Functional Moms Podcast

Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

  1. 6D AGO

    94. Fasting After 40: The Right Way to Lose Fat & Trigger Autophagy

    Fasting for women over 40 can feel confusing. You want to lose belly fat, improve metabolic health, and reduce inflammation, but you’ve heard fasting can damage hormones or cause muscle loss. So is fasting safe after 40? In this episode, we break down how to fast without destroying your hormones or losing muscle mass. We talk about intermittent fasting vs prolonged fasting, how autophagy works, and why women in perimenopause and menopause need a different approach. Our guest, Melanie Murphy Richter, is a registered dietitian, longevity expert, and Director of Communications at Prolon. She explains the science behind the Prolon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet and how it helps reduce visceral fat while preserving lean muscle. If you’re struggling with stubborn weight gain, hormone shifts, low energy, or inflammation this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Is fasting safe for women over 40? • How to protect muscle while fasting • How fasting affects hormones and metabolism • The difference between intermittent fasting and prolonged fasting • How to trigger autophagy safely • How Prolon supports fat loss without muscle loss • Why visceral fat is dangerous after 40 • How fasting may improve skin, inflammation, and longevity If you’ve ever wondered why fat loss feels harder after 40 — this conversation explains what’s really happening inside your body. ORDER YOUR PROLON KIT HERE-DISCOUNT (Functional Moms link):https://prolonlife.com/FM Connect with Melanie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthnmellness/ Prolon: https://www.instagram.com/prolon/ Shop the Functional Moms supplement store (25% off):https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Here are some related podcast episodes : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50l2D0kuLnY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUTcudOChck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U19SvuNliFI Subscribe to Functional Moms Podcast for more episodes on hormone health, weight loss after 40, metabolism, longevity, and functional medicine for moms AND all women over 40. #FastingAfter40 #WomenOver40 #HormoneHealth #Autophagy #Prolonfasting for women over 40 is fasting safe for women fasting after 40 how to fast without losing muscle fasting and hormones prolon fasting mimicking diet prolon review autophagy fasting how to trigger autophagy fasting and menopause fasting for perimenopause reduce visceral fat metabolic health after 40 belly fat after 40 intermittent fasting for women prolonged fasting benefits women over 40 weight loss antiaging fastinglongevity fasting fasting and inflammation

    39 min

  2. FEB 24

    93. The Hidden Reason You Have Stubborn Belly Fat, Body Pain, Poor Sleep and Low Energy

    Are you struggling with stubborn belly fat, constant fatigue, or intense food cravings  especially during perimenopause or menopause? In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we dive deep into insulin resistance: what it iswhy it’s so common in women over 40how it may be the hidden reason behind weight gain, energy crashes, and metabolic dysfunctionOur guest, Shana Hussin, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and metabolic health expert, explains why 93% of adults are metabolically unhealthy and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can worsen insulin sensitivity. You’ll learn how to identify insulin resistance through labs like fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, why belly fat is a major warning sign, and practical strategies including fasting, seasonal eating, and light exposure  that can help restore metabolic balance naturally. If you feel like you're eating “healthy” but still not seeing results, this conversation may completely change how you view weight loss and hormone health. We learn: • What insulin resistance really means • Signs and symptoms most women overlook • The connection between menopause and belly fat • How fasting impacts insulin sensitivity • Why light exposure affects metabolism • Labs you should ask your doctor for (fasting insulin & HOMA-IR) • Practical steps to reverse insulin resistance Connect with Shana Hussin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shana.hussin.rdn/ Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ FEEL GREAT SYSTEM (mentioned in this episode) https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/ Optimal Metabolism Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7EvYTUO2qEB9PuGrTcVpUI?si=ff380e799ab3443b Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF top brands):https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Thank you for listening, please FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This will ensure we can bring more episodes your way!  SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ **All viewers are encouraged to consult their doctor or licensed healthcare professional regarding specific health concerns, lab testing, nutrition changes, fasting, supplements, or lifestyle programs. Neither the host, guests, nor the publishers of this content assume responsibility for any potential health consequences resulting from the use of information shared in this episode. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, or managing a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider before making dietary, supplement, fasting, or lifestyle changes. #InsulinResistance #BloodSugarHealth #HealthyLifestyle #WeightLossJourney #GoldenRoseMedSpa #MetabolicHealth #DiabetesPrevention #InsulinSensitivity #HealthTips #OrlandoMedSpa #WellnessJourney improving your health, ketones for life, keto, keto diet, insulin resistance, signs of insulin resistance, how to reverse insulin resistance, insulin resistance symptoms, blood sugar health, metabolic syndrome, diabetes prevention, improve insulin sensitivity, healthy lifestyle, weight loss tips, chronic disease prevention, insulin resistance diet, managing insulin resistance, insulin resistance treatment, better health,

