The Phoenix Perspective Podcast

Kori Rae Kovacs, BSN RN

Big questions. Honest conversations. Fresh perspectives on womanhood. What if the changes, challenges, and unexpected twists of womanhood aren't just things to get through, but opportunities to discover more about ourselves and what makes life worth living? Welcome to The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, a show for curious women over 35 who are hungry for deeper connection, new discoveries, and a life that feels as good as it looks. From periods and perimenopause to relationships, sexuality, personal growth, spirituality, and all the unexpected WTFs of womanhood, we're exploring the questions we don't always ask out loud and the things nobody prepared us for. Join Kori Rae each week for fascinating, no-b******t conversations with women and experts who bring fresh perspectives to this messy, beautiful experience of being alive. Together, we're questioning old assumptions, sharing real stories of joy and heartbreak, and discovering the patterns, possibilities, and wisdom woven through our lives. My mission: To create opportunities for you to understand yourself more deeply, embrace every season of your life with fierce self-love, and find the courage to create a life that makes you feel wildly alive. Because life is full of endings, beginnings, and everything in between. And there's always another perspective to help you rise.

  1. 20h ago

    Always Feeling Tired After 40? How Food & Habits Affect Your Energy | Women's Health: Decoded 4/8

    Are you tired all the time, even though you're trying to eat healthy and take care of yourself? Maybe you're crashing by mid-afternoon, feeling irritable or sluggish in the morning, or struggling to find the energy to keep up with everything on your plate. In this episode of Women's Health: Decoded, I'm joined by Beth Scholer, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and owner of Intune Integrated Nutrition, to explore how food, blood sugar, stress, sleep, and everyday habits affect your energy as you move through midlife. We give you tips and insights so you can nourish your changing body and feel better without overhauling your entire life. In This Episode: Why your energy may change after 40Blood sugar and afternoon energy crashesBuilding a balanced, protein-rich breakfastFiber, healthy fats, and midlife nutritionHow stress, sleep, and mental load affect energySimple nutrition changes for busy womenBuilding healthy habits without perfectionismSelf-compassion and listening to your bodyYou don't have to change everything to start feeling better. Discover how small, intentional choices can help you nourish your body and create more energy for the life you want to live. About Beth ScholerBeth Scholer is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and owner of Intune Integrated Nutrition. After navigating significant hormone health challenges in her 30s, Beth shifted her focus toward personalized nutrition and sustainable lifestyle habits. Today, she helps women better understand their bodies and make realistic changes that support their health and well-being. Connect with Beth: Instagram: @bethscholer Website: InTune Integrated NutritionProgram: Hormone Harmony Group CoachingKori's Recommended ReadingIt Starts With Food — Dallas Hartwig and Melissa HartwigThe Diabetes Code — Dr. Jason FungGood Energy — Dr. Casey Means and Calley MeansThe Menopause Brain — Dr. Lisa MosconiFurther Resources👉✨ Join me at the FREE Embodied Woman Summit, November 9–15, to discover new ways to reconnect with yourself and create more joy, rest, and presence in your life! Save your free spot: The Embodied Woman Summit 👉 Looking for a little clarity or guidance in your own life? Book a personalized oracle card reading with Kori Rae to explore what's unfolding and reconnect with your inner wisdom. Book your reading 👉 Want to understand your symptoms, moods, and patterns better? Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Use coupon code SACREDPHOENIX for 10% off! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a question, guest suggestion, or episode idea? Email phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening! Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: MCPVIFNWPFWXKMVJ, 2TJPBSF8NTDKWAEQ, GU69SYBJDUO72LZY

    Always Feeling Tired After 40? How Food & Habits Affect Your Energy | Women's Health: Decoded 4/8
  2. 6d ago

    Perimenopause Weight Gain? How to Exercise After 40 | Women's Health: Decoded 3/8

