Girlish Gurus

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Friends Joy & Lorraine discuss a variety of topics that matter to women mid-life and beyond. Thoughtful and engaging conversations covering everything from our overall wellbeing to creativity and travel.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Healing, Estrangement & Reconnection with Emotional Maturity With Tania Khazaal

    Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful—and sometimes the most complicated—connections in our lives. In this thoughtful and deeply compassionate conversation, Joy and Lorraine sit down with Tania Khazaal, a relational guide who helps parents navigate strained or estranged relationships with their adult children. This episode is not about blame, shame, or choosing sides. Instead, it’s about understanding human behavior, emotional pain, societal influences, and the role that communication, accountability, and emotional maturity play in repairing relationships. Tania brings a unique perspective rooted in psychology, neuroscience, communication, and her own lived experience as an estranged child. Through years of study and personal growth, she discovered that many people seeking physical healing were also carrying deep emotional wounds tied to broken or distant relationships. Today, her mission is to help families approach these painful dynamics with clarity, steadiness, compassion, and integrity—without adding further disconnection. In this conversation, we explore what healing actually means in the context of estrangement, why pressure can push relationships further away, and how emotional steadiness can create space for reconnection.   ✨ In This Episode We Discuss Why conversations about family estrangement are often misunderstood • The difference between accountability and blame • How emotional reactivity can unintentionally deepen disconnection • Why repair requires patience—not pressure • How communication can lower defensiveness and open the possibility for connection • The importance of emotional maturity and self-leadership in difficult relationships • Why healing doesn’t mean erasing the past or demanding instant forgiveness • How parents can show up with integrity even when outcomes are uncertain • The possibility of peace and growth—even if reconciliation takes time   💡 Key Takeaway Healing within relationships doesn’t come from forcing resolution or proving who was right. It comes from developing the emotional strength to hold compassion, responsibility, and understanding at the same time. True healing is not avoidance—it’s depth.   🌿 About Our Guest Tania Khazaal is a relational guide and healing practitioner whose work helps parents navigate distance and estrangement with their adult children. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, communication, and her own lived experience, she teaches a balanced approach that integrates accountability with compassion and emotional steadiness. Her mission is to help families rebuild connection through understanding, courage, and integrity.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Tania Khazaal Website Tania’s FREE GUIDE Tania on Instagram   Don't forget to check out Standing Tall Foods for your delicious snacks! Use our coupon code to get your discount:  GirlishGurusGet15    LIFE LINE SCREENING: GET PEACE OF MIND 🎧 Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it.   💬 Join the Conversation What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Share your thoughts with us on social media—we love hearing from our Girlish Gurus community.   #Hashtags #GirlishGurus #TaniaKhazaal #FamilyHealing #EmotionalMaturity #RelationshipRepair

    1h 5m

  2. 22 FEB

    Standing Tall with Attessa Bradley: How Purposeful Nutrition Helps Women Add Life to Their Years

