The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, I’m your host, Mary Lee, a compassionate Menopause Doula and Licensed Menopause Champion in partnership with The Menopause Expert Group. My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause. The menopausal transition is a natural phase of life that deserves to be embraced, not stigmatized. Reflecting on my own encounters with the lack gap in female hormonal health and leaning in on my experience in science communication and public relations practitioner, I decided the time is now to rewrite the script and bring truth and reliable resources to the forefront.  In each episode, I tackle taboo topics and disrupt the status quo on how we think, act, and treat menopause - peri to post. Join me in these informative conversations, either alone or with credible guest experts, as I dive into real, raw, and relatable discussions surrounding the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. It’s time to reclaim our voices and advocate for our health with confidence. Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

  1. Harness the Balancing Energy of Gemini: A Meditation for Intuition and Mindfulness

    1D AGO

    Harness the Balancing Energy of Gemini: A Meditation for Intuition and Mindfulness

    Today, I bring back the Goddess Journey meditation series with a new guided meditation for the wise woman's personal shift toward intuition, letting go of mental rumination, while integrating spiritual wisdom.  You don't have to be a Gemini under a Sun or Moon sign to reap all the benfits of balancing dual forces that reside within each and every one of us. This journey will begin with storytelling of how I arrived back in a place of quiet reflection while taking a pause from pushing the play button on life,  accepting  the intuitive call to rest in the flow of life instead. This meditation calls for you to soak in stillness and allow what arrives in mind and body without pushing against it, judging, or analysing. Listeners will be guided through breathwork, nervous-system calming, and positive affirmations to cultivate heart-centre self-trust with intuition.  Use this practice to begin your day, during a work break, or to gently close out your evening. Anytime of day is a beautiful time to return home to you. 00:00 Intuitive Stirring 02:36 Astrology Shift 04:02 Heart Chakra Bridge 04:59 Grounding and Sisterhood 06:51 Settle In and Breathe 09:22 Gemini Breath Balance 10:55 Hands and Integration 13:35 Safety Affirmations 14:55 Embody Your Wise Self 17:18 Closing and Return Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    19 min
  2. What Midlife Women Needs to Know About Blood Sugar with Michelle Dwyer

    5D AGO

    What Midlife Women Needs to Know About Blood Sugar with Michelle Dwyer

    Feel like your body suddenly changed in midlife — increased belly fat, energy crashes, cravings, brain fog, disrupted sleep, or feeling like you’re “doing everything right” but nothing is working anymore — this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by health coach Michelle Dwyer to unpack the critical connection between hormones, blood sugar, metabolism, stress, and overall health during perimenopause and menopause. Michelle shares her own personal healing journey after a prolonged illness led her to completely rethink health and wellness, eventually inspiring her to help women better understand their bodies with compassion instead of self-blame. Together we explore: Why blood sugar regulation matters so much in midlifeHow estrogen changes impact insulin sensitivity and metabolismWhat A1C actually means and why women should pay attention to itThe role of muscle mass, protein, healthy fats, sleep, and stressHow continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide personalized insightWhy health is about awareness and nourishment — not perfectionConnect with Michelle Dwyer: Website + CGM Experience Support Program: Health Coach MichelleInstagram: Michelle Dwyer on InstagramLinkedIn: Michelle Dwyer on LinkedInLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 3m
  3. Menopause Joint Pain: What’s Really Causing It; Does Cortisone Injections Help with Stacey Roberts

    APR 17

    Menopause Joint Pain: What’s Really Causing It; Does Cortisone Injections Help with Stacey Roberts

    What if pain isn’t just “wear and tear”… and aging doesn’t have to hurt? In this episode, Mary sits down with physical therapist and nurse Stacey Roberts to unpack a completely different approach to pain-free living. After decades in traditional medicine, Stacey began questioning why so many patients weren’t getting better. What she discovered changes everything: pain isn’t just structural—it’s influenced by your brain, hormones, gut health, and even your mindset. We dive into her discovery of a non-invasive treatment,  SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy (TRT) and why she became the first clinic to purchase one. She will also share the Pain-Free Formula and explain why common treatments like cortisone injections may not be the best solution we once believed. Connect: Stacey's clinic: https://newyouhealthandwellness.comBook: The Pain-Free Formula: Solving the Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections (available on Amazon)SoftWave TRT providers: https://softwavetrt.comLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    57 min
  4. When Concussion Collides with Menopause: A Brain's Story

