Wellness After 40

Katie Ewaskiew
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Semiweekly

 A podcast that empowers women in their 40s and beyond to embrace aging with vitality and purpose.

  1. Aug 6

    Stuck in Fight-or-Flight? How the Vagus Nerve Affects Women's Health After 40 | Dr. Elissa Chambers

    Have you heard of the vagus nerve? Maybe it's been popping up all over your social media feed. And if it hasn't, ask yourself this... Do you constantly feel stressed, anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed, or like your body just can't relax? For many women over 40, these symptoms are often dismissed as "just stress," "just hormones," or simply part of getting older. But your nervous system—and specifically your vagus nerve—may be playing a much bigger role than you realize. In this episode of Wellness After 40, I'm joined by Dr. Elissa Chambers, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner specializing in women's health and nervous system function. Together, we break down the science behind the vagus nerve, what it actually does, and why understanding it may help explain everything from poor sleep and digestive issues to brain fog, anxiety, inflammation, and feeling stuck in survival mode. In this episode, we discuss: • What the vagus nerve is and why everyone is talking about it • What really happens when you're stuck in fight-or-flight • Why stress often becomes more physical during midlife • How hormones, chronic stress, and the nervous system work together • Common signs your nervous system may be dysregulated • The connection between stress, digestion, inflammation, metabolism, and immune health • What social media gets right—and wrong—about "healing" the vagus nerve • Realistic ways to support your nervous system without completely overhauling your life Connect with Dr. Elissa Chambers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelissachambers/ 🎧 Become a Wellness After 40 Insider Support the show and unlock exclusive subscriber-only episodes, bonus wellness content, and practical resources created specifically for women over 40. Subscribe here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Wellness After 40, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more women discover evidence-based conversations that make navigating midlife a little easier. Support the show

  2. Jul 30

    The Truth About Gratitude in Midlife: Why Positivity Isn't Always the Answer with Laura Bratton

    What if gratitude isn't about staying positive? We've been sold a version of gratitude that looks a lot like suppression with better branding — smile through it, focus on the positive, don't dwell. In this episode, I sit down with Laura Bratton, founder of Ubi Global and author of Harnessing Courage, to talk about what gratitude actually is when you strip away the toxic positivity. This conversation will change how you think about the "just be grateful" advice you've probably given yourself a hundred times. We get into why honesty — not optimism — is what actually builds resilience, how gratitude and hard emotions can coexist instead of canceling each other out, and what it looks like to navigate a season that doesn't match what you planned for your life. If you've ever felt like you were "failing" at gratitude because you were also struggling, this episode is going to feel like permission. In this episode: — The real difference between gratitude and toxic positivity — Why honesty is the foundation of resilience, not the opposite of it — How to hold gratitude and difficult emotions at the same time — Practical ways to build a gratitude practice that's honest, not performative — Navigating life when it doesn't look like what you expected This one's for anyone in a season of change, uncertainty, or midlife recalibration — which, let's be honest, is most of us right now. Connect with Laura: Website: https://www.laurabratton.com/ ✨ Want even more Wellness After 40? Support the podcast and access subscriber-only episodes and bonus content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a friend. Your support helps Wellness After 40 reach more women looking for practical wellness advice and meaningful conversations for midlife. Support the show Support the show

  3. Jul 16

    Skin After 40: What to Use, What to Skip & What's Really Causing Skin Changes with Samantha Dench

    Have you ever wondered if that expensive serum, LED mask, or trending skincare device is actually worth it? In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with licensed esthetician and functional medicine practitioner Samantha Dench to talk about how our skin changes after 40 and what we can realistically do about it. We discuss the differences between over-the-counter and medical-grade skincare, which products may be worth investing in, and what to know about popular devices and treatments. We also explore some of the deeper reasons skin can change in midlife, including hormonal shifts, inflammation, gut health, and other factors that may be contributing to concerns like dryness, sensitivity, acne, and rosacea. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the skincare industry or unsure where to spend your money, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about your skin and overall wellness. Connect with Samantha: Website: https://www.skindeepil.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.dench/ You can also learn more from Samantha through her podcast, The Functional Aesthetician. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more women find evidence-based wellness information for life after 40. Support the show

  4. Jul 2

    Women, Alzheimer's & Brain Health: What You Can Do Now | Tess Cheng, MS

    In this episode of Wellness After 40, I'm joined by Tess Cheng, MS, health and wellness coach and author of Confident You, to discuss one of the topics many women worry about most as they age: brain health. Women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases, but how much of our risk is genetic—and how much can be influenced by the choices we make every day? Tess breaks down the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, why women may be at greater risk, and the lifestyle habits that research suggests can help support long-term brain health. In this conversation, we discuss: • The difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease  • Why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer's  • The connection between menopause, hormones, and brain health  • The powerful role of exercise and movement  • Why sleep is essential for memory and cognitive function  • How stress, blood sugar, inflammation, nutrition, and alcohol affect the brain  • Supplements that may support brain health  • What family history really means for your risk  • Simple habits you can start today to support healthy aging If brain health has ever felt overwhelming or frightening, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies and a hopeful perspective on what we can do now to support our brains for the future. Resources from Tess 🌐 Website: https://glowithtess.com/ 📖 Confident You: https://amzn.to/4ae7Sbo 😴 Free Sleep Tracker: https://tinyurl.com/GWTSleepGuide Support Wellness After 40 Love the show? Get bonus episodes and support the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/support If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or family member. Your shares, ratings, and reviews help more women discover evidence-based wellness information for life after 40. ❤️ Support the show

