The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast: Real Talk on Hormones, Work, and Wellness for Midlife

April Haberman and Kim Hart
  • 5.0 (4)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast — your go-to source for science-backed, expert-led insights on menopause, perimenopause, and midlife wellness. We cover everything from hormone therapy to hot flashes, brain fog to bone health, workplace policies to personal empowerment. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or supporting others, this podcast offers practical tools, real talk, and trusted guidance. Brought to you by MiDOViA, the first and only U.S. organization offering menopause-friendly workplace accreditation, we’re on a mission to change the narrative—at home, at work, and in society. 🔗 Explore free resources at midovia.com ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.

  1. From Cancer To Surgical Menopause: Trusting Your Inner Voice

    FEB 23

    From Cancer To Surgical Menopause: Trusting Your Inner Voice

    Silence around menopause helps no one—especially when cancer or surgery fast‑forwards the transition. We sit down with mindset and executive coach Kristin Swanson, a breast cancer survivor who navigated surgical menopause, to explore how data, values, and intuition can coexist when the path ahead is anything but clear. Kristin walks us through the moment she chose a double mastectomy, the journaling prompt that cut through fear, and the relief of hearing a surgeon say her choice aligned with what the pathology later proved. From there, we open up the realities of surgical menopause: the symptoms no one warned about, the lonely middle ground for survivors who can’t use standard HRT, and the practical ways to build a care team that actually fits your life. Kristin shares how she balanced oncology with functional medicine, therapy, and coaching; why “speaking the words” changes your energy; and how to move forward with one small, safe, doable step—sleep first, then stack other habits. We also talk about reducing overwhelm, reframing the inner critic, and using community in unexpected places to find answers faster. Throughout, a simple idea threads everything together: trust yourself. Not as a substitute for evidence, but as the compass that helps you weigh tradeoffs, ask better questions, and decide what kind of story you want to live. If you’ve felt dismissed, stuck, or scared to switch doctors, this conversation gives you language, tools, and permission to advocate for what you need. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the one step you’re taking next—we’d love to hear how you’re turning a whisper into action. Kristin Swanson helps female founders finish the Soul Led Projects they are afraid to say out loud. As a coach for entrepreneurs and a former executive, she blends practical strategies with mindset work to overcome resistance and follow through - consistently.  As a breast cancer survivor, Kristin learned the importance of getting out of her own way and stop the habit of waiting until "someday" to make a unique impact. Realizing deeply that "you only live once," she gained the perspective needed to see through the illusions fear creates.  She coaches founders to overcome overwhelm and inner hesitation to finish those soul-led goals. Website: https://www.kristinswansonconsulting.com/ MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    36 min
  2. Turning Pain Into Purpose With Harper A. Bailey

    FEB 11

    Turning Pain Into Purpose With Harper A. Bailey

    What if the thing you’re chasing isn’t ahead of you, but within you? We sit down with Harper A. Bailey—public health leader and author of the memoir “It Was Her”—to unpack how grief can become a teacher, how creativity can act as medicine, and why midlife refuses to let us ignore our truth. From family health inequities that drew her to public health, to the dream that showed she was running from a younger self, Harper shares the moments that cracked her open and invited her to finally listen. Harper’s story bridges systems and self. She explains how the “invisible” work of public health—prevention, policy, community voice—mirrors the inner work many of us avoid. A gifted diary at nine began a lifelong journaling practice, carrying her through the loss of her mother, a staycation that birthed her book outline, and the decision to write from the scar rather than the wound. We explore the “treasure chest” where she stored pain, the myth that high achievement equals healing, and the revelation that not doing the work is also hard. The conversation reaches into family, identity, and forgiveness. Harper describes softening toward her father through the lens of mental health and substance use, finding new ways to connect without erasing the past. She offers a freeing reframe—wholeness is our birthright—and challenges the belief that healing belongs to other people. Art, music, movement, and honest words become practical tools that regulate, connect, and transform. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the next mountain, this is a map back to yourself. Listen for grounded insights on grief, midlife clarity, advocacy, and courageous asking. Then share it with a friend who needs the reminder that they are worthy of the work—and of the joy on the other side. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what truth are you ready to name? Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native, public health leader, and powerful storyteller who challenges the status quo. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and amplified the voices of underserved communities. Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal story shaped by loss, resilience, and transformation. Through honest and compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative. As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth, and humor to conversations about leadership, purpose, and the lived experiences of Black women. She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Website: https://www.harperabailey.com/ MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    38 min
  3. Episode 057: What Women Deserve In Medicine And Work

