The Art of Living Well Podcast®

Marnie Dachis Marmet & Stephanie May Potter

Welcome to The Art of Living Well Podcast® — your go-to resource for longevity, women's health, functional medicine, biohacking, hormones, gut health, mindset, and holistic wellness. Hosted by board-certified integrative health practitioners Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie Potter, each episode features expert interviews, actionable tips, personal stories, and proven strategies to help you unlock your vitality, optimize your health, and age with strength and confidence. Whether you're navigating midlife, looking to balance hormones, improve gut health, prevent chronic disease, or simply live a vibrant, healthy life, this show empowers you to take control of your health with real science, real stories, and real results. Join our thriving community of women who are prioritizing well-being, building resilience, and discovering their Art of Living Well. Subscribe for new episodes every week covering: •Longevity & Anti-Aging •Women's Hormones & Menopause •Gut Health & Nutrition •Functional Medicine Insights •Biohacking for Energy & Vitality •Stress, Sleep & Mental Health •Mindset & Personal Growth •Cutting-Edge Wellness Trends Let's rewrite the rules of aging and wellness — together. Marnie and Stephanie do not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner any disease, condition or ailment of the body. They serve as trainers, educators, coaches, mentors and guides who provide training, education, support, resources, guidance and information.

  1. 2 Sept

    E323: The Antioxidant You've Never Heard Of? C60, Mitochondria, Energy & Aging with Ken Swartz

    What if one tiny carbon molecule could help protect your cells from oxidative stress and support the mitochondria responsible for producing your energy? In this fascinating episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we sit down with Ken Swartz, aka Ken the Scientist, co-founder of C60 Power, to explore Carbon 60 (C60)—a unique form of carbon that Ken first encountered while researching radiation protection in a fusion energy lab. Ken takes us inside the science of C60 and explains why this molecule has gained attention in the longevity and biohacking worlds for its potential role in antioxidant defense, mitochondrial health, cellular energy, inflammation and healthy aging. We break down oxidative stress in simple terms, why mitochondrial function becomes increasingly important as we age, and how C60 differs from familiar antioxidants such as CoQ10 and glutathione. Ken also shares what to look for when choosing a C60 product, including purity, third-party testing, sourcing and packaging. For our midlife listeners, we dig into an especially interesting question: Could supporting mitochondrial health influence the way we experience energy, brain fog and other changes associated with aging? In this episode, you'll learn: What Carbon 60 (C60) actually is—and its surprising connection to fusion-energy research How oxidative stress affects our cells, mitochondria and aging The relationship between mitochondrial function, cellular energy and aging Why brain fog, fatigue and inflammation may be associated with oxidative stress How C60 differs from CoQ10, glutathione and other antioxidants What Ken says about C60 and hormone production—and why women using HRT should discuss supplementation with their healthcare practitioner C60 oil vs. gummies and how the different delivery methods compare What to look for when choosing C60: purity, sourcing, third-party testing and packaging Ways to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function What the research does—and does not—tell us about C60 and longevity How topical C60 is being used in skincare Why no supplement replaces the foundations of nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – What is Carbon 60 (C60)? 03:45 – C60, mitochondria and oxidative stress 07:00 – Brain fog, fatigue and inflammation 11:00 – C60, hormones and midlife health 14:30 – How to use C60 and when to expect results 19:45 – How to choose a high-quality C60 product 21:30 – Safety, medications and who should use caution 23:30 – Testing oxidative stress and mitochondrial health 27:30 – C60 for skincare and healthy aging 29:30 – C60 vs. peptides 31:00 – How to get started with C60 Learn more + special listener offer C60 Power: https://shopc60.com Discount code: LIVINGWELL60 C60 research and education: https://www.whatisc60.org ---------------------------------------------------------- Feeling tired, inflamed, or stuck in a cycle of cravings? Join our 7-Day Fall Vitality Reboot starting September 27 and discover how much better you can feel with simple daily habits and a supportive community beside you every step of the way. Click here to save your spot: https://l.bttr.to/fNSbn Not sure where to start, or want to talk it through first? Book a free discovery call with Marnie and Stephanie. Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/ Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with Your Hosts:  Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E323: The Antioxidant You've Never Heard Of? C60, Mitochondria, Energy & Aging with Ken Swartz
  2. 26 Aug