  5. Jun 25

    Peptides and Longevity: Hype or Helpful? with Dr. Christine Boev

    Peptides are one of the fastest-growing topics in health and wellness, with claims ranging from improved recovery and muscle growth to better metabolic health, healthier skin, and increased longevity. But how much of the excitement is backed by science? In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with Dr. Christine Boev to explore what peptides are, how they work in the body, and who may benefit from them. We discuss the current state of peptide therapy, potential risks and benefits, common misconceptions, and why peptides should be viewed as one piece of a larger wellness strategy—not a replacement for healthy habits. Whether you're curious about peptides for aging, recovery, body composition, or overall wellness, this conversation will help you better understand the science and separate fact from fiction. In this episode, we discuss: • What peptides are and how they work • Potential benefits for recovery, metabolic health, and longevity • Common myths and misconceptions about peptide therapy • Risks, considerations, and who may not be a good candidate • Why medical guidance matters when considering peptides • How peptides fit alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other healthy lifestyle habits Connect with Dr. Christine Boev: Website: https://vitalize-fitness.com/bio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristineboev/ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Wellness After 40, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us continue bringing evidence-based wellness conversations to women navigating midlife and beyond. Interested in bonus episodes and subscriber-only content?   Subscribe here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe Support the show

  6. Jun 18

    Wired, Tired & Gaining Weight? The Truth About Cortisol in Midlife with Gunjan Bhalla

    Cortisol gets blamed for everything in midlife—poor sleep, stubborn weight, feeling constantly on edge. But it’s not that simple. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening in your body when it comes to stress and cortisol—and more importantly, how to support your body so it can actually recover. I’m joined by Gunjan Bhalla, who takes a more holistic approach to stress by focusing on nutrition, nervous system regulation, and sustainable lifestyle shifts that help your body come out of that constant “go” mode. If you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or like your body just isn’t responding the way it used to—this one is for you. Connect with Gunjin: 👉 Instagram: @gonatural_5 Want to go deeper? You can support the podcast and access subscriber-only content here: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438861/subscribe If you found this episode helpful, make sure you’re following the podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Thank you for listening! Support the show

  7. Jun 4

    Cancer Prevention, Early Detection & Screenings for Women Over 40 with Rebecca Maff, Cancer Biologist

    What should women over 40 actually be paying attention to when it comes to cancer prevention and early detection? In this episode of Wellness After 40, I sit down with cancer biologist and TEDx speaker Rebecca Maff for a conversation about cancer screenings, prevention, overlooked health changes, and the importance of proactive care in midlife. We discuss why certain cancer screening guidelines are changing, what women should know about breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer awareness, and how subtle shifts in the body can sometimes be dismissed as “just aging,” stress, or hormones. Rebecca also shares insight into the future of cancer detection, the role of AI in healthcare, and why understanding your body and advocating for your health matters more than ever after 40. In this episode, we discuss:  Cancer prevention and proactive healthcare after 40  Why colorectal cancer screenings now begin at age 45  Breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer awareness  Subtle health changes women often dismiss in midlife  The importance of routine screenings and family history  Early detection and evolving healthcare technology  AI and the future of cancer research and diagnosis  Stress, overall health, and long-term wellness Connect with Rebecca:  Instagram: @rebeccamaff  TEDx Talk: Watch Rebecca’s TEDx Talk Visit my website for more episodes and wellness resources:  Living Well With Katie If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow Wellness After 40, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may benefit from it. Support the show

  8. May 27

    Season 2 Finale: What 23 Conversations About Midlife Taught Me

    After a season filled with conversations about hormones, migraines, gut health, strength training, relationships, recovery, stress, aging, and everything in between, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the biggest lessons that emerged throughout Season 2 of Wellness After 40. What surprised me most wasn't just what the experts shared—it was the patterns that kept appearing across nearly every conversation. In this episode, I'm looking back on:  The biggest themes that emerged throughout the season  Why so many women over 40 feel dismissed when it comes to their health  What listeners seemed to connect with most  The shift from chasing wellness trends to seeking real understanding  How midlife is often as much an identity transition as a physical one  My personal reflections from hosting this season If you've listened throughout Season 2, thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you've been here since the beginning or discovered the podcast along the way, I'm incredibly grateful for your support, messages, shares, and encouragement. As we look ahead to Season 3, my goal remains the same: bringing thoughtful, evidence-based conversations about health and wellness to women navigating midlife and beyond. Connect with Katie 🌐 Website: www.livingwellwithkatie.net 🎙️ Subscribe to Wellness After 40 so you never miss an episode. 📱 Follow along for wellness tips, podcast updates, and resources designed to help women move, age, and thrive. If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a review. It helps more women find these conversations. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in Season 3. — Katie Support the show

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5
out of 5
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About

 A podcast that empowers women in their 40s and beyond to embrace aging with vitality and purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Ewaskiew
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wellness After 40
  • Show Website
    Wellness After 40