    What if one of the most powerful tools for midlife health was sitting right on your plate? In this inspiring and informative episode, Joy and Lorraine sit down with Attessa Bradley, founder of Standing Tall Foods, to talk about purposeful nutrition for women in perimenopause and beyond. After her own wake-up call at age 49, Attessa discovered a massive gap in the way women’s health—and especially nutrition—was being addressed. That realization sparked a mission: to create convenient, nourishing foods designed specifically to help women add life to their years, not just years to their lives. Together, we dive into the science, myths, and real-life challenges women face in midlife, and how simple nutritional shifts—especially increasing high-quality protein—can support bone health, heart health, brain function, and overall vitality. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting enough protein, felt confused about soy, or wanted more practical nutrition solutions designed with women in mind, this episode is for you.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Attessa’s personal perimenopause wake-up call at age 49 The massive gap in women’s health and nutrition support Why women are at higher risk for: Osteoporosis Cardiovascular disease Alzheimer’s disease The importance of purposeful nutrition in midlife Why protein needs increase as we age Common myths and misconceptions about soy What the research actually says about soy and women’s health Why Attessa chose soy as the hero ingredient in her product How Standing Tall Foods was developed What makes the product different from typical “healthy snacks” The journey from idea to launch The power of community support for women-founded brands   Key Takeaways ✨ Midlife nutrition is not just about weight—it’s about strength, brain health, and longevity. ✨ Women often need more protein as they age, not less. ✨ Many fears around soy are based on outdated or misunderstood information. ✨ Proactive nutrition can help reduce risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline. ✨ It’s never too late to build something meaningful—or to take better care of yourself.   About Our Guest Attessa Bradley is the founder of Standing Tall Foods, created after her own perimenopause experience revealed how underserved women are when it comes to nutrition. With over 25 years of experience building successful health-minded brands like Stonyfield, Orgain, Grandy Organics, and Church & Dwight’s First Response, Attessa brings deep expertise in both business and women’s health. She holds an MBA from Thunderbird and is passionate about delivering powerful food for powerful women.   Connect with Standing Tall Foods Visit the website to learn more Explore their products designed specifically for midlife women Support a women-founded brand focused on proactive health   Share the Love If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend, sister, or midlife buddy Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform Tag us on social media and tell us your biggest takeaway Because midlife isn’t the beginning of the end— it’s the start of standing tall.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Standing Tall Foods To get a discount on your delicious purchase make sure to use our promo code: GirlishGurusGet15 LIFE LINE SCREENING: It’s American Health Month! Get Peace of Mind! Follow us on YouTube: Girlish Gurus Follow us on Instagram: @girlishgurus Hashtags #GirlishGurus #MidlifeMagic #MenopauseWellness #ProteinForWomen #HealthyAging #WomenSupportingWomen #PurposefulNutrition #MidlifeHealth #MenopauseSupport #WomensWellness

    57 min

  3. 7 FEB

    Breaking the Silence Around Lichen Sclerosus: A Whole-Body Path to Healing with Stephanie Hrehirchuk

    Lichen sclerosus (LS) affects far more women than most people realize—yet it remains widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and rarely discussed openly. In this compassionate and educational episode of Girlish Gurus, we shine a much-needed light on vulvar lichen sclerosus and the emotional, physical, and nervous-system impact it can have on women, especially in midlife. Our guest, Stephanie Hrehirchuk, brings a deeply grounded and holistic perspective to the conversation. Stephanie is a writer, Qigong teacher, and women’s wellness expert with over 25 years of experience in health and personal development. She is the author of the award-winning book, Lichen Sclerosus: Body, Mind & Spirit Practices to Heal the Stress of LS, as well as more than 10 additional titles on wellness and spirituality. In this episode, we explore why LS is so often misdiagnosed or dismissed, the early symptoms many women are told to “normalize,” and why addressing the emotional and psychological toll of LS is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. Stephanie shares her personal journey with LS and the moment she realized that true healing required more than symptom control—it required a whole-person approach that included nervous system regulation, compassionate self-care, and mind-body practices. She offers gentle, supportive tools beyond medication, including Qigong, breathwork, and stress-reduction practices, to help calm flare-ups and restore a sense of safety in the body. We also talk openly about the isolation and shame many women feel when living with LS—and the importance of breaking the silence so no one feels alone in their diagnosis. Stephanie explains what inspired her to write her book and how she hopes it serves as a reassuring companion for women navigating this condition. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus—or if you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by a chronic condition—this episode offers validation, education, and hope. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What vulvar lichen sclerosus is and why it’s so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed Common early signs and symptoms women frequently overlook or dismiss The emotional and psychological impact of LS—and why it’s rarely addressed in conventional care Why a whole-body, mind-body-spirit approach matters for long-term well-being Supportive practices beyond medication that help calm the nervous system How to navigate feelings of isolation, shame, and overwhelm The first small, grounding step to take after a new diagnosis 📖 Featured Resource: Lichen Sclerosus: Body, Mind & Spirit Practices to Heal the Stress of LS by Stephanie Hrehirchuk An award-winning, compassionate guide that honors the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of living with LS. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and help us continue breaking the silence around women’s health. Stephanie’s Qigong Program Stephanie’s author link with her other published titles The Vulvatini Recipe for Vulva support! Life Line Screening: Get Peace of Mind: It’s National Heart Month! #GirlishGurus #MidlifeWomen #LichenSclerosusAwareness #WomensHealthMatters #WholeBodyHealing