    Are you gaining weight after 40, even though you haven't changed how you eat or exercise?  Maybe you're noticing more weight around your middle, losing strength, or finding that your workouts just don't work the way they used to. In this episode of Women's Health: Decoded, I'm joined by Corry Matthews, former professional bodybuilder and women’s fitness expert, to learn how to exercise, nourish, and strengthen your changing body during perimenopause—so you can stay active, fit, capable, and healthy for years to come.  In This Episode: Fitness during perimenopauseMuscle, bone health, and longevityStrength training vs. cardioEasy movement “exercise snacks”Finding joy in movementProtein and midlife nutritionRedefining what it means to be fitYou don't have to chase the body you used to have. Learn how to care for the body you have today and build strength for the life you want to live. About Corry MatthewsCorry Matthews is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder with over 25 years of experience in fitness and nutrition. Through her work with Strength and Grace, she helps women navigate midlife with practical fitness strategies, sustainable habits, and self-compassion. Connect with Corry: Website: Corry MatthewsInstagram: @corrymatthewsFree Resource: Exercise Snacks – Strength & Grace FitnessRecommended ReadingUnbreakable — Dr. Vonda WrightNext Level — Dr. Stacy T. Sims and Selene YeagerThe New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire HaverFurther Resources👉 Join me at the FREE Embodied Woman Summit, November 9–15, to discover new ways to reconnect with yourself and create more joy, rest, and presence in your life! Save your free spot: The Embodied Woman Summit 👉 Looking for a little clarity or guidance in your own life? Book a personalized oracle card reading with Kori Rae to explore what's unfolding and reconnect with your inner wisdom. Book your reading 👉 Want to understand your symptoms, moods, and patterns better? Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Use coupon code SACREDPHOENIX for 10% off! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a question, guest suggestion, or episode idea? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening! Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: M4PJKHH5MNQONSBV, QPOXNWW0EDBXCMC1, SIJRMHKZNDQY4W50

    Perimenopause Weight Gain? How to Exercise After 40 | Women's Health: Decoded 3/8
  3. Oct 18

    When Your Symptoms Are Dismissed: PCOS, PMOS & Insulin Resistance | Women's Health: Decoded 2/8

    Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling like your concerns weren't taken seriously? Maybe you're struggling with fatigue, brain fog, unexplained weight changes, or irregular periods, but you're not getting the answers you need. In this second episode of Women's Health: Decoded, I'm joined by Jen Allen, FNP-C, to explore the often-overlooked metabolic side of PCOS (now known as PMOS), the role of insulin resistance, and why so many women struggle to get their symptoms taken seriously. In This Episode: Why PCOS is more than a reproductive health conditionWhat insulin resistance is and why it mattersSymptoms that deserve a closer lookHow stress and major life changes can affect your healthLifestyle changes and treatment options, including GLP-1 medicationsHow to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissedYour body deserves your attention, and your voice deserves to be heard. This conversation will help you ask better questions, explore your options, and take a more active role in your healthcare. About Jen Allen, FNP-CJen Allen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of medical experience, including emergency care. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, she specializes in integrative medicine, hormone optimization, and personalized care. Her passion for helping women feel heard and understood comes from both her clinical experience and her own health journey. Connect with Jen: Instagram: @NinjaNurseJenTikTok & Facebook: The Renewal LabWebsite: The Renewal Lab Email to get on the Workshop Waitlist: hello@the-renewal-lab.comRecommended ReadingPCOS SOS — Dr. Felice Gersh8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS — Dr. Fiona McCullochPeriod Repair Manual — Lara Briden, NDFurther Resources: 👉 Want to understand your symptoms, moods, and patterns better? Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Looking for a little clarity or guidance in your own life? Book a personalized oracle card reading with Kori Rae to explore what’s unfolding and reconnect with your inner wisdom. Book your reading 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: E0NCKBXRDD1IUOO0, XRWBKBDG3JEUBHYV

    When Your Symptoms Are Dismissed: PCOS, PMOS & Insulin Resistance | Women's Health: Decoded 2/8
  4. Oct 10

    Frustrated With Your Body in Perimenopuase? Here's Where to Start | Women's Health: Decoded 1/8

    Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Who is this person staring back at me?” Maybe you went through something hard and your health changed. You gained weight. Your energy declined. You just don’t feel like you used to. In Episode 1 of Women’s Health: Decoded, Kori Rae shares how her own health changed after her life fell apart, and how learning to understand her body shifted the question from “What’s wrong with my body?” to “What’s happening in my body?” She also talks about how gaining a better understanding of your body will help you be a better participant in your healthcare. Your health isn’t separate from the rest of your life. You’re rebuilding your life with a body that has also been through challenges. And it's time you had the language to understand it. In this episode: Why major life changes can change the way we experience and care for our bodiesWhat body literacy is and why it mattersMoving from body judgment to curiosityRecognizing your baseline, patterns, and changesAdvocating for yourself in healthcareThe difference between control and agencyWhat to expect from Women’s Health, DecodedThis episode begins an eight-part series of expert conversations designed to help you better understand, trust, and care for your body. About Kori Rae Kovacs Kori is a U.S. Navy Veteran, Registered Nurse, women’s health advocate, and host of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast. Kori helps women better understand themselves and their bodies as they navigate life after major change. Her work is rooted in curiosity, self-trust, and the belief that women deserve to be active participants in their health. Connect with Kori Rae: Instagram: @koriraekovacs  Website: Sacred Phoenix Wellness Substack: Kori Rae Kovacs on Substack Further Resources: 👉 Books to understand your body better: Wild Power by Alexandra PopeThe Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-JackIn the Flo by Alisa VittiCycle Sync Your Business by Renae Fieck (Free Book!)👉 Want to understand your symptoms, moods, and patterns better? Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: OOORB1B4ESSVIH7S, CJNTHOTQA4JN2MMO