    JAN 13

    Episode 057: What Women Deserve In Medicine And Work

    What if the missing piece in your health story isn’t willpower, it’s evidence and language? We welcome award-winning journalist Meghan Rabbitt, author of The New Rules of Women’s Health, for a candid, practical, and uplifting tour of the health span—from puberty and pelvic pain to perimenopause, hormone therapy, and post-menopause strength. Together, we unpack why “women aren’t small men” is more than a slogan; it’s a research mandate that changes diagnostics, dosing, and daily care. Meghan shares how a lifetime of “tough it out” messaging trains many of us to rationalize symptoms and aim for an A+ at the doctor’s office, even when we’re suffering. Her own turning point—dismissing heavy bleeding until an ultrasound revealed fibroids—leads to a clear playbook for self-advocacy: track symptoms, ask direct questions, understand options, and choose clinicians who speak fluent menopause and practice shared decision-making. We get specific about hormone therapy and why timing, route, and personal risk matter more than recycled fear, plus how to navigate the social-media swirl without falling for bad advice. The conversation also moves beyond the clinic to culture and work. We talk openly about clitoral anatomy, vaginal estrogen, dense breasts, and the joy of breaking taboos in public spaces, because daylight accelerates change. Then we take on the workplace, where menopause support still lags in policies and empathy. Simple steps—manager training, cool quiet spaces, flexible scheduling, and benefits that cover evidence-based care—can keep experienced talent thriving. Meghan’s book functions like a narrative reference you can return to for credible, actionable guidance. Share chapters with partners and teens to build a common language around tests, choices, and emotions. If you’re ready to replace confusion with clarity and judgment with wonder, this conversation offers tools you can use today. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find evidence-based support. Your story deserves respect—and great care. Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist and author of The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She specializes in writing about women’s health and wellness, and her work has appeared in many national publications, including Women’s Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, and more. She’s known for translating complex medical and scientific topics into clear, actionable information—and for telling stories that help readers better understand their bodies, their health, and themselves.  Website:  https://newrulesofwomenshealth.com/ MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    46 min
  4. Episode 057: How A Sudden Loss Became A Midlife Wake-Up Call

    12/29/2025

    Episode 057: How A Sudden Loss Became A Midlife Wake-Up Call

    The quiet hours can change a life. We sit down with author and artist Laing Rikkers to trace how dawn writing, long walks, and a sudden loss opened a doorway from grief to growth—and how nature’s language can help you name what’s changing in midlife. Laing’s book, Morning Leaves, began as private morning pages for her children during lockdown and grew into a vivid map of becoming: palms bent by relentless wind, a black-eyed Susan fighting through concrete, a cactus guarding a soft core. These images mirror the real work many of us face now—shedding old identities, listening more closely, and choosing what truly matters when the noise falls away. We talk about the awkward courage of trying on a new self when your past role still fits others’ expectations. After years in private equity, sharing poems and botanical art felt risky, but encouragement, a wise publisher, and a steady trail of “breadcrumbs” kept her moving. Lang reframes grief as a practice that can lead to joy—not sparkly happiness, but a grounded alignment with values and integrity. The second edition of Morning Leaves expands the lens beyond bereavement to cultural and environmental loss, adds new art and a poem, and includes an epilogue reflecting on five years of transformation. Along the way, we lean into simple practices that make space for clarity: morning pages before the inner critic wakes up, walking in nature until an image meets your mood, and following small curiosities back to play. We also explore service as a source of meaning—supporting food security and end-of-life caregivers—and how radical self-care sustains expression and impact. If midlife feels like a cliff edge, consider this your nudge: crack the concrete, grow wild, bloom bright, and listen carefully. Press play, share this with a friend who needs courage today, and if it resonates, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the conversation. Laing Rikkers is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and executive coach whose personal journey through grief inspired her book Morning Leaves (Red Hen Press), now in its second edition. Drawing on creativity, nature, and simple daily rituals, Laing offers a practical and compassionate guide to navigating grief and life’s many transitions. Whether facing personal loss, burnout, or major change, her heartfelt insights and actionable tools help people find resilience, meaning, and joy—even in the darkest seasons. Website:  www.laingrikkers.com MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    34 min
  5. Episode 056: Age Like A Girl

