Own Your Midlife Podcast: Hormones, Perimenopause and Reinvention for Women 40+

Susie McLean
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

Own Your Midlife is a podcast for women in their 40s+ navigating midlife transitions, perimenopause, changing hormones, career pivots, and the deep desire for reinvention. It's a space for heartfelt conversations about confidence, clarity, identity, and all the messy, beautiful shifts that happen in this season of life. Host Susie McLean sits down with inspiring guests and shares real stories, practical tools, and gentle nudges that help you reconnect with your voice, trust your intuition, and take the next small step toward a life that feels true to you. If you've ever thought "I'm not where I expected to be," or wondered what's next for you, you're not alone. This podcast supports women who want to show up for themselves, feel better in their bodies, understand their changing hormones, rebuild confidence, and create a fulfilling second act. So grab your earbuds, settle in, and let's navigate this season together.

  1. 1d ago

    Waking Up at 3AM? How to Sleep Better During Perimenopause | with Kelly Murray

    Today I'm sitting down with Kelly Murray, a certified adult sleep coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who helps women with sleep during perimenopause and menopause. And one of the first things I wanted to ask her was, "Why 3am? What's actually going on?" Kelly spent years waking up at 3am while working as an award-winning pediatric sleep consultant and helping other families get their kids to sleep. Some nights it took her hours to fall back asleep. Other nights, she was up for the rest of the night. Her work has been featured in Goop, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. I share how my own sleep improved after I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and I ask Kelly what else she looks at when women are still waking up in the middle of the night. We also talk about what to do when you wake up and your mind starts racing, and when it's worth asking your doctor about a sleep study. And when I asked Kelly about sleep supplements, she brought up two I never would've thought of. You might already have them in your kitchen. Kelly's new book, Sleeping Through the Change, comes out in December. I also asked her what made her want to write it, and it all started when she noticed how many of her own friends were struggling to sleep, too. If you know a friend who keeps waking up at 3 a.m., send her this episode. And hit follow so you don't miss next week's episode of Own Your Midlife. Connect with Kelly Murray Website: https://kellymurrayadultsleep.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellymurrayadultsleep/ Book: Sleeping Through the Change Connect with Susie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo/ Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com Website: www.susiemclean.com

  2. Nov 3

    3 Ways to Build Confidence When You Doubt Yourself

    Have you ever seen someone doing something amazing, thought to yourself "I could never do that," and immediately talked yourself out of even trying? You are definitely not alone. In this solo episode of Own Your Midlife, I'm opening up about my own struggles with self-doubt before starting this podcast and how I had to learn to build genuine belief in myself. We often wait around for confidence to magically show up before we take a leap, but the truth is, confidence is something you build through small, imperfect steps. In this episode, we talk about: Finding Your Virtual Mentors: How to study people you admire and learn from how they share their ideas. The Power of Mental Rehearsal: How simply giving yourself permission to picture yourself succeeding can change everything (even if you're just doing it on a morning walk) Taking Tiny Actions: Why recording yourself or trying a micro-version of what you want to do gives your brain real proof that you are capable. You don't need a total life overhaul to begin. You are allowed to be new at something, and you are allowed to take your time. If you've been sitting on an idea or waiting until you feel "ready," this episode is your gentle nudge to take that very first small step. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with a friend or woman in your life who needs to hear it! Connect with Susie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo/ Website: www.susiemclean.com Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com

  3. Oct 27

    Goal Setting in Midlife | Start the One Thing You Keep Putting Off

    Is there something you've wanted to do for years, but keep putting off? In Episode 50 of Own Your Midlife, I'm sharing what releasing a new podcast episode every week has taught me about goal setting in midlife staying consistent, and following through when life gets busy. In this solo episode, I'm encouraging you to choose one thing that matters to you now and think honestly about what you're willing to consistently do to make it happen. You don't have to wait until January to start. In this episode: • Giving yourself permission to rethink goals that no longer fit. • Why making a commitment is different from feeling motivated. • Considering the everyday work behind the outcome you want. • Choosing one meaningful goal instead of making another long list. • How keeping small commitments can help you build trust in yourself. And here's something to think about. What could your life look like a year from now if you finally gave yourself a chance to do that one thing you've been putting off? You don't have to have everything figured out. Sometimes it starts with one small commitment to yourself. I'd love to hear what that one thing is for you! Connect with me on Instagram at @susiemclean.xo or email me at ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com. Website: www.susiemclean.com