    MAR 26

    When Concussion Collides with Menopause: A Brain's Story

    When a brain Injury, menopause, and trauma intersect, it can be a nervous system train wreck. In my solo episode, perfectly timed with Brain Injury/Brain Health Awareness Month this March, I humbly share how a mild injury while recently vacationing in Mexico reactivated old symptoms and emotions connected to a previous traumatic brain injury in 2015.  This story highlights how brain injury, hormonal shifts, and stored trauma can amplify nervous system dysregulation. But this retelling of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) goes beyond fatigue, fog, headaches, and heightened emotional sensitivity. It's a story of community and navigating self-compassion.  Ironically, three comunities I have benefitted from and deeply invested in to promote their work suddenly became more meaningful. Those communities include Love Your Brain Foundation, Broken Squirrel Wellness, located in the Comox Valley, BC, Canada, and the Brainnovation Network. Resources (not affiliate links) Donate to LYB and make brain injury support more accessibleBroken Squirrel NeuroloungeJoin the Brainnovation Network CommunitySymphony Brain PerformanceThe Concussion Nerds Podcast Episode 67: Yoga NidraLet us know if you're liking the show! Thanks to our sponsor, Hen's Den YogaA cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of yoga and fitness classes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    14 min
  5. The “Just Do Kegels” Myth Might Be Harming Your Pelvic Floor with Dr. Lisa Kelly

    MAR 16

    The “Just Do Kegels” Myth Might Be Harming Your Pelvic Floor with Dr. Lisa Kelly

    Pelvic health is one of the most important  and often overlooked aspects of women’s health. Many are told that bladder leaks, pelvic pressure, or discomfort during exercise are simply part of aging, pregnancy, or menopause. But the truth is, these symptoms are common and they are also treatable. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Kelly, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic health specialist to explore how the pelvic floor connects to strength, breath, movement, and long-term mobility. We unpack some of the biggest myths about pelvic health — including why “just do Kegels” is often the wrong advice — and discuss how proper breathing, core coordination can support pelvic floor function at every stage of life. Dr. Kelly shares how pelvic health changes across the lifespan, from pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and beyond, and why early awareness and proper support can make a profound difference in quality of life. If you’ve ever experienced leakage during workouts, pelvic pressure, core weakness, or unexplained back or hip pain, this episode will help you better understand what may be happening in your body — and what you can do about it. Connect:  Learn more about Dr. Lisa Kelly on her website Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates Instagram @anchorwellnesscincyLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    52 min
  6. Closing the Menopause Care Gap: Women Deserve To Be Heard with Dr. Lindsay Shirreff

    MAR 6

    Closing the Menopause Care Gap: Women Deserve To Be Heard with Dr. Lindsay Shirreff

    Today, we welcome Dr. Lindsay Shirreff, OB-GYN, member of the Menopause Foundation of Canda medical advisory board, and Chief Medical Officer of Blair Health.  Dr. Shirreff shares her journey from traditional medicine to healthcare innovation, focusing on closing the specialist gap for menopause and women’s health through technology and AI.  The conversation dives into why access to menopause care is so limited, how Blair Health’s platform works, and the importance of personalized, evidence-based treatment for women at midlife. Key Topics Covered Dr. Shirreff’s background and motivation for founding Blair Health, a tech-enabled women’s health clinicHow Blair Health uses AI to deliver personalized, evidence-based treatment plansThe importance of compassionate, proactive care and symptom trackingWhat “verticals” mean in women’s health (menopause, urology, nutrition)The nuances of menopause hormone therapy (MHT), including risks, benefits, and misconceptions from the WHI studyThe importance of individualized care—why no two women’s menopause journeys are the sameThe role of employers in supporting menopause care and the economic impact of untreated symptomsSuccess stories of reaching women in remote areas and those dismissed by the traditional systemUnderrated symptoms, healthy habits, and what gives Dr. Shirreff hope for women’s healthResources & Links Learn more about Blair Health: Blair HealthMenopause Foundation of Canada workplace guidelines: Menopause Foundation of CanadaLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 4m
  7. Three Chakras to Clear for Menopause Self-Advocacy

