaders to everyday midlife women—find more health, happiness, and resilience through smart, supportive, science-backed fitness and nutrition strategies. You can learn more about Hailey and her work at haileyhappensfitness.comWatch on YouTubeFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  The Brain on Pain: Why Women Hurt More—and What to Do About It with Rachel Zoffness, PhD (Episode 279) 17.06.2026 1год 14хв

  When you’re in pain, the first question someone asks is “Where does it hurt?” The answer—as anyone with phantom limb pain can tell you—is not always as straightforward as it seems. This week, pain psychologist and author Dr. Rachel Zoffness breaks down the “big fat lie” we’ve been sold about pain: it’s not just a signal from damaged tissue, it’s a brain-driven experience built from a mix of ingredients, including your nerves, thoughts, emotions, memories, and environment. She explains how the same brain regions that process emotions also construct pain, why that matters so much for women—who go through menstruation, childbirth, and menopause and are still disproportionately told their pain is “all in their heads”—and how understanding brain-based biology is the first step in changing how much you hurt. She also shares practical, evidence-backed strategies for active women to retrain their nervous systems, along with tools to help you advocate for care that goes beyond pills and procedures and actually reflects the modern science of hurt.Rachel Zoffness, PhD, is a pain psychologist and thought-leader revolutionizing the way we understand and treat pain. She's an assistant clinical professor at UCSF, lectures at Stanford, and consults on the development of pain management programs around the world. Dr. Zoffness’s new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is out now and is being translated to more than 25 languages. You can learn more about her work and find her book at www.zoffness.comFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  I’m Doing Everything Right…So Why Are My Labs Worse? Heart Health and Menopause with Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDN (Episode 278) 10.06.2026 1год 15хв

  Most of us have had that moment where we get our bloodwork back and shake our heads. We’re still our active, health‑minded selves and out of nowhere—rising LDL, ApoB, A1C, and maybe blood pressure and Lp(a), too. This week, preventive cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein joins us to unpack the cardiometabolic chaos and what’s really driving it. She explains estrogen’s protective role in lipids and blood pressure, why standard risk calculators and even calcium scores can miss women’s disease, and which advanced labs are worth asking for. We also dig into how under‑fueling and low‑carb diets can worsen cardiometabolic health and plaque; why complex carbs, fiber, fermented foods, and gut health matter so much; and how to approach protein, red meat, electrolytes, nitric oxide, and statins in a personalized, empowering way—remembering that 80–90% of heart disease remains preventable when women get the right information and advocate for themselves.Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN is a preventive cardiology dietitian and founder of Entirely Nourished, a virtual practice focused on personalized, science-based nutrition for heart health. With over 14 years of experience, she helps people improve cardiometabolic risk and manage conditions like atherosclerosis, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation using a whole-person approach. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, serves on the Forbes Health Advisory Board and the Medical Advisory Committee for the National Menopause Foundation, and is the author of The Truly Easy Heart-Healthy Cookbook and Simple Meal Solutions for High Blood Pressure. Her work has been featured in outlets including Forbes Health, Fox News, Prevention, Women’s Health, and Good Housekeeping, and she works with clients virtually from New York via www.entirelynourished.comFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Take the Leap: Kate Veronneau on Adventure and Trying Something New at FeistyFest 07.06.2026 23хв

  In this bonus episode, Selene welcomes longtime friend, cyclist, and women’s sports powerhouse Kate Veronneau to the show for a preview of the first-ever FeistyFest in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.For Kate, the location is personal. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is where she first fell in love with bike racing, found her cycling community, and eventually launched a career in the sport. She shares how a casual Friday night trip to watch track racing turned into an entry-level “try the track” class, a relocation to the Lehigh Valley, and years immersed in one of the most magical cycling communities around.Selene and Kate talk about what makes the Lehigh Valley so special: quiet roads, covered bridges, gravel before gravel was “gravel,” beautiful trails, and a deep community of people who love to ride, run, explore, and support one another.They also dig into what attendees can expect at FeistyFest: track riding, gravel, trail running, lifting, swimming, pickleball, community, laughter, and the kind of grown-up summer camp energy that reminds women how good it feels to try new things.Kate also shares why women-only spaces can be so powerful, especially when women feel safe, supported, and encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or brand new to an activity, there is something magical that happens when women come together, lift each other up, and give each other permission to live a little bigger.Learn more and register for FeistyFest
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  Nourishing Menopause: Food, Stress, Sleep, Supplements & More with Andrea Donsky, RHN 03.06.2026 1год 4хв

  There’s a lot of advice out there on how to fix, cure, hack, medicate, and manage menopause. Often, what we really need is nourishment, says this week’s guest Andrea Donsky, RHN, author of Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best. Andrea’s 14‑year journey through perimenopause led her to blend naturopathic and conventional medicine into a complementary approach that focuses on gut health, nervous system regulation, blood sugar management, and other strategies that give your body, mind, and spirit what they need to thrive through and beyond the menopause transition. We dig into all of it—plus midlife identity, the power of community, and much more.Andrea Donsky is a menopause nutritionist, 7X published menopause researcher, certified perimenopause and menopause health coach, and author known as the “Menopause Researcher” to her 350,000+ TikTok followers. She founded Morphus, hosts the Menopause Reimagined podcast, and is the author of Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best. You can learn more about her and her work, and find her book at andreadonsky.comFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Unraveling Menopause: From Chasing Fixes to Finding Your Own Way with Sara Larson (Episode 276) 27.05.2026 53хв