    59 min

  4. 22 JAN

    Mind Magic for Midlife Women – Part 2: Implementing the 6-Step Manifesting Framework

    In Part 2 of our Mind Magic series, we move from inspiration into implementation. After introducing the science and philosophy behind manifesting in Part 1, this episode is all about how to actually apply the principles from Mind Magic by James R. Doty in your real, everyday midlife life. This conversation is especially powerful for women who are ready to leave behind restrictive resolutions and instead create 2026 with clarity, compassion, and intention. ✨ In this episode, we explore: Why manifesting works best when the nervous system feels safe How compassion—not control—creates sustainable change Why focusing on how you want to feel is more powerful than focusing on outcomes How small, aligned actions compound into meaningful transformation 🌿 Dr. Doty’s 6-Step Mind Magic Framework (Midlife Edition) Clarify Your Intention We begin by identifying how you want to feel in 2026—not what you want to fix or lose. This emotional clarity becomes your internal compass. Focus Your Attention What you repeatedly focus on strengthens neural pathways. We discuss practical ways to shift attention away from fear, self-criticism, and overwhelm—and toward possibility and purpose. Cultivate Compassion Compassion isn’t soft—it’s strategic. This step helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and create the internal safety needed for growth, especially in midlife. Release Attachment to the Outcome Letting go of timelines, perfection, and comparison allows manifesting to unfold naturally. This step is where trust replaces pressure. Take Aligned Action Manifesting still requires action—but not hustle or punishment. We talk about small, sustainable steps that honor your body, energy, and season of life. Trust, Repeat, and Practice Mind Magic isn’t a one-time exercise. It’s a daily practice of intention, awareness, and self-trust—one you can return to again and again throughout the year. 💫 Why This Matters for Midlife Women This episode is a reminder that you are not behind—and you are not broken. Midlife is a powerful time to rewire patterns, reclaim agency, and consciously create a life that feels nourishing on the inside. If you’re ready to manifest your most aligned, peaceful, and purposeful 2026, this episode gives you the tools—and the permission—to begin. 🎧 Listen now and start implementing Mind Magic in your daily life. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Mind Magic by Dr. James R. Doty Life Line Screening   #GirlishGurus #MindMagic #ManifestingMidlife #Manifesting2026 #MidlifeWomen

    47 min

  5. 7 JAN

    Mind Magic for Midlife Women: Manifesting in 2026 Without Restriction

    What if 2026 wasn’t about dieting harder, exercising more, or fixing what’s “wrong”—but about intentionally creating how you want to feel? In this powerful New Year episode of Girlish Gurus, Lorraine & Joy invite midlife women to release traditional resolutions and explore manifesting through science, compassion, and clarity, inspired by Dr. James R. Doty’s book Mind Magic. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resolutions often fail midlife women How manifesting works with your brain and nervous system The difference between restriction and intention Dr. Doty’s 6-step Mind Magic framework for manifesting How compassion accelerates clarity and calm Why focusing on how you want to feel changes everything This episode is your permission slip to stop fighting your body, trust your inner wisdom, and step into 2026 with alignment—not pressure. 🎧 Listen now and begin manifesting a year that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: *Mind Magic by Dr. James Doty * The Vagus Nerve Fix by Lorraine Miano *Life Line Screening Don't forget to check out these related episodes: The Vagus Nerve Fix: Calm Your Mind, Nourish Your Body & Reset Your Life Into the Magic Shop: Rewiring the Heart & Brain Through Compassion, Intention, and Healing Join us on our retreat! Check out the latest info here  #GirlishGurus #MindMagic #ManifestingMidlife #MidlifeWomen #NewYearNewEnergy #Manifesting2026 #MidlifeMagic #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #NervousSystemSupport #CompassionOverControl #RewriteTheResolution #IntentionalLiving #MidlifeWellness #JamesDoty   Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:00 Manifesting 3:29 Why don’t resolutions work 4:25 Manifesting as a nervous system friendly alternative 5:44 Mind Magic by Dr. James Doty  11:08 Manifesting science 11:51 Dispositional optimism 13:42 Negativity bias and fight or flight 15:39 The parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve 16:35 The four different parts of your brain 25:55 The six steps of manifesting 43:10 Exit