    47 min

  3. FEB 17

    92. How to Fix Your Pelvic Floor in Menopause: Stop Nighttime Peeing, UTIs & Bladder Leaks

    If you're waking up at night to pee, dealing with frequent UTIs, bladder leakage, painful sex, or chronic constipation during perimenopause or menopause — this episode is for you. In Episode 92 of Functional Moms Podcast, we talk with pelvic health physical therapist Elizabeth Stryker about how hormonal changes impact your pelvic floor — and what you can do to fix it naturally. Many women are told these symptoms are “just part of aging.” They are not. You’ll learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can dramatically improve urinary health, reduce recurrent UTIs, relieve constipation, improve sexual health, and even help with jaw/TMJ symptoms. Elizabeth Stryker is a pelvic health physical therapist and founder of Pelvic Stability PT in New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and completed advanced training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction and neurological impairments. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ Why pelvic floor dysfunction increases during perimenopause and menopause ✔ Why you keep waking up at night to pee (nocturia explained) ✔ How pelvic floor PT helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) ✔ The surprising connection between TMJ and the pelvic floor ✔ Pelvic floor therapy for chronic constipation ✔ What to expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session ✔ How to reduce bladder leakage naturally If you're searching for answers about: pelvic floor therapy, menopause, how to stop waking up at night to pee, frequent UTIs in menopause, bladder leaks after 40, pelvic pain menopause, constipation, pelvic floor, painful sex menopause This episode will give you actionable education and hope. Connect with Elizabeth Stryker Website: https://www.pelvicstabilitypt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicstabilitypt/ 🛍 Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF top quality brands): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms 🎧 Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #MenopauseHealth#PelvicFloorTherapy#FrequentUTIs#BladderLeakage#WomensHealth#Perimenopause#Nocturia#PelvicHealth#ConstipationRelief#HormoneHealth pelvic floor therapy menopause waking up at night to pee how to stop nocturia frequent UTIs menopause recurrent urinary tract infections women bladder leakage after 40 pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms pelvic health physical therapy painful sex menopause help chronic constipation pelvic floor TMJ pelvic floor connection perimenopause bladder problems women's urinary health natural UTI prevention menopause menopause podcast

    30 min

  4. FEB 10

    91. How to Get Fit After 50: Lose Fat, Build Muscle & Improve Bone Health

    How to lose fat and gain muscle after 50 is one of the biggest challenges women face during menopause and post-menopause. In this episode, Michele Folan shares exactly how women over 50 and 60 can get fit, build muscle, improve bone health, and feel strong again without extreme dieting or overtraining.If you’re confused by conflicting fitness and nutrition advice for menopause, this episode breaks it all down. We cover the best workouts for women over 50, how much protein you really need, why weight training is essential for bone density, and how to start a fitness journey at any age. Michele Folan is the host of the popular midlife podcast Asking for a Friend and a 25-year veteran in the health industry. She specializes in functional health, metabolism, muscle preservation, bone health, and aging well—no BS, no quick fixes. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔ How women over 50 can lose fat and gain muscle ✔ The best workouts for menopause and post-menopause ✔ Why protein intake matters more after 50 ✔ How to improve bone density and prevent muscle loss ✔ Walking + weight training basics for women over 50 ✔ GLP-1 peptides: benefits, risks, and when they make sense ✔ The impact of alcohol on women’s hormones and health ✔ How to start getting fit in your 50s and 60s—no matter where you’re starting Connect with Michele Folan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCewzIM0PQcFS5bhMNOH_Yng Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-fitness-personal-growth-tips-for-women-in-midlife/id1620788625 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gAvoLvwjsuJqeEafQ4RYV Get 25% OFF top-quality functional health brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms 👉 Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify👉 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly episodes on women’s health, fitness, and menopause:https://www.youtube.com/functionalmomspodcast fitness after 50 women over 50 fitnessmenopause fitnesslose fat after 50 gain muscle after 50 menopause weight loss best workouts for women over 50 bone health after 50 strength training women over 50 how to get fit after 50 post menopause fitness protein for women over 50 menopause muscle loss functional health women midlife fitness podcast Dr. Stacy Sims Dr. Vonda Wright

    31 min

  5. FEB 3

    90. Why You Can’t Lose Weight: Emotional Eating Explained with Tricia Nelson

    Struggling with yo-yo dieting, binge eating, or emotional eating sabotage? This episode uncovers the real reason weight loss feels impossible for so many women. Emotional eating expert and TEDx speaker Tricia Nelson (over 2M views) joins us to explain why diets fail, how sugar and processed carbs hijack the brain, and what’s actually driving cravings, overeating, and self-sabotage. If you’ve ever eaten “perfectly” all day—only to binge at night—this conversation will hit home. We learn: Why yo-yo dieting is rooted in emotional eating How stress, pain, and overthinking trigger food cravings The PEP Formula: Painkiller, Escape, Punishment Why sugar is addictive and fuels compulsive eating How morning rituals reduce cravings and stress Why kindness + community matter more than discipline Tricia shares how she lost 50 pounds—not by dieting harder, but by healing her relationship with food. Tricia Nelson is an internationally acclaimed emotional eating expert, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. After decades of food obsession and sugar addiction, she uncovered the hidden emotional roots of overeating and transformed her health and life. TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVSe2vaxXXM Podcast: https://healyourhunger.com/tricias-podcast/ Heal Your Hunger Book Buy Heal Your Hunger Book on Amazon Functional Moms Supplement Store 25% OFF top-quality brands https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iYrNkAQMwzcX5FRJH5aEW?si=be43e3c4af72492a SUBSCRIBE on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Tags: the reason you can't lose weight, emotional eating weight loss, why can't some people can't lose weight, weight and emotional eating, why obese people can't lose weight, the #1 reason why you go off track losing weight, why can't i lose weight, obese people can’t lose weight, how can you stop eating emotionally, why cant i lose weight, why is it hard to lose weight, why is it so hard to lose weight, how to stop emotional eating on your own, top reasons can't lose weight, why you're not losing weight Tricia Nelson TEDx Talk

    37 min

  6. JAN 27

    89. Wrinkles after 40? Skip Botox and Do These Instead: Gua Sha, Lymphatic Drainage & Facial Reflexology

    Can’t get glowing skin after 40? You’re not alone — and Botox isn’t the only option. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we dive into natural, holistic facial techniques that help women in their 40s and 50s achieve radiant, youthful skin without Botox or fillers. Holistic facialist Adi Kaplan, founder of Facial Healing by Adi, explains how the face is a map of the body and how techniques like gua sha, lymphatic drainage, facial cupping, reflexology, and beauty taping can transform your skin naturally. If you’re dealing with wrinkles, puffiness, dull skin, dark spots, or eye bags after 40, this episode will give you practical tools you can start using today.In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why aging skin after 40 needs a different approach ✅ How holistic facials differ from traditional facials ✅ Facial reflexology as a natural first-aid tool ✅ How gua sha and lymphatic drainage support glowing skin ✅ Natural alternatives to Botox and fillers ✅ How facial techniques reflect internal organ health This episode is perfect for women who want to age naturally, feel confident, and glow from the inside out. Connect with Adi Kaplan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facialhealing/ Website: https://www.fhbyadi.com/ Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store – 25% OFF https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-mom ⭐️ Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast #GlowingSkinAfter40 #AgingSkin #HolisticFacial #NaturalAntiAging

    31 min

  7. JAN 20

    88. Can’t Lose Weight After 40? Focus on These 5 Things with Adriana Mastronardi

    If you’re struggling to lose weight after 40 or 50, this episode breaks down the exact priorities midlife women need to focus on when nothing seems to work. Hormones, muscle loss, and stress change the rules—and this episode explains how to adapt. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we talk with nutrition and fitness coach Adriana Mastronardi about sustainable weight loss strategies for women in their 40s and 50s. Perimenopause and menopause can make weight gain easier and fat loss harder, but focusing on the right habits—not restriction—can make a real difference. Adriana shares her “big rocks” approach, helping busy midlife women break free from fad diets and build strength, confidence, and consistency through smart nutrition and strength training. We learn: Why weight loss after 40 feels harder than beforeWhat to prioritize when dieting and exercise aren’t workingHow protein supports metabolism and muscle in midlifeWhy strength training is essential for fat loss after 40How small, consistent habits create long-term resultsHow to manage emotional cravings for sweets or alcoholSupplements that may support midlife health (collagen, creatine, vitamin D, magnesium)🔗 Connect with Adriana Mastronardi: https://www.instagram.com/cup.of.dri/ https://www.cupofdri.com/ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/acupofdri/ 🛒 Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ 🎧 FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #weight loss after 40 #weight loss after 50 #women over 40 weight loss #midlife weight loss #why weight loss stops after 40 #menopause weight gain #perimenopause weight loss #fat loss after 40 #strength training for women over 40 #protein for women over 40 #hormonal weight gain #functional nutrition for women #metabolism after 40

    38 min

  8. JAN 13

    87. Why Migraines Happen in Perimenopause and Menopause (and how to stop it!)

    If you’re a woman struggling with migraines, this episode is for you. Migraines affect women far more than men—especially during perimenopause and menopause—yet most women are never told why. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we’re joined by Diane Ducarme, host of the Migraine Heroes Podcast and Founder & CEO of the Migraine Heroes app, to uncover the hidden migraine triggers women experience and how to address them at the root. Diane explains why migraines are not a random neurological problem, but a meaningful signal from your body, often tied to hormones, stress, nervous system overload, and metabolic imbalances that uniquely affect women. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why migraines are more common in women than men ✅ What happens in the body during perimenopause and menopause that triggers migraines ✅ The hidden causes most women (and doctors) miss ✅ How to approach migraine relief naturally and sustainably If you’re tired of pushing through pain or relying only on medication, this conversation will help you understand your migraines—and your body—on a deeper level. About Our Guest: Diane Ducarme is the Founder & CEO of the Migraine Heroes App and host of the Migraine Heroes Podcast. With a background in neuroscience training from HarvardX and a Harvard Business School education, Diane blends Eastern medicine, engineering, and modern science to help women reduce migraines by addressing root causes. Connect with Diane: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/migraine-heroes-chronic-migraine-hemiplegic-migraine/id1701796800 https://www.instagram.com/migraineheroes/ https://www.youtube.com/@migraineheroes https://migraineheroes.com/ Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store: 25% OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Please FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube to support women’s health conversations. https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4iYrNkAQMwzcX5FRJH5aEW?si=e1dd9390c601498 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-moms-podcast/id1686808485 #migrainesinwomen#womenshealth#hormonalhealth#perimenopause#menopause#hormonalmigraines#headacherelief#migraineawareness#womenover35

    37 min
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About

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Information

  • Creator
    Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Show Website
    Functional Moms Podcast

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