    12/12/2025

    Episode 056: Age Like A Girl

    What if menopause isn’t the end of something—but the beginning of your clearest, most powerful self? We sit down with Dr. Mindy Pelz—best-selling author of Age Like a Girl—to explore how declining estrogen rewires the brain and why that shift can upgrade focus, confidence, and purpose. Instead of treating symptoms like flaws, Mindy shows how depression, rage, anxiety, and brain fog are signals pointing to a life that needs new boundaries, better fuel, and deeper connection. We unpack estrogen’s “girl gang” of neurochemicals—dopamine, serotonin, GABA, oxytocin, melatonin, BDNF—and what to do as they dip. Expect practical, doable tools: short daily fasts (13–15 hours) to feed your brain ketones and clear mental fog, novelty and learning to revive dopamine, sleep rhythms to support calm, and community that actually feels nourishing. Mindy shares her own story of stepping away to rebuild from a mental health crash, and how choosing herself ended people pleasing and restored her energy. We also dig into the grandmother hypothesis and how post-reproductive women historically powered survival with leadership, stamina, and social cohesion. That evolutionary lens flips the script on ageism: a post-menopausal brain is built for focus and mentorship. One billion women are moving through this stage right now—imagine the cultural change if more of us claimed that power. You’ll leave with a new frame for symptoms, a plan for your next chapter, and permission to ask, without apology: What do I want? If this conversation sparks something, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Tell us: what will you stop saying yes to so you can say yes to yourself? Dr. Mindy Pelz is a New York Times bestselling author, visionary educator, and trailblazer in the field of women’s health and hormone science. With over two decades of experience, she’s built a global movement to help women understand the power of their bodies at every stage of life. Her bestselling books, including Fast Like a Girl, The Menopause Reset, and her newest release Eat Like a Girl, have helped millions of women use fasting, nutrition, and lifestyle shifts to balance hormones, boost energy, and take back control of their health. Her upcoming book, Age Like a Girl, redefines what it means to grow older as a woman. Rooted in the latest science and rich in personal story, the book challenges outdated narratives about menopause and aging offering instead a roadmap for awakening. Dr. Mindy shows women how to use the neurochemical shifts of midlife as a launchpad for purpose, leadership, and bold reinvention. Dr. Mindy’s Resetter Podcast consistently ranks among Apple’s top U.S. science shows, withguests ranging from LeAnn Rimes and Rachel Hollis to Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. Her YouTube channel has surpassed 110 million views, and her teachings have reached hundreds of thousands through workshops, online programs, and live events. She holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and a background in functional nutrition, and she brings both science and heart to everything she does. Based in San Jose, CA, she leads a team committed to helping women worldwide become the healthiest, most powerful version of themselves. Dr. Mindy believes this is not the time for women to get quieter, it’s the time to get stronger, clearer, and more connected to who they truly are. Aging isn’t a decline. It’s an evolution. Website: https://www.drmindypelz.com/ MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, ra

    59 min
  6. Episode 055: Retire With Attitude: Building Purpose, Community, And Identity After Career

    12/03/2025

    Episode 055: Retire With Attitude: Building Purpose, Community, And Identity After Career

    Tired of hearing that retirement means retreat? We sit down with Lustre co-founders Erica Baird and Karen Wagner to flip that script and show how midlife can be a launchpad for purpose, community, and power. They walked away from high-profile careers, hit the same identity shock so many of us feel, and built a modern space where women design what comes next with confidence and style. We dig into the big shifts that happen when the calendar clears and the title disappears, and why a yes-first mindset can turn uncertainty into momentum. Erica and Karen share a practical framework to treat reinvention like real work: audit what lit you up, map the skills you still want to use, and craft a plan that fits a 20 to 30 year runway. We talk about building community on purpose, especially for introverts who want depth over noise, and we offer simple scripts to answer “What are you doing now?” with clarity and pride. Ageism shows up in subtle and loud ways, so we name it and counter it with visibility, advocacy, and action. You’ll hear how Lustre’s platform connects thousands of women through thoughtful content, interactive expert sessions on health, money, and longevity, a weekly news briefing, and a member directory that sparks real-world meetups. The stories will move you: a marketer who returned to playwriting and made it to Broadway, a finance executive who chased a lifelong dream to fly and now circles the globe. If you’ve been standing in that cold hallway between what ended and what’s next, this conversation hands you the handle: say yes, find your people, and let purpose steer the next chapter. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs this reframe, and leave a review to help more women retire with attitude. Erica Baird is a retired lawyer with a career spanning four decades. She was the first woman partner in the General Counsel’s Office of her then Big 6 accounting firm, working in the US and abroad on some of the major financial issues of the day.  Erica is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and New York University School of Law. Erica has a daughter and lives with her husband in New York City.  Karen E. Wagner was the first woman litigation partner at her global law firm in New York City. She practiced law for forty years, litigating cases involving domestic and international debt, sovereign rights and insolvency. After she retired, she co-founded Lustre, a platform advocating for retired professional women. Karen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University School of Law. Karen is married, has two wonderful children and lives in New York with her husband. Website: https://lustre.net MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    41 min
  7. Episode 054: A Guide To Gender-Affirming Menopause Support