    43 min

  6. 22/12/2025

    “If You Are Who You Ought to Be, You Will Light a Fire in All the World” — Ancient Wisdom, Healing & Hope with Jenny Dubay

    As the year gently comes to a close and we enter the sacred space of Christmas and reflection, this episode of Girlish Gurus is the perfect invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. We are honored to welcome Jenny Dubay—author, speaker, and trauma-informed coach—whose work bridges ancient feminine wisdom with modern-day healing. Jenny writes historical fiction inspired by medieval women mystics, particularly those who lived through chaos, suffering, and spiritual fire… and emerged transformed. Her latest novel centers on St. Catherine (Caterina) of Siena, a fourteenth-century mystic whose life and words still ignite courage, purpose, and inner authority centuries later. One of Caterina’s most powerful quotes anchors this episode: “If you are who you ought to be, you will light a fire in all the world.” As we end the year—and stand on the threshold of a new one—this conversation feels especially meaningful. Christmas invites us into light, hope, and renewal, and Jenny’s work reminds us that even in the darkest times, transformation is possible. This episode is a beautiful companion for midlife women who are reflecting on the year behind them, healing old wounds, or feeling called to step more fully into who they are becoming.   In This Episode, We Explore: ✨ Who St. Catherine (Caterina) of Siena truly was ✨ Why the fourteenth century mirrors so much of today’s world ✨ What drew Jenny to write about Caterina’s life ✨ The depth of research behind the novel—and how long it took ✨ How Jenny weaves historical fact with fiction ✨ The spiritual and symbolic meaning behind the book’s title ✨ Jenny’s favorite quote from St. Catherine of Siena ✨ Her favorite character (other than Caterina herself) ✨ How Jenny’s trauma-informed coaching influences her writing ✨ What she’s working on next   Why This Episode Is Perfect for Christmas & Year-End Reflection Christmas is a season of light, incarnation, and hope—and this conversation gently echoes those themes. St. Catherine lived in a world marked by plague, division, and uncertainty, yet she embodied faith, courage, and purpose. Her story reminds us that light is not the absence of darkness, but the choice to show up fully anyway. As we close out the year, this episode invites you to reflect on: Who you’ve been this year What you’ve walked through And who you are becoming It’s a reminder that your life, your voice, and your presence matter—especially now.   Guest Bio Jenny Dubay is an author, speaker, and trauma-informed coach. She writes historical fiction inspired by medieval mystics—women who walked through suffering and spiritual fire and emerged with grace that still speaks across centuries. Through her nonfiction and coaching work, Jenny offers reflections, resources, and gentle guidance for healing from trauma, betrayal, and spiritual wounds. 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.jennydubay.com   Closing Invitation Whether you’re listening by the glow of Christmas lights, during a quiet winter walk, or as part of your year-end reflection ritual, this episode is a gift—one that reminds us we are meant to light the world in our own unique way. ✨ If this conversation speaks to your heart, please share it with a woman you love and leave a review—it helps our Girlish Gurus community continue to grow. Here’s to ending the year with meaning… and stepping into the new one on fire. 🔥✨ RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Lifeline Screening: Get Peace of Mind Connect with The Girlish Gurus: 💖 Follow us for more inspiration, humor, and midlife magic: @GirlishGurus 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 💫 Visit GirlishGurus.com For the full episode: YouTube #JennyDubay #StCatherineOfSiena #MysticWomen #SacredFeminine #WomenOfWisdom #HistoricalFictionLovers #SpiritualHealing #ChristmasReflection #YearEndReflection #LightTheWorld #MidlifeTransformation #WinterWisdom #SacredSeason #HealingJourney #TraumaInformed #FaithAndFire #MidlifeReinvention #WomenSupportingWomen #GirlishGurus #MidlifeMagic #MidlifeWomen #WomenWhoRise #WomenWhoInspire