  4. Oct 20

    Why We Feel So Disconnected and How to Reconnect with Dr. Jody Carrington

    Are you feeling constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from the people around you... even when your daily life is packed with activity? Do you find yourself pulling away when you need support the most, or wondering why staying connected feels like so much work in this season of life? In this episode of Own Your Midlife, I sit down with clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and champion for human connection, Dr. Jody Carrington. We dive into why so many women in midlife are experiencing unprecedented levels of burnout and loneliness, and why burnout is fundamentally a connection problem, not a personal failure. Jody explains what it means to "come home to ourselves" when we are bone-tired and carrying the emotional weight of children, partners, and aging parents. We talk about the simple, micro-dosing resets that regulate our nervous system, why true connection is our greatest commodity in an increasingly digital world, and the life-changing power of making someone feel genuinely seen. In this episode, we talk about: Burnout as a Connection Problem: Why we are more burnt out than ever despite having constant digital access and mental health awareness. Coming Home to Yourself: Practical, micro-dosing nervous system resets (including physiological sighs and jaw relaxation) to calm your body when you're overwhelmed. Why We Pull Away When We're Struggling: Understanding the neurobiology of isolation and how to build authentic, supportive villages in midlife. The Power of Feeling Seen: How simple, genuine human interactions can save lives and restore our access to the best parts of ourselves. Protecting Your Energy at Night: Why swapping phone screens for physical books transforms sleep and reduces daily cortisol spikes. You don't need a complete life overhaul to feel like yourself again—sometimes it just starts with a single breath and a small moment of grace. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with a friend or a woman in your life who needs a reminder that she isn't alone. Connect with Dr. Jody Carrington: Website: drjodycarrington.com Instagram: @drjodycarrington Connect with Me: Website: susiemclean.com Instagram: @susiemclean.xo Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com

  5. Oct 13

    Genetic Testing in Midlife. What Your DNA Can Tell You About Your Health | Natalie Samson

    If a health condition runs in your family, does that mean it's your future, too? And what could genetic testing actually tell you about your health in midlife? In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie Samson, a board-certified genetic counselor and founder of Golden Genetics, to explore how our genes affect our health and where testing might fit into the changes we experience in our 40s and beyond. We talk about the connection between genetics, nutrition, and supplements, what to know about your family's health history, and how to understand a result that reveals an increased risk. Natalie also explains what testing can't tell us and what to look into before buying an at-home DNA test. If you want to better understand your body and take a more proactive approach to your health, this conversation offers a starting point for asking informed questions. Connect with Natalie: Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneticswithnatalie/  Golden Genetics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengeneticshealth/ Website: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/ Book a Logistics call with Natalie: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/book-a-discovery-call-1 Histamine Intolerance and genetic testing for Histamine: https://form.typeform.com/to/PybdzItV Natalie's 4P Framework Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/RkvZ32qV Connect with Susie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo Website: www.susiemclean.com Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com

  6. Oct 6

    The Truth About HRT | What Every Woman Should Know About Hormones and Aging Well | Karen Martel

    Are you tired of feeling like perimenopause is taking over your life, leaving you exhausted, dealing with sudden heavy cycles or fibroids, and wondering where the "old you" went? Do you worry about whether hormone replacement therapy is safe, or feel completely brushed off when you bring up your symptoms to your doctor? You are not crazy, and you certainly don't have to just "suffer through" midlife. In this episode, I sit down with certified hormone specialist Karen Martel for an eye-opening, empowering conversation about taking charge of your health, understanding your options, and thriving through perimenopause and beyond. Karen Martel is also a transformational nutrition coach, the CEO of Midlife Solutions, and the host of The Hormone Solution podcast. She works with women going through perimenopause and menopause, helping them understand their symptoms and explore their options. She breaks down what is actually happening in our bodies as our hormone levels shift in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. We dive into why lifestyle changes alone can't replace the vital hormones we lose, what every woman should know about fibroids and hysterectomies, how to navigate choices between patches, creams, suppositories, and injections, and why starting "low and slow" with your dosage makes all the difference. In this episode, we talk about: Demystifying HRT & Bioidenticals: How modern bioidentical hormones differ from old-school therapies and why mother nature's soy and yams are changing the game. The First Signs of Perimenopause: Recognizing early hormonal shifts in your 30s and 40s before symptoms like insomnia, weight gain, or heavy cycles spiral. Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone: The distinct role each hormone plays in brain health, deep sleep, anxiety, and sexual wellness. Fibroids, Hysterectomies & HRT: Why hormone support is crucial for women who have had partial or full hysterectomies, and how fibroids factor into the equation. Delivery Methods & Custom Dosing: Comparing creams, patches, gels, suppositories, and injections—plus why starting "low and slow" prevents side effects. Navigating Your Doctor's Office: How to advocate for yourself when facing a medical system where very few physicians receive dedicated menopause training. Slowing down or aging doesn't mean giving up on feeling vibrant, strong, and confident. You deserve to feel incredible in this season of life, and the tools to own your health are well within your reach. If this conversation resonated with you, please share this episode with a friend or woman in your life who needs to hear it! Connect with Karen Martel Website: karenmartel.com Shop: Midlife Solutions  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmartelhormones/ Connect with Susie  Website: www.susiemclean.com Instagram: @susiemclean.xo Episode on Fibroids / Partial Hysterectomy  https://open.spotify.com/episode/43ZWCwf9LxXJ4Q7xaLnj0U?si=b1a2073c209848d0