    FEB 23

    Three Chakras to Clear for Menopause Self-Advocacy

    Can't speak your truth? Experience gut-wrenching pain and butterflies when you visit your doctor? Does it feel like your feminine qualities are being suppressed?Could be your Chakras need a tune up! In this episode, Mary explore menopause through the lens of the subtle body system to build an understanding how many menopause symptoms connect to specific energy centers, known as chakras. The body's subtle energy is information and vibration and menopause is a “reckoning” that brings stored emotions and stuck energy to the surface as hormones shift and the nervous system changes.  The episode focuses on three major chakras women are encouraged to clear to better advocate for their health and take agency over healthcare decisions. Specifically, the sacral chakra (Svathistana), the solar plexus (Manipura), and the throat chakra (Vishuddha ). These three chakras govern hormones and emotional fluidity and creativity, confidence, boundaries and taking agency, as well as voice, truth, and healthcare advocacy, Journey through each of these to learn why they are essential in healthcare seetings.  But it is more than just these three. Listeners are invited to join a new live monthly virtual community called the Menopause Café. This online meetup will cover one chakra per month with education and balancing practices. Registration via Eventbrite.  Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    27 min
  8. The Swimsuit Fashion Gap: Rethinking Swimwear for Midlife Women with Sarah Blaser

    FEB 20

    The Swimsuit Fashion Gap: Rethinking Swimwear for Midlife Women with Sarah Blaser

    Today, we feature fashion designer Sarah Blaser and her mother, Donna, in a heartfelt conversation about bathing suits — from the challenges of shopping and finding the right fit to the menopause-related body changes and frustration many women feel when trying to squeeze into traditional swimsuits. Inspired by her mother’s struggle to find swimwear that offered both comfort and adaptability for a changing body, founder Sarah Blaser set out to create designs that feel as good as they look. From that journey, Serotone Swim was born, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Drawing on her background in technical sportswear and intimates, Sarah developed pieces responsive to the needs of women over 35. Her styles emphasize fit, function, and sustainability while helping women feel confident and comfortable. The brand’s water-to-table concept extends beyond swimwear to include joggers, dresses, and cover-ups made with chlorine- and saltwater-tested fabrics, power-mesh lining, and smoothing warp-knit nylon. In our conversation, Sarah shares how much of the industry remains focused on younger, slimmer bodies, often overlooking midlife fit concerns such as squeezing, skin sensitivity, changing breast support needs, and inadequate coverage. She also reflects on her decision to launch at Miami Swim Week with diverse models, pushing back against industry tensions around inclusivity and the recent swing back toward ultra-thin ideals. This conversation isn’t just about design, fabric, or the evolution of swim fashion — it’s about body confidence, challenging negative self-talk, and choosing to dress for comfort, self-expression, and personal truth rather than external validation. Connect: The Serotone Swim LookBook: https://serotoneswim.com/pages/lookbookPreorder today for March delivery and save. Listeners can save 20% with discount code: MARYInstagram @serotone_swim https://www.instagram.com/serotone_swim Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. She is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    56 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, I’m your host, Mary Lee, a compassionate Menopause Doula and Licensed Menopause Champion in partnership with The Menopause Expert Group. My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause. The menopausal transition is a natural phase of life that deserves to be embraced, not stigmatized. Reflecting on my own encounters with the lack gap in female hormonal health and leaning in on my experience in science communication and public relations practitioner, I decided the time is now to rewrite the script and bring truth and reliable resources to the forefront.  In each episode, I tackle taboo topics and disrupt the status quo on how we think, act, and treat menopause - peri to post. Join me in these informative conversations, either alone or with credible guest experts, as I dive into real, raw, and relatable discussions surrounding the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. It’s time to reclaim our voices and advocate for our health with confidence. Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

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