    11/03/2025

    Episode 054: A Guide To Gender-Affirming Menopause Support

    Start with the lived experience, not the label. We sit down with gender-affirming menopause educator and advocate Lasara Firefox Allen to reframe menopause as a human transition that deserves respect, nuance, and choices. From the first hot flash to postmenopausal clarity, we map the terrain for trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people who are too often erased by narrow clinical language and outdated protocols. Lasara shares how dysphoria and euphoria can shape the menopause arc, why “hormones have no gender,” and how surgical or chemical menopause intersects with identity and safety. We break down what affirming care looks like in real clinics: pronouns honored, intake forms that fit, and treatment menus that don’t force people into boxes. You’ll hear the tough realities—erratic bleeding for transmasculine folks in unsafe environments, GSM that worsens on testosterone without local estrogen, and the data on late ADHD and autism diagnoses—paired with clear, actionable guidance. We dive into hormone strategy with a practical lens, exploring when high-dose testosterone, physiologic-dose estradiol, and micronized progesterone make sense, and why prior side effects with birth control don’t predict menopausal HRT outcomes. We cover workplace disclosure, accommodations that reduce risk, and the hidden burden of eating disorders in the trans community. Access matters, so we point to resources you can use now, including Planned Parenthood and FOLX telehealth, plus training pathways for providers who want to deliver competent, compassionate care. This conversation is about more than symptoms; it’s about agency. Menopause can surface grief—about fertility, identity, and change—while opening real space for post-traumatic growth. If you’re seeking care that fits who you are, or you’re a clinician ready to do better, you’ll leave with language, tools, and a roadmap. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find affirming menopause care. Lasara Firefox Allen (they/them/theirs / Mx.) is a gender-affirming menopause educator, coach, writer, and advocate committed to uplifting genderqueer, trans, and queer-bodied folks navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. With a foundation in social work and lived experience in midlife transition, Lasara centers marginalized voices and reclaims menopause beyond binary narratives. Website: https://www.genderqueermenopause.com/ MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    43 min
  8. Episode 053: The Truth About Menopause: Menopause At Work: Why it Matters

    10/25/2025

    Episode 053: The Truth About Menopause: Menopause At Work: Why it Matters

    Menopause doesn’t clock out when we clock in—and ignoring that truth is costing organizations billions while pushing experienced talent to the margins. We sit down with Rachel Hughes of Alloy Women’s Health to unpack how symptoms like brain fog, sleep disruption, and hot flashes intersect with deadlines, shifts, and team dynamics. Through relatable stories and clear data, we map the ripple effects of untreated menopause—from presenteeism to turnover—and show why treating it as a workplace issue is both a moral imperative and a competitive advantage. We break the cycle of silence with a practical playbook leaders can use right away. Think health transition policies, manager training that encourages empathy over awkwardness, flexible scheduling for heavy symptom phases, and small environmental tweaks that bring real relief. We also make the case for pairing culture change with clinical access. Many women are excellent candidates for menopause hormone therapy, yet uptake remains low due to misinformation and barriers to care. When evidence-based treatment meets psychologically safe workplaces, confidence returns and careers stay on track. You’ll learn how to translate culture into metrics by listening first: run baseline surveys, track absenteeism and retention, and refine programming based on what employees actually need. We share low- and no-cost steps for organizations without big budgets, plus resources for individuals ready to seek help. Along the way, we highlight the role men can play as allies and managers, and why leadership is more about tone than title. The result is a roadmap that turns intention into implementation—and proves that when people feel seen as whole humans, performance and loyalty rise together. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more teams replace stigma with support and turn midlife into a season of strength. Website: www.myalloy.com MiDOViA LINKS: Website: https://www.midovia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia Email Us: info@midovia.com MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast — your go-to source for science-backed, expert-led insights on menopause, perimenopause, and midlife wellness. We cover everything from hormone therapy to hot flashes, brain fog to bone health, workplace policies to personal empowerment. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or supporting others, this podcast offers practical tools, real talk, and trusted guidance. Brought to you by MiDOViA, the first and only U.S. organization offering menopause-friendly workplace accreditation, we’re on a mission to change the narrative—at home, at work, and in society. 🔗 Explore free resources at midovia.com ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.

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