  This week we sat down with menopause and mental fitness coach Sara Larson to cut through the noise around midlife, from quick‑fix promises and supplement stacks to rigid “shoulds” about how we’re supposed to look, feel, and age, and offer better solutions for navigating this challenging transition. Drawing on her own brutal perimenopause—crushing joint pain, brain fog so bad she joined an Alzheimer’s study, suffocating anxiety and depression—Sara shares how she went from feeling like everything was coming apart to becoming a menopause navigator, helping women walk into the doctor’s office “ready,” advocate for themselves, and understand their treatment plans. We dig into grief, weight gain and body image, the spiritual and identity unraveling of menopause, and the grounding power of outdoor experiences that reconnect you with strength and embodiment. This is a conversation about gentleness as strength and learning to ask for something different in the second half of life.Sara Larson is a menopause life coach, educator, and speaker who helps women cut through misinformation and access evidence-based menopause care. She specializes in advocacy, education, and community-building, supporting women through perimenopause and postmenopause with clarity, confidence, and a healthy sense of humor. You can learn more about her and her work at www.saralarsoncoaching.com and follow her on Substack at saralarsoncoaching.substack.com.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Mindset Mastery for Midlife Athletes with Sonya Looney (Episode 275) 20.05.2026 1год 3хв

  What happens when a world class athlete and mindset coach meets the menopause transition? We find out this week with champion mountain bike racer and mental performance coach Sonya Looney, who dug deep into her positive psychology toolkit to navigate her compressed midlife journey through pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, miscarriage, perimenopause, and the performance/identity challenges they bring. She shares hormone therapy insights, nutrition shifts, powerlifting gains, training for who you are now, acceptance without resignation, and much more.Sonya Looney is a World Champion (24-hour racing) mountain biker and 4x National Champion, a positive psychology researcher, and internationally recognized performance expert. She holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she won an award for her research on meaningful accomplishment. Sonya is a sought-after keynote speaker, performance coach, and podcast host, whose work bridges elite sport, science, and human insight. Her ideas have appeared in major media from The Washington Post to Outside Magazine , and she has been featured in a New York Times Best-selling book. Passionate about helping high performers find lasting fulfillment, Sonya integrates evidence-based strategies and personal experience to redefine what it means to truly matter, and she is a forthcoming author on that subject! Learn more about her and her work at sonyalooney.comWatch on YouTubeFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Why Even Active Women Lose Bone—and How to Build It Back with Belinda Beck, PhD (Episode 274) 13.05.2026 1год 19хв

  Active women are often blindsided by an osteopenia or osteoporosis diagnosis. This week, we explain why—and, more importantly, what to do about it—with Professor Belinda Beck, PhD, investigator on the groundbreaking LIFTMOR trial, which found that high-intensity resistance and impact training was both effective and safe for postmenopausal women with low bone density. This episode is a deep dive into how bone remodeling works and why mechanical loading—especially the right combination of impact exercise and progressive heavy strength training—is essential for building and maintaining bone strength. We also cover peak bone mass, estrogen, menopause, and the foundational role of nutrition, including calcium and vitamin D, in supporting stronger bones for life.Dr Belinda Beck is a Professor of Exercise Physiology at Griffith University (Gold Coast, QLD) and Director of The Bone Clinic in Brisbane. Her work, primarily related to the effects of mechanical loading on bone, includes a series of clinical trials (the LIFTMOR and MEDEX-OP trials) that changed the way osteoporosis is managed with exercise. In 2015, she established The Bone Clinic, a translational research facility and clinical practice in Brisbane providing the ONERO® exercise program for osteoporosis which has been licensed for delivery around the world. She has been awarded almost $8M in research funding and has published over 150 papers and chapters in the field. She is a Fellow of numerous bone and exercise societies (including ACSM, ASBMR, ESSA and SMA), is on the Board of the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Sports Medicine Australia, the SOS Fracture Alliance, the International Osteoporosis Foundation Capture the Fracture Governance Committee, and the Healthy Bones AustraliaMedicine and Science Advisory Committee.Resources:High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial hereThe Bone Clinic & ONERO® programWatch on YouTubeFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Hormone Therapy Real Talk: Testing, Trial and Error & Finding Your Way with Dr. Heather Hirsch (Episode 273) 06.05.2026 1год 29хв