    E322: Beyond Biological Age: Your Midlife Health Dashboard for Living Well

    Have you ever noticed how two women fifteen years apart can seem worlds apart in energy, while two women the same age can be aging in completely different directions? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie unpack what they call the midlife health dashboard: the metrics that actually predict how well you're aging, beyond the number on a biological age test. They share their own results from two different biological age tests, including a jarring 16-year gap between the two, and walk through what's actually within your control. Biological age testing has exploded in popularity, with people online sharing scores and spending real money to find out if they're aging faster or slower than their birth certificate says. Marnie and Stephanie have both taken these tests themselves, and they break down what the scores actually mean, what they missed, and why the number matters far less than the daily habits behind it. Whether you've taken a biological age test, are curious about one, or just want a practical way to think about aging well, this episode gives you a place to start today. Key Takeaways: •Biological age tests compare you to other people who took that same test, often a health-conscious group, not the general population •Genetic testing can also reveal your MTHFR status and ApoE genotype, which may be more useful day to day than the biological age score itself •Getting up off the floor without using your hands is one of the simplest predictors of long-term mobility •Walking pace and small daily movement snacks measurably affect how well you age, not just how far you walk •Deep sleep, not just total hours, is one of the most overlooked levers for energy and recovery in midlife •Most women are still under-eating protein, and it shows up in blood work, energy, and cravings •Chronic stress and time spent in fight-or-flight directly affects your biological age, not just how you feel day to day •You don't need a lab test to start improving your health dashboard, an honest self-score across a few key areas is a good place to begin Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: 00:00 Why Two Women 15 Years Apart Can Age So Differently 00:59 Welcome Back: Introducing the Midlife Health Dashboard 01:28 What Biological Age Actually Measures 01:55 Stephanie's Biological Age Test Results, Explained 04:34 Marnie's Two Test Results: One Said 54, One Said 38.6 07:37 The MTHFR Gene and Why Methylation Matters 08:49 Genes Aren't Destiny: A Quick Note on Epigenetics 09:30 Metric: Muscle and Functional Strength 10:21 The "Can You Get Off the Floor" Longevity Test 10:49 Book Rec: The New Fit With Aaron Leventhal (Episode 284) 11:32 Metric: Walking, Movement Snacks, and Pace 13:49 Metric: Sleep and the Midlife Wake-Up Spiral 15:26 Sleep Trackers Worth Trying: Aura Ring vs. Whoop 16:30 Chasing Deep Sleep: What Actually Moved the Needle 17:44 Metric: Stress, the Nervous System, and a PEMF Mat Experiment 19:52 Metric: Protein, and Why Most Women Are Under-Eating It 22:15 Does Everyone Need to Take a Biological Age Test? 23:02 Metric: Connection and Purpose 23:59 Metric: Getting Out of Fight-or-Flight 24:59 Build Your Own Health Dashboard: Score Yourself 25:08 How Old Do You Actually Feel? 28:16 What We'd Tell Our Kids Now 29:21 Share Your Biological Age Results With Us 29:45 Join the Fall Vitality Reboot, Starting September 27 Resources and Links: Episode 267, The New Fit with Aaron Leventhal Episode284 with Danny King (Lifetime) on VO2 max  Episode 319 on Community and Longevity for Midlife Women  Episode317 Design a life you love with the "big ass calendar" co-founder  Feeling tired, inflamed, or stuck in a cycle of cravings? Join our 7-Day Fall Vitality Reboot starting September 27 and discover how much better you can feel with simple daily habits and a supportive community beside you every step of the way. Click here to save your spot: https://l.bttr.to/fNSbn Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/ Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with Your Hosts: Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching  Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E322: Beyond Biological Age: Your Midlife Health Dashboard for Living Well
  3. 12 Aug

    E321: Menopause Is Not the Beginning of the End: How to Reset Your Hormones, Energy & Longevity with Dr. Miranda Naylor

