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 My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause.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. 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! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    58 min
  2. 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    14 min
  3. 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 Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    53 min
  4. 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 rLet us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 6m
  5. 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    27 min
  6. 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 j Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    58 min
  7. Why Women Are Being Lied to About Sleep with Dr. Carleara Weiss

    FEB 13

    Why Women Are Being Lied to About Sleep with Dr. Carleara Weiss

    Today, we delve into the critical topic of sleep during perimenopause and menopause with Dr. Carleara Weiss, a renowned sleep scientist and advisor for Aeroflow Sleep. Dr. Weiss, who hold a PhD and Master's of Science and Nursing, and a nationally recognized sleep scientist, discusses the significant impact of hormonal changes on women’s sleep patterns. She emphasises how sleep apnea, often underdiagnosed in women, affects overall health, including increasing risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.  Dr. Weiss also provides actionable advice and practical sleep and lifestyle strategies, highlighting the importance of understanding circadian rhythms, and how women can advocate for their own health. The episode also explores the crucial need for medical professionals to listen to women's sleep concerns to understand the bigger, underlying health issues picture.  00:00 Intro 04:02 Dr. Weiss's Journey into Sleep Science 06:31 Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms 11:07 Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea 15:42 Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Sleep 18:27 The Role of Sleep in Overall Health 28:58 Tracking Symptoms and Seeking Proper Care 34:28 Understanding Sleep Stages and Cognitive Function 34:57 Impact of Menopause on Sleep 35:16 Hormonal Changes and Sleep Fragmentation 36:28 Treatment Options for Menopausal Sleep Iss Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 5m
  8. Perimenopause Unplugged: Why Addressing Hormones Early Improves Long Term Health with Dana Culp

    FEB 6

    Perimenopause Unplugged: Why Addressing Hormones Early Improves Long Term Health with Dana Culp

    Today, we welcome Dana Culp, a doctor of nursing practice, founder of Thrive Midlife Medicine, and a certified menopause expert, for a candid and empowering conversation about navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Dana shares her personal journey from critical care medicine to becoming a passionate advocate for women’s midlife health after her own symptoms were repeatedly dismissed by healthcare providers. Dana explains the foundational pillars of midlife wellness and shares practical strategies for advocating in the doctor’s office, the essential lab tests every woman should consider. The episode also explores the impact of weight gain, the role of GLP-1 medications, and the importance of building a supportive care team. Dana’s insights on symptom tracking, self-advocacy, and incremental lifestyle changes offer hope and actionable steps, as well as a better understanding why self-education and persistence are crucial in a healthcare system that often overlooks women’s experiences. Connect: Website: https://www.thrivemidlifemed.com/Instagram: @thrivemidlifemedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivemidlifemedLinkedIn: Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Join us for a monthly virtual gathering to explore menopause through each of the seven chakra, understanding how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and more. Register via Eventbrite 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/Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 8m
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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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