    54 min

  7. 08/12/2025

    Season’s Eatings Series: Healthy Homemade Gifts - Blast from the Past

    In this episode of Girlish Gurus, Joy and Lorraine chat about healthy, easy & yummy homemade gifts you can create for family & friends!  Everyone can be healthy for the holidays! Both easy and delicious, we are excited for you to bring some Season's Eatings flair to your holiday table.  Here's to a deliciously healthy holiday season!   Some of the key topics of the discussion include: As we dive deeper into the holiday season, we wanted to share something fun. You know how sometimes the best gifts are the ones you make yourself? Well, we’ve got some DIY treats up our sleeves! Here's the deal: They are super simple but oh-so-impressive. Great for that person who's got everything (we all have one, right?). Plus, it's a fun weekend project and smells divine, if we do say so ourselves. These are the perfect gifts for your neighbors, co-workers, and kid's teachers. They are healthy, practical, and thoughtful. The Season’s Eatings Recipe Book: FREE Download for you! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Season’s Eatings Recipe Book Download: Season's Eatings Recipes If you’d like to enjoy more podcasts, follow, or subscribe wherever you listen-we are available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on our YouTube channel! Don’t forget to follow us and leave a review! We appreciate you! You can find us on social media or our website at: Instagram: @girlishgurus                   @joyalfordbrand                   @susanlr512                   @themagicofmenopause Website: www.girlishgurus.com                 Hashtags: #healthyholidays #healthygiftguide #seasonseatings #eathealthyfortheholidays #holidaytreats #holidaycooking #freerecipes #easyholidayrecipes #freeholidayrecipeguide #yummyrecipesfortheholidays #holidayrecipes #holidayrecipeguide #freeholidayrecipes #holidaycookbook #menopause #perimenopause #postmenopause #womenover40 #womenover50 #womenover60   #girlishgurus #gggems #podcast #bestlife #proaging #reframingaging #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #Midlifewomen #lifeover50

    31 min

  8. 21/11/2025

    Season's Eatings Series: Healthy Side Dishes - Blast from the Past

    In this episode of Girlish Gurus, Joy and Lorraine share some tips on eating healthy for the holidays! We share the research, and begin with some yummy side dishes that you can enjoy with your loved ones this holiday season! Both easy and delicious, we are excited for you to bring some Season's Eatings flair to your holiday table.  Here's to a deliciously healthy holiday season!   Some of the key topics of the discussion include: 🥘Timeless Classics, Refreshed: Love those holiday staples but looking for a healthier spin? We got you. The Research on Healthy Holiday meals The Season’s Eatings Recipe Book: FREE Download for you!   Resources mentioned in this episode: The Season’s Eatings Recipe Book Download Head to our website and look under Goodies! Forbe’s Healthy Eating for The Holidays Pacific Neuroscience Institute: How to Enjoy a Healthyish Holiday Meal Cleveland Clinic: Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holidays If you’d like to enjoy more podcasts, follow, or subscribe wherever you listen-we are available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on our YouTube channel! Don’t forget to follow us and leave a review! We appreciate you!   You can find us on social media or our website at:   Instagram: @girlishgurus                     @joyalfordbrand                     @themagicofmenopause Website: www.girlishgurus.com         Hashtags: #healthyholidays #healthysidedishes #seasonseatings #eathealthyfortheholidays #holidaytreats #holidaycooking #freerecipes #easyholidayrecipes #holidaysidedishes #yummyrecipesfortheholidays #holidayrecipes #holidayrecipeguide #freeholidayrecipes

    28 min
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About

Friends Joy & Lorraine discuss a variety of topics that matter to women mid-life and beyond. Thoughtful and engaging conversations covering everything from our overall wellbeing to creativity and travel.

Information

  • Creator
    girlishgurus
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Girlish Gurus

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