  We have questions–lots and lots of questions–on hormone therapy during the menopause transition, and this week Dr. Heather Hirsch — menopause specialist and author of The Perimenopause Survival Guide — brings her signature blend of clinical wisdom and data-informed, personalized care to help answer them. Perimenopause is the most complex phase of the menopause transition, and this conversation goes deep on the pros and cons of hormone testing, the nuances of hormone therapy dosing, progesterone intolerance, breakthrough bleeding, receptor sensitivity, why it may never be too late to start hormone therapy, and much more.Dr. Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, MSCP is a board-certified internist, entrepreneur, and one of today's most trusted voices in women's midlife health. She is the Founder and CEO of The Collaborative, a concierge telemedicine practice for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, and Academy for Advanced Women's Health Medicine, where she trains clinicians worldwide in midlife women’s care. A Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with over a decade of experience in menopausal medicine, she is the author of the bestselling book Unlock Your Menopause Type and, The Perimenopause Survival Guide. A featured expert on Oprah Winfrey’s 2023 “The Life You Want” Series, Dr. Hirsch has also appeared in The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post, The Drew Barrymore Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Access Hollywood, and numerous other major media outlets. You can learn more about her and her work at heatherhirschmd.com.FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Perimenopause, Powerlifting, and Angels with Jenny Smith (Episode 272) 29.04.2026 1год 5хв

  Elite cyclist, multisport athlete, and endurance coach Jenny Smith has spent decades pushing her limits — including multiple Leadville 100 podiums — but perimenopause and a meniscus tear brought unexpected mental and physical health challenges…and solutions. Ultimately, she found help through traditional medical interventions, picked up weights and got stronger than she’s been in years, and discovered Angelic Reiki, which gave her peace, calm, and a deeper connection to herself. This week we unpack her perimenopause journey, the symptoms she didn't see coming, the relief strategies that actually worked, and why aging doesn't have to mean stepping back from the sports and the life you love.Jenny Smith is an elite cyclist, multisport athlete, and endurance coach with Aim High Performance Coaching—a company she co-founded with her husband, Brian Smith. A New Zealander, Jenny has called Gunnison, CO, home since 1999. She arrived as a collegiate runner at Western Colorado University and has been fortunate to live here as a pro mountain biker and elite athlete with Brian and their daughter, Jade. She coaches with youth and collegiate athletes and provides personalized coaching for endurance athletes. Jenny aims to be an active role model, athlete, and coach for many years to come. You can learn more about her and her work at www.aimhigh-performance.comResources:How Important are Meditation and Spirituality in Reiki Practice? hereReports of Non‐Physical Beings Assisting in Reiki Sessions hereFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  The Hardest Finish Line: Grieving and Growing Beyond Your Running Years with Dimity McDowell (Episode 271) 22.04.2026 58хв

  In running, we celebrate grit, determination, pushing through pain, and crossing the finish line—whatever it takes. It shines on Instagram, but what does it really cost women in midlife and menopause who may be bogged down by endless injuries? How do we process it and find what's right for us? Sports like running are more than something we do. They become who we are, who our friends are, what our lives revolve around. When we can't do them anymore, there's enormous loss—and all the stages of grief. Longtime runner, Another Mother Runner co-founder, and author of The 27th Mile, Dimity McDowell joins us to unpack it all—including her "calling it quits marathon," mental matrix for decisions, and how to replace all that running gave you when it comes to an end.Before focusing her career on running, Dimity McDowell was a sports journalist, holding staff positions at Self, ESPN: The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated for Women. She co-authored three running books and co-founded Another Mother Runner, an inclusive community for all female runners, with Sarah Bowen Shea. The author of The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years, she has finished countless races, including Ironman Coeur d'Alene and the Pike’s Peak Half Marathon. Dimity is the mother of two adult children, and lives in Denver with her husband and two dogs. You can learn more about her work and find her Running Detox Program at manyhappymiles.com.Resources:Join Selene & Dimity at The Grand Traverse! feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/FeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr
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  Body Breaking Down in Midlife? A Performance PT Explains How to Build It Back Up with Casey Francis, DPT (Episode 270) 15.04.2026 1год 23хв

  If you're an active woman in perimenopause or menopause and it feels like your body is suddenly falling apart — new injuries, recurring pain, workouts that just aren't working the way they used to — this episode is for you. This week we sat down with Casey Francis, DPT, a performance physical therapist who works with midlife women to understand why they’re getting hurt, and importantly, what to do about it, including movement assessment, prehab, rehab, lifestyle and nutrition practices, and much more. Plus, we have a special guest appearance from our very own resident menopause specialist Dr. Carla DiGirolamo — who not only recommended Casey for this episode but is also one of her patients.Casey Francis, DPT is a performance physical therapist and founder of MVMT MTHD. A former Penn State swimmer and graduate of the University of Florida’s physical therapy program, Casey specializes in root-cause–driven care for active individuals and athletes. Her approach integrates movement analysis, progressive strength, and regenerative therapies to help people heal from injury, build resilient bodies, and sustain high-level performance. You can learn more about her and her work at mvmt-mthd.comCarla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD, is a Double Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in women’s performance and menopausal medicine. She is also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and member of CrossFit Medical Society. 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 and Women’s Health Director at Eternal Health. Dr. DiGirolamo is now seeing patients for virtual consultations for menopausal care and performance optimization. Visit her website drcarlad.com to learn more about her services and schedule an appointment.Resources:Crossover Symmetry SystemPerformance Physical Therapy - An investment in your Longevity, Athletic Aging blogFeistyFit Info: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr