The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee
  • 4.9 (13)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause.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. Closing the Menopause Care Gap: Women Deserve To Be Heard with Dr. Lindsay Shirreff

    4D AGO

    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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    1h 4m
  2. 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. The first session meets via Zoom on April 12. Each session is offered on a sliding scale from $4 to $44, with registration via Eventbrite.  To register visit https://bit.ly/3OrLkvy 00:00 Menopause as a Reckoning 01:56 Welcome Message for 2026 Momentum 04:06 Why the Chakras in Menopause 06:45 Subtle Body 101 09:13 Chakra System Basics 12:10 Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) 15:44 Solar Plexus (Manipura) 18:45 Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) 22:03 Putting It Together 23:42 Announcement: The Menopause Café ( 25:17 Final Takeaway Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    27 min
  3. 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 discoLet 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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    56 min
  4. 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 Issues 37:58 Quality vs. Quantity of Sleep 39:23 Blue Light and Melatonin Production 40:57 Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine 46:03 Advocating for Better Sleep Health 55:58 Key Takeaways 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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    1h 3m
  5. 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: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-midlife-medicine/Resources: FREE WORKBOOK: The Midlife Belly Fat Reset: A 7-Day Hormone-Friendly Plan for Women in MenopauseLet 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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    1h 6m
  6. Intimate Wellness in Healthcare with Colette Courtion, Joylux Founder

    FEB 2

    Intimate Wellness in Healthcare with Colette Courtion, Joylux Founder

    In this episode, Mary sits down with Colette Courtion, CEO and founder of Joylux, to explore one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—parts of the menopause journey: intimate wellness. They unpack the persistent menopause knowledge gap in healthcare, where many primary care providers receive minimal formal training in menopause, leaving women dismissed or told their symptoms are simply something to endure. Colette shares how her rapid transition from motherhood to menopause exposed this gap—and sparked the creation of Joylux. As an entrepreneur in medical aesthetics, Colette had a pivotal insight: if red-light technology could rejuvenate facial tissue, can it support vaginal tissues? By partnering with a leading OB-GYN, that idea became vFit—the first FDA-cleared, at-home device designed to support vaginal and pelvic health through menopause and beyond. The conversation highlights why science-backed innovation matters in a crowded menopause market, how Joylux is raising the bar through clinical research and medical advisory boards, and the role of authentic advocacy—including partnerships with Halle Berry—in bringing vaginal health into the mainstream. Colette calls out the disparity in female health and the urgent need for systemic change from insurers and regulators to acceptance of language around intimate wellness. Connect Learn more about at joylux.comCollette on LinkedIn 00:00 The Menopause Knowledge Gap 01:07 Introduction to the Menopause Disruptor Podcast 01:23 Spotlight on Intimate Wellness 02:09 Meet Colette Courtion: Innovator in Women's Health 05:24 The Birth of Joylux 09:48 Challenges and Triumphs in Women's Health 17:57 Empowering Women with At-Home Solutions 22:21 Navigating the Menopause Market 25:33 The Importance of Knowing the Brand 26:21 Blending Person 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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    49 min
  7. Chelsea Jambo: A Young Woman Faces Medical Dismissal and Changes Hormone Health for All Women

    JAN 26

    Chelsea Jambo: A Young Woman Faces Medical Dismissal and Changes Hormone Health for All Women

    In this episode, Mary sits down with a young visionary entrepreneur Chelsea Jambo. She is the CEO and Founder of OURBody, a Canadian wellness brand built on a mission to make hormone support taste great, work gently, and fit real life.  Chelsea has created an organic herbal blend of teas uniquely crafted  to bring comfort and support to women through various hormonal phases. Her entreprenurial journey was ignited by a personal experience of medical dismissal and gaslighting. She reveals the motivations behind the brand, as well as her extensive research that went into formulating not just a blend for women of her generation, but for all the female hormone milestones.  Chelsea also shares that her brand is a movement closely aligned with her commitment to locally source high-quality ingredients and built on relationships with suppliers and distributors.  This is a story of entrepreneurial spirit reminding us that community support, education, and advocacy can be inspire change with the current healthcare system's approach to female health issues. Connect: Shop the brand or inquire about becoming a distributor at OURbody https://www.ourbody.ca/Instagram @shopourbody https://www.instagram.com/shopourbody/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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    1h 3m
  8. Testosterone, Peptides, and AI: Revolutionizing Menopause Health with Jennifer Gularson

    JAN 16

    Testosterone, Peptides, and AI: Revolutionizing Menopause Health with Jennifer Gularson

    In this episode, Mary sits down with Jennifer Gularson, certified physician assistant and functional medicine practitioner, to explore what women truly need during midlife—and why the current healthcare system often falls short. Together, they unpack hormone therapy across the lifespan, including estrogen, progesterone, and the often-overlooked role of testosterone for women, as well as the growing use of peptides and GLP-1 agonists for weight management. Jennifer explains why symptom-based care misses the bigger picture and how a root-cause, functional medicine approach—grounded in nutrition, sleep, stress, relationships, and movement—can be life-changing. The conversation also dives into the psychosocial and relational aspects of libido, intimacy, and body image in menopause, the barriers women face in accessing appropriate hormone care, and the future of personalised medicine through genetic testing and AI—without losing the essential human connection in healthcare. Jennifer's message serves as a powerful reminder women deserve more than quick fixes. They deserve care that listens, integrates science with spirituality, and supports long-term vitality, autonomy, and self-trust. Connect with Jennifer at yourbestlifewithjennifer.com, @jennifergularson  00:10 Why women are demanding better menopause care  03:45 From traditional medicine to functional medicine  09:30 What “root cause” medicine really means  16:20 Hormones, libido, and intimacy in midlife  25:10 Testosterone therapy for women: myths & barriers  34:40 Weight gain, estrogen loss & GLP-1 medications  44:30 Lifestyle foundations that actually move the needle  52:10 Genetics, AI & the future of personalised healthcare  58:30 Reclaiming women’s health, voice & power 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 Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post. Mary 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Enjoy the show? Leave a comment on Spotify Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional....

    1h 10m
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4.9
out of 5
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Lee
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Menopause Disruptor Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

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