    What if everything you've been told about menopause is incomplete? Many women believe menopause automatically means weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, poor sleep, and feeling like the best years are behind them. But according to physician and hormone expert Dr. Miranda Naylor, menopause isn't the beginning of decline—it can become one of the greatest opportunities to reset your health. In this episode, we explore the biggest myths surrounding perimenopause and menopause, the role genetics really play, how lifestyle impacts ovarian aging, and where hormone replacement therapy fits into a personalized longevity plan. Whether you're approaching menopause, currently navigating it, or simply want to prepare for healthy aging, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful. In this episode you'll learn: Why menopause doesn't have to mean decline Why your mother's experience doesn't determine yours The difference between chronological age, biological age and ovarian age Lifestyle habits that can dramatically improve your menopausal transition When hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate Bioidentical hormones vs synthetic hormones The importance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone How community, sleep and stress influence hormone health Why menopause can become a powerful opportunity for reinvention Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome + Why Menopause Needs a New Narrative 02:05 The Biggest Myths About Menopause 04:45 The Unexpected Gifts of Midlife 08:30 Why Menopause Can Be Your Health Reset 10:50 Hormone Replacement Therapy: What Women Need to Know 15:15 Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone Explained 18:45 A Real-Life Patient Success Story 20:30 The Lifestyle Habits That Matter Most 25:05 Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Does Your Mom's Menopause Predict Yours? 27:30 Biological Age vs. Ovarian Age 31:30 HRT Myths, Breast Cancer & Safety 35:20 Dr. Miranda's RISE Method + Final Takeaways 37:10 Free Hormone Quiz + Closing Thoughts Connect with Dr. Miranda Naylor Website Instagram Modern Women's Wellness Podcast Free Hormone Quiz Connect with Us Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468  Connect with your Hosts: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E321: Menopause Is Not the Beginning of the End: How to Reset Your Hormones, Energy & Longevity with Dr. Miranda Naylor
  4. 5 Aug

    E320: The First 24 Hours After a Tick Bite Matter Most: Lyme Disease Advocate Ali Moresco on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Recovery

    You don't have to live in the woods to get bit by a tick. It can happen in your backyard, on a walk, even pulling weeds in your own garden. In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie sit down with Ali Moresco, a tick-borne disease survivor, healthcare publicist, and one of the most recognized Lyme disease advocates in the country. Ali spent two years searching for a diagnosis before learning she had Lyme disease along with several co-infections, and she's turned that experience into advocacy work that has helped shape federal tick-borne disease legislation as executive board chair of Project Lyme. Ali walks through what those confusing early years of unexplained symptoms actually looked like, why standard Lyme testing misses far more cases than most people realize, and the practical prevention and removal steps worth knowing before your next walk outside. She also shares what her recovery has actually required over the better part of a decade, including where the treatment protocols and research are headed next. Whether you spend your weekends on the trail, garden in your own backyard, or just want to know what to actually do if you find a tick on you, this conversation will change how you think about prevention. Key Takeaways: Lyme disease is present in all 50 states, not just the East Coast Standard two-tier Lyme tests can be 64-78% inaccurate, especially in the early weeks after a bite Fewer than half of people infected with Lyme ever develop the classic bullseye rash Never burn, smother, or otherwise irritate an attached tick — use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up Save a removed tick in a bag or jar; some states and universities offer free tick testing Alpha-Gal syndrome is a tick-borne meat allergy that can also cause fatigue, brain fog, and gastro symptoms Symptoms from a tick bite can surface years later, often triggered by an unrelated stressful event or illness Recovery from chronic tick-borne illness is rarely linear and often requires a combination of treatments tailored to the individual person Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:  00:00   Introduction & Meeting Ali Moresco 01:03   Does Ali Still Enjoy Being Outside After Everything She's Been Through 02:51   Life Before Lyme Disease Was Part of Her Vocabulary 07:23   The Timeline From Tick Bite to First Symptoms 08:53   The Two-Year Path to Diagnosis 10:39   Why Standard Lyme Testing Misses So Many Cases 13:40   What Her Lowest Point Actually Looked Like 17:28   The Biggest Misconceptions About Tick Bites 19:43   Beyond Lyme: Other Tick-Borne Conditions on the Rise 20:34   Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome 22:31   Babesiosis and Bartonella, Explained 23:24   How to Actually Prevent Tick Bites 26:36   Prophylactic Antibiotics After a Bite 27:49   The Right Way to Remove a Tick (and What Never to Do) 29:46   What to Do With a Tick After You Remove It 30:58   Can Symptoms Show Up Years After a Bite? 32:47   Reasons for Hope: New Research on the Horizon 35:55   Inside Project Lyme's Advocacy Work 37:48   What Treatment Actually Looks Like Long-Term 44:03   The Daily Habits That Help Ali Stay Well 45:34   Where to Find Ali and Her Work 46:28   "What Does the Art of Living Well Mean to You?" Guest Links: Instagram: instagram.com/alitmoresco  Moresco PR: amorescopr.com/ali-moresco Project Lyme: projectlyme.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling tired, inflamed, or stuck in a cycle of cravings? Join our 7-Day Fall Vitality Reboot starting September 27 and discover how much better you can feel with simple daily habits and a supportive community beside you every step of the way. Click here to save your spot: https://l.bttr.to/fNSbn --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. Grab your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist here. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/ Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468  Connect with your Hosts: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E320: The First 24 Hours After a Tick Bite Matter Most: Lyme Disease Advocate Ali Moresco on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Recovery
  5. 29 Jul