  7. Sep 29

    Creating Your Own Opportunity When You're Tired of Waiting

    Feeling stuck in midlife while everyone else seems to be moving ahead? Maybe you're applying for jobs, going to auditions, or building a business, and the opportunity you've worked toward still hasn't come. You keep showing up, but you're starting to wonder: Do I keep going? Do I need a different plan? In this episode of Own Your Midlife, I'm talking about how to get your power back when you feel stuck and the outcome you want depends on someone else saying yes. We'll talk about rejection, the power we give other people's decisions, and the difference between persistence and holding so tightly to one plan that you can't see another way forward. If you're considering a career change after 40 or questioning what's next, I'll share questions to help you see what is within your control. We'll look at why the experience and abilities you've developed still matter when you change direction, what it takes to create your own opportunity, and how imposter syndrome can make that step feel daunting. I also share the story of Lisa Price, whose side project grew into Carol's Daughter. Midlife reinvention doesn't always begin with a clear new plan. Sometimes it begins when you realize that one closed door doesn't get to decide what's possible for your life. You're allowed to feel disappointed. And you still have the power to choose what you do next. If this episode made you think of someone who's feeling stuck or discouraged, send it her way. Connect with Susie Instagram: @susiemclean.xo Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com Website: www.susiemclean.com

  8. Sep 22

    Feeling Guilty for Resting? Why Slowing Down Doesn't Mean Falling Behind

    Do you feel guilty when you take a break, even when you're exhausted? Maybe you finally sit down, but your mind immediately starts listing everything you should be doing next. Answer the email. Work on the idea. Get ahead. Make progress. In this episode of Own Your Midlife, we're talking about productivity guilt, the pressure to keep going, and the fear that slowing down means you're losing momentum or falling behind. This conversation is especially relevant if you're in your 40s or 50s and thinking about what you still want to do, whether that means starting a business, changing careers, writing a book, creating something new, or simply building a life that feels more like your own. We'll talk about the difference between being ambitious and constantly pushing yourself, why some seasons require more from you than others, and why consistency doesn't mean working every available minute. I'll also share some research on leisure guilt and short breaks, and a few questions to think about when you finally stop but your brain won't. You can take your goals seriously and still watch a movie, take a nap, spend time with your family, or do something completely unrelated to what you're building. Slowing down doesn't mean you've stopped caring. This week, consider taking a little break and enjoying something that has nothing to do with getting ahead. Connect with Susie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo Website: www.susiemclean.com Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com

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Own Your Midlife is a podcast for women in their 40s+ navigating midlife transitions, perimenopause, changing hormones, career pivots, and the deep desire for reinvention. It's a space for heartfelt conversations about confidence, clarity, identity, and all the messy, beautiful shifts that happen in this season of life. Host Susie McLean sits down with inspiring guests and shares real stories, practical tools, and gentle nudges that help you reconnect with your voice, trust your intuition, and take the next small step toward a life that feels true to you. If you've ever thought "I'm not where I expected to be," or wondered what's next for you, you're not alone. This podcast supports women who want to show up for themselves, feel better in their bodies, understand their changing hormones, rebuild confidence, and create a fulfilling second act. So grab your earbuds, settle in, and let's navigate this season together.

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