    Frustrated With Your Body in Perimenopuase? Here's Where to Start | Women's Health: Decoded 1/8
  5. Oct 3

    36. Is Life Passing You By? Reflections on Being Present | A Phoenix Unscripted Episode

    Have you ever looked up and realized you've been so busy thinking about what happened yesterday—or what needs to happen tomorrow—that you haven't really been present with the here and now? This episode of The Phoenix Unscripted began with a sunrise. I was sitting in my backyard watching the sky turn from fiery orange to pink when I started wondering why we're so captivated by moments like these. And somewhere in that question came another: What if nature is always asking us to be present? Because that sunrise disappeared within minutes. I'll never see that exact sky again. And our lives are a lot like that. We can spend so much time replaying the past, worrying about the future, working through our to-do lists, or simply moving through our days on autopilot that we miss the life happening right in front of us. In this unplanned, unpolished reflection, I'm sharing what I've learned about cultivating more presence in my own life, and why I think it's brought me more peace, connection, wonder, and fullness along the way.  We also talk about a few simple ways to practice coming back to the present through nature, meditation, and movement. If you've been feeling distracted, disconnected, or like life has been moving a little too fast lately, come sit beside the fire with me. Your life is happening right now. Let's be here for it. Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 2YUBN8ITGOXMI6EV, 6H5CLZRCZVJZZQVZ

    36. Is Life Passing You By? Reflections on Being Present | A Phoenix Unscripted Episode
  6. Sep 26

    35. How to Put Yourself Out There When You’re Scared of What People Will Think | Melissa Chavis

    Have you ever wanted to do something that would require you to put yourself out there—and immediately started worrying about what everyone else would think? In this episode of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, I'm joined by identity and nervous system coach Melissa Chavis for a conversation about what happens when the life you're being called toward requires you to be seen. Melissa shares her own journey from high-achieving corporate leader to entrepreneur, including the fear she experienced when she first began showing up publicly and sharing ideas that felt deeply personal to her. We talk about why doing something unfamiliar can feel so uncomfortable, how fear of judgment keeps us playing small, and why being scared doesn't necessarily mean you're moving in the wrong direction. We also explore Human Design as a tool Melissa uses for decision-making—and how learning to recognize your own patterns can help you build greater self-trust as you step into something new. In this episode, we talk about: Fear of judgment, failure, and being seenWhat can happen in your body when you step outside your comfort zoneBuilding capacity to do things that scare youHuman Design as a tool for self-understanding and decision-makingThe connection between identity and visibilityLearning to trust your inner guidanceWhy confidence often comes from doing the scary thing repeatedlyLetting yourself be messy while you're learningIf there's something you've been wanting to do but you keep hesitating because you're afraid of what people might think, this conversation is for you. About Melissa Chavis Melissa Chavis is an identity and nervous system coach who helps female entrepreneurs build the self-trust and internal safety to create success on their own terms. Blending Human Design, nervous system practices, and her perspective on quantum physics, she helps women uncover the beliefs and patterns shaping how they show up and intentionally step into a more aligned version of themselves. Connect with Melissa: Instagram: @melissaannchavis Website: go.melissaannchavis.com/home  Veya App: Veya App | Human Design + Viral Content Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, are interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 43WAFZFCMMOTAQK5, BBIZL8NLAQRKGGVH