    E319: Community Is the Missing Piece of Longevity: Why Connection Matters More Than You Think

    When most people think about longevity, they immediately think about nutrition, exercise, sleep, supplements, or hormone health. But what if one of the biggest predictors of living a longer, healthier life has nothing to do with what's on your plate? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we're diving into one of the most overlooked pillars of health: community and meaningful human connection. Loneliness has quietly become a public health crisis, and research continues to show that meaningful relationships influence everything from mental health and stress resilience to inflammation, cognitive function, and longevity. Yet many of us—especially women in midlife—find ourselves unintentionally putting friendships and community on the back burner while juggling careers, parenting, caregiving, and endless responsibilities. We share personal stories from our Minneapolis Hiking Collective, discuss why in-person connection matters so much, explore the difference between loneliness and isolation, and offer practical ways to build deeper relationships—even if you're an introvert or feel like you don't have the time. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Why community may be one of the most overlooked pillars of longevity 02:05 The surprising statistics on loneliness and why they matter 04:10 Why we started the Minneapolis Hiking Collective 07:20 Building community through shared interests and activities 09:55 Making time for relationships in a busy season of life 11:55 Loneliness vs. isolation—and why they aren't the same thing 15:45 Finding your people and creating meaningful connections 17:40 Community after retirement and during the empty nest years 20:30 Volunteering, travel, and creating experiences that strengthen relationships 23:45 Lessons from the Blue Zones and cultures that prioritize community 25:15 Why experiences often matter more than gifts 27:00 How to build deeper friendships through simple one-on-one connection 29:00 Our challenge for you this week Mentioned in today's episode • Minneapolis Hiking Collective • Blue Zones • DIY Vitality Reboot If you've been feeling sluggish, foggy, or just not like yourself lately, this is where we'd start. The Vitality Reboot is a 7-day functional medicine liver detox you can do anytime, at your own pace, with full support from us along the way. Women consistently tell us it's the thing that finally helps them feel like themselves again. Start here Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with your Hosts:  https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E319: Community Is the Missing Piece of Longevity: Why Connection Matters More Than You Think
  6. 22 Jul

    E318: Your Strongest Years Are Still Ahead: Endurance Athlete Jen Segger on Goals, Grit, and Thriving in Midlife

    What if your strongest, most adventurous years are still ahead of you — not behind you? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie sit down with Jen Segger, world-class endurance athlete, high-performance coach, and co-founder of the Rebuild Retreat, to explore what it really looks like to keep dreaming bigger in midlife. From her roots in adventure racing to coaching women through the physiology of perimenopause and beyond, Jen brings a grounded, practical perspective on what separates the women who achieve meaningful goals from those who stay stuck. Jen's path started with a pivot away from competitive field hockey and a move to Whistler in her early twenties, where she began building a life around adventure racing — a sport that takes teams through remote terrain for up to ten days nonstop. Over two decades, she has raced across the world, guided expeditions in Colombia, co-created immersive retreats on Vancouver Island, and built a coaching practice around getting people to the finish line of whatever matters most to them. Whether you're training for your first endurance event, trying to figure out how to work with your hormones instead of against them, or simply wondering what's still possible in this chapter of life, this conversation will help you move forward. Key Takeaways: Starting small is not settling — it's the most sustainable path to a big goal The most consistent athletes aren't the most talented; they're the ones who protect their training time like an appointment with themselves Comparison is one of the biggest obstacles women face in perimenopause and goal-setting alike Your goal needs to be genuinely yours — not what your peers are doing or what looks good on paper Working with a coach isn't just about a training plan; it's about accountability, external perspective, and staying coachable Longevity matters more than peak performance — Jen herself is currently prioritizing addressing imbalances over racing Integrating your goals with your family life makes them more sustainable, not smaller Midlife is not a signal to scale back; it's an invitation to get clearer about what you actually want Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & How Marnie and Stephanie Met Jen 01:32 Jen's Path From Field Hockey to Adventure Racing 03:51 What Adventure Racing Teaches You About Life 09:32 Staying Motivated After 25 Years as an Athlete 11:12 What to Say to Women Who Think Midlife Means Slowing Down 14:12 How to Set a Goal That's Actually Yours 16:39 Planning Your Year With Intention 23:24 Working With Your Hormones in Perimenopause 26:28 What Separates Women Who Achieve Goals From Those Who Get Stuck 30:57 Why Every Woman Needs a Coach 35:40 The Rebuild Retreat on Vancouver Island 39:53 The Colombia Trekking Expedition With Terra Venture 51:42 One Thing You Can Do This Week 53:01 What's Lighting Jen Up Right Now 56:30 "What Does the Art of Living Well Mean to You?" Guest Links: Website: jensegger.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensegger/ Terra Venture expeditions (Colombia): https://www.terra-venture.com/expeditions If you've been feeling sluggish, foggy, or just not like yourself lately, this is where we'd start. The Vitality Reboot is a 7-day functional medicine liver detox you can do anytime, at your own pace, with full support from us along the way. Women consistently tell us it's the thing that finally helps them feel like themselves again. Start here Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with your Hosts:  https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E318: Your Strongest Years Are Still Ahead: Endurance Athlete Jen Segger on Goals, Grit, and Thriving in Midlife
  7. 15 Jul

    E317: How to design a life you're excited to live with Taylor Prokes

    Are you living your life by design...or by default? If you've ever found yourself saying, "I don't have enough time," feeling like the weeks fly by, or wondering where the year went, this episode is for you. This week, we're joined by Taylor Prokes, co-founder of the Big A## Calendar Company, endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate for intentional living. Taylor shares why your calendar is much more than a scheduling tool—it's one of the most powerful ways to create a life filled with purpose, joy, adventure, and meaningful experiences. Together, we explore how planning ahead can help you stop simply reacting to life and start intentionally creating it. Whether you're navigating midlife, raising teenagers, becoming an empty nester, or simply craving more fulfillment, Taylor offers practical strategies to help you prioritize what matters most. We also discuss why women in midlife may actually have more opportunities than ever before to pursue meaningful goals, embrace adventure, and inject more fun into everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why your calendar shapes your life more than you realize How to stop saying "I don't have time" The power of planning adventures and experiences in advance Why midlife is the perfect time to prioritize yourself The concept of a Misogi—a year-defining challenge Why doing hard things builds confidence and resilience How to balance family, work, relationships, and personal goals The importance of creating seasons instead of chasing "perfect balance" How mini adventures can add more joy to everyday life Practical ways to become more intentional with your time Episode Breakdown with Timestamps In This Episode 01:15 How Taylor discovered intentional living 09:30 Stop reacting to life—start designing it 15:30 Why planning ahead creates more freedom 19:30 Rethinking work-life balance 27:00 What is a Misogi? 34:45 How the Big Ass Calendar works 42:00 Why women in midlife should prioritize fun 50:30 When life changes your plans Whether your next adventure is running your first race, learning a new skill, taking a bucket-list trip, or simply scheduling more fun with friends and family, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start living. Connect with Taylor Prokes Instagram: @TaylorProkes Website: TheBigAssCalendar.com Use this link and code LIVINGWELL for a discount off your calendar purchase.   Summer is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to design a life they truly love.

    E317: How to design a life you're excited to live with Taylor Prokes
  8. 24 Jun

    E316: Creatine Isn't Just for Bodybuilders: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Muscle, Energy, and Brain Health

    When was the last time you heard someone say creatine was for women? Probably not often enough. In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie break down one of the most researched supplements available and make the case for why midlife women should be paying attention. Creatine has long been associated with bodybuilders and gym culture, but the science tells a far more interesting story, especially for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the hormonal shifts that come with them. This conversation covers the basics of how creatine works, why women naturally have lower stores than men, and what the emerging research says about its benefits for muscle, recovery, energy, and brain health. Marnie and Stephanie also share how they each take it daily, what brands they trust, and how to work through the bloating concern that keeps many women from sticking with it. Supplements are never the whole picture. But this one may be worth a closer look. Key Takeaways What creatine is and how it supports cellular energy production Why women have lower creatine stores than men How declining estrogen affects muscle mass and recovery The strength and lean muscle benefits of creatine in perimenopause and postmenopause Why brain fog and cognitive decline make creatine worth considering The truth about bloating and water retention The form, dose, and timing that Marnie and Stephanie each use What to look for on a label and brands they recommend Who should consult a doctor before starting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00 Why creatine matters for women 01:30 What creatine is and how ATP works 03:30 Why women have lower creatine stores 05:00 Strength, muscle mass, and recovery 07:00 Addressing the bloating concern 08:30 Perimenopause and postmenopause research 10:00 Brain health and cognitive function 11:30 Benefits across all life stages 12:00 Myths and contraindications 13:30 Creatine monohydrate: dosing and timing 15:00 Brands and what to look for 18:00 Final takeaways Resources and Links Kion Creatine: Code: ARTOFLIVINGWELL  Brick House Nutrition Creatone Code: livingwell Equi.Life Cell Force Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us  Sponsors This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Summer is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ Join Us This Summer — Mahjong Night! If you are local to the Twin Cities, come spend a summer evening with us. We are hosting a fun night of mahjong, connection, and community on Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Expect good company, giveaways, and plenty of laughs around the table. Tickets are $20 to play. Location will be in Edina or Minnetonka depending on the weather, and the address will be shared upon registration. Please note this event is for experienced players only and space is limited. Grab your spot before it sells out at https://l.bttr.to/t9qKg Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E316: Creatine Isn't Just for Bodybuilders: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Muscle, Energy, and Brain Health

About

Welcome to The Art of Living Well Podcast® — your go-to resource for longevity, women's health, functional medicine, biohacking, hormones, gut health, mindset, and holistic wellness. Hosted by board-certified integrative health practitioners Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie Potter, each episode features expert interviews, actionable tips, personal stories, and proven strategies to help you unlock your vitality, optimize your health, and age with strength and confidence. Whether you're navigating midlife, looking to balance hormones, improve gut health, prevent chronic disease, or simply live a vibrant, healthy life, this show empowers you to take control of your health with real science, real stories, and real results. Join our thriving community of women who are prioritizing well-being, building resilience, and discovering their Art of Living Well. Subscribe for new episodes every week covering: •Longevity & Anti-Aging •Women's Hormones & Menopause •Gut Health & Nutrition •Functional Medicine Insights •Biohacking for Energy & Vitality •Stress, Sleep & Mental Health •Mindset & Personal Growth •Cutting-Edge Wellness Trends Let's rewrite the rules of aging and wellness — together. Marnie and Stephanie do not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner any disease, condition or ailment of the body. They serve as trainers, educators, coaches, mentors and guides who provide training, education, support, resources, guidance and information.

You Might Also Like