    35. How to Put Yourself Out There When You’re Scared of What People Will Think | Melissa Chavis
  7. Sep 18

    34. Career Loss & Starting Over: Rebuilding Confidence One Small Step at a Time | Lala Barlow

    What happens when the career you built your identity around disappears—and suddenly you’re left wondering who you are without it? Lala Barlow spent years building a successful career as a performing artist, working across Australia and the UK. But when COVID brought that chapter of her life to an abrupt end, she found herself without the career, community, and sense of identity that had shaped so much of who she was. What came next was an unexpected season of rebuilding that eventually led Lala to travel solo through South America on a motorcycle—and discover parts of herself she hadn't had space to know before. In this episode of The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, Lala and I talk about the grief that comes with losing an old version of yourself, learning to become a beginner again, and why rebuilding confidence doesn't require one enormous leap. Sometimes it begins with keeping one small promise to yourself. In this episode, we talk about: Career loss and the identity crisis that can followGrieving the life—and version of yourself—you thought you'd haveStarting over without knowing exactly where you're headedBuilding confidence through small, achievable stepsSelf-reliance, community, and allowing yourself to need other peopleSpirituality, synchronicity, and creating space to hear yourself againChoosing courage when fear tells you to stay smallAbout Lala Barlow:ala Barlow is a Melbourne-based adventurer, writer, artist, and former performing artist turned motorcycle traveler. After earning her motorcycle license during COVID, she completed a 6,000-kilometer (3,700-mile) solo ride through the Queensland Outback, followed by a two-year, 40,000-kilometer (25,000-mile) journey across South America. Lala inspires others to embrace discomfort, follow their curiosity, and discover what they're capable of. Connect with Lala: Instagram: @thewanderinglala Substack: @thewanderinglala Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AROFP83EK5CAYWYM, 2LGWPIZP7XCVXCOD

    34. Career Loss & Starting Over: Rebuilding Confidence One Small Step at a Time | Lala Barlow
  8. Sep 10

    33. How to Get Back on Track With Weight Loss Without Beating Yourself Up

    What happens when you realize you haven't been taking care of yourself—and your first reaction is to beat yourself up for it? After an injury, a busy summer, and months of letting her usual wellness routines slip, Kori found herself 15 pounds heavier, uncomfortable in her body, and asking, How did I let this happen? In this vulnerable solo episode, Kori shares what she's learning about finding her way back to caring for herself without using guilt or shame as motivation. She explores why the routines that work in one season of life may not work in another, how body shame can affect far more than the way we see ourselves, and why trying to “get back” to an old version of ourselves may be the wrong goal altogether. In this episode: Why your self-care routines have to change when your life and capacity changeHow to take responsibility for your health without shaming yourselfWhy self-acceptance and wanting change can exist at the same timeHow to stop chasing an old version of yourselfOne simple way to start taking care of yourself again—without overhauling your entire life You don't have to punish yourself for how you got here. You don't have to start over, either. You can simply begin again. Further Resources: 👉 Want to go deeper into Kori’s stories, life lessons, and cyclical wisdom? Find Kori’s witty, messy, and candid writings on Substack 👉 Looking for your next getaway with incredible women? Check out the Women's Wellness Retreat at Desert Muse Festival. Phoenix Perspective listeners receive 25% off admission to the event! Use code PHOENIX25MUSE at checkout.  👉 Order your Cycles Journal© HERE. Don’t forget to use the coupon code SACREDPHOENIX to receive 10% off your purchase! 👉 Follow the show on Instagram: The Phoenix Perspective Podcast 👉 Have a personal growth or women’s health question, interested in being a guest, or have an idea for the show? Email Kori at phoenixperspectivepod@gmail.com Thank you for listening!  Remember, you are so worthy of your Vibrant Life! 💖 Kori Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AGHHOX2EOUSZRX8H, LMKYFIHIJVPSJTQQ

    33. How to Get Back on Track With  Weight Loss Without Beating Yourself Up

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Big questions. Honest conversations. Fresh perspectives on womanhood. What if the changes, challenges, and unexpected twists of womanhood aren't just things to get through, but opportunities to discover more about ourselves and what makes life worth living? Welcome to The Phoenix Perspective Podcast, a show for curious women over 35 who are hungry for deeper connection, new discoveries, and a life that feels as good as it looks. From periods and perimenopause to relationships, sexuality, personal growth, spirituality, and all the unexpected WTFs of womanhood, we're exploring the questions we don't always ask out loud and the things nobody prepared us for. Join Kori Rae each week for fascinating, no-b******t conversations with women and experts who bring fresh perspectives to this messy, beautiful experience of being alive. Together, we're questioning old assumptions, sharing real stories of joy and heartbreak, and discovering the patterns, possibilities, and wisdom woven through our lives. My mission: To create opportunities for you to understand yourself more deeply, embrace every season of your life with fierce self-love, and find the courage to create a life that makes you feel wildly alive. Because life is full of endings, beginnings, and everything in between. And there's always another perspective to help you rise.