The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, where we’re rewriting the story of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife — one conversation at a time. I’m Mary Lee, Menopause Doula, Women’s Coaching Specialist, and science communicator, on a mission to challenge outdated narratives, bust menopause myths, and bring credible information and real women’s lived experiences to the forefront. On each episode, I explore the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of midlife, tackling the conversations that are too often dismissed, misunderstood, or left unsaid. From hormones, brain health, sleep, strength training, nutrition, sexuality, and mental health to trauma, identity, purpose, relationships, workplace menopause, and spiritual awakening — we go beyond the hot flashes. You’ll hear real, raw, and relatable conversations with credible experts, researchers, practitioners, and women sharing their lived experiences — alongside solo episodes where I unpack the science, challenge the status quo, and ask the questions many women are afraid to ask. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this podcast is here to help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and brain, advocate for yourself with confidence, and embrace the possibilities of midlife. Because menopause is not a disease. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of the story. It’s a powerful biological, psychological, and emotional transition — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and yourself in an entirely new way.

  1. 3d ago

    GLP-1s Aren’t a Cop-Out: Rethinking Weight Loss with Dr. Laure DeMattia

    In this episode, host Mary is joined by obesity medicine physician Dr. Laure DeMattia to explore the complicated relationship between obesity, body image, food, and menopause. Dr. DeMattia shares her deeply personal journey from struggling with body image and binge eating from a young age to becoming a physician specializing in obesity medicine.  Together, Mary and Dr. D unpack why women's bodies can be particularly vulnerable to weight changes during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, and why the traditional "eat less, move more" approach can leave women feeling frustrated, ashamed, and blamed. The conversation challenges the idea that weight is simply a matter of willpower. Dr. DeMattia explains set point theory, discusses how the body can defend a particular weight, and explores why treatments such as GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery can be legitimate tools for treating obesity rather than "cop-outs." She also emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the number on the scale and focusing on health, energy, confidence, and other non-scale victories. Dr. DeMattia also introduces her practical CHEF framework from her book, The Four Food Cues, helping people understand their individual relationship with food through Craving, Hunger, Energy, and Fullness. Connect: • Learn more about Dr. Laure DeMattia and her work: https://drdemattia.com/ • The Four Food Cues by Dr. Laure DeMattia — available on Amazon  Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    GLP-1s Aren’t a Cop-Out: Rethinking Weight Loss with Dr. Laure DeMattia
  2. Jul 31

    The Menopause Conversation Your Doctor May Never Have with Cindy Dupuie

    In this episode, Mary welcomes functional medicine practitioner Cindy Dupuie, who shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing early menopause after a stressful divorce to becoming one of the leading voices helping women understand the root causes of hormonal changes. Together they unpack why menopause is about far more than hot flashes and why estrogen influences nearly every tissue and organ in the body. The conversation explores the principles of functional medicine, emphasizing how hormones, digestion, inflammation, the microbiome, and metabolic health are deeply interconnected. Cindy explains why declining estrogen can contribute to digestive problems including acid reflux, food sensitivities, constipation, SIBO, leaky gut, and poor bile production, while also discussing how hormone therapy may support long-term brain, heart, and bone health beyond symptom relief. Mary and Cindy also discuss the current barriers women face in today's healthcare system, the importance of becoming educated advocates for your own health, and why individualized care—not one-size-fits-all medicine—is essential for thriving throughout midlife and beyond. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply want to understand how your body changes with age, this episode offers practical insights, empowering perspectives, and hope for building a healthier future. Connect: 🌐 A Living Balance https://alivingbalance.netResources Mentioned: Dr. Mark Hyman — https://drhyman.comInstitute for Functional Medicine (IFM) — https://www.ifm.orgDr. Ben Lynch — https://www.drbenlynch.comDirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch — https://www.drbenlynch.com/dirty-genes/Seeking Health — https://www.seekinghealth.comDr. Tim Spector (ZOE) — https://zoe.com/learn/author/tim-spectorLet us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    The Menopause Conversation Your Doctor May Never Have with Cindy Dupuie
  3. Jun 2

    Working Women Will Face Ageism At The Peak of Their Careers with Lucy Standing

    Is the productivity crisis in the workforce actually an ageism crisis? In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Standing, Chartered Psychologist and founder of Brave Starts, CIC – a non profit organisation supporting 300 – 400 people a year to plan and consider their future career development. Lucy specialising in mid career development with specific expertise in the ageing population. Together, we explore ageism in the workplace, reinvention after 50, the rise of "quilted careers," and why many experienced professionals are choosing a a pay cut for fulfilling work that brings purpose and meaning. Lucy challenges the outdated belief that our value declines with age and shares compelling evidence that resilience, emotional intelligence, experience, and purpose-driven leadership often peak in midlife. She has contributed hert research to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and spoken in the UK Parliament on ageing and employment policy.  Lucy is co-author of Age Against the Machine with Martin Hyde and Dr. Maggi Evans that argues the talent shortage gripping British business isn't a talent problem - it's a filtering problem.  Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucystanding/ Brave Starts: https://www.bravestarts.com/ Let us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Working Women Will Face Ageism At The Peak of Their Careers with Lucy Standing
  4. May 16

    What Midlife Women Needs to Know About Blood Sugar with Michelle Dwyer

    Feel like your body suddenly changed in midlife — increased belly fat, energy crashes, cravings, brain fog, disrupted sleep, or feeling like you’re “doing everything right” but nothing is working anymore — this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by health coach Michelle Dwyer to unpack the critical connection between hormones, blood sugar, metabolism, stress, and overall health during perimenopause and menopause. Michelle shares her own personal healing journey after a prolonged illness led her to completely rethink health and wellness, eventually inspiring her to help women better understand their bodies with compassion instead of self-blame. Together we explore: Why blood sugar regulation matters so much in midlifeHow estrogen changes impact insulin sensitivity and metabolismWhat A1C actually means and why women should pay attention to itThe role of muscle mass, protein, healthy fats, sleep, and stressHow continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide personalized insightWhy health is about awareness and nourishment — not perfectionConnect with Michelle Dwyer: Website + CGM Experience Support Program: Health Coach MichelleInstagram: Michelle Dwyer on InstagramLinkedIn: Michelle Dwyer on LinkedInLet us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    What Midlife Women Needs to Know About Blood Sugar with Michelle Dwyer
  5. Apr 17

    Menopause Joint Pain: What’s Really Causing It; Does Cortisone Injections Help with Stacey Roberts

    What if pain isn’t just “wear and tear”… and aging doesn’t have to hurt? In this episode, Mary sits down with physical therapist and nurse Stacey Roberts to unpack a completely different approach to pain-free living. After decades in traditional medicine, Stacey began questioning why so many patients weren’t getting better. What she discovered changes everything: pain isn’t just structural—it’s influenced by your brain, hormones, gut health, and even your mindset. We dive into her discovery of a non-invasive treatment,  SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy (TRT) and why she became the first clinic to purchase one. She will also share the Pain-Free Formula and explain why common treatments like cortisone injections may not be the best solution we once believed. Connect: Stacey's clinic: https://newyouhealthandwellness.comBook: The Pain-Free Formula: Solving the Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections (available on Amazon)SoftWave TRT providers: https://softwavetrt.comLet us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Menopause Joint Pain: What’s Really Causing It; Does Cortisone Injections Help with Stacey Roberts
  6. Mar 26

    When Concussion Collides with Menopause: A Brain's Story

    When a brain Injury, menopause, and trauma intersect, it can be a nervous system train wreck. In my solo episode, perfectly timed with Brain Injury/Brain Health Awareness Month this March, I humbly share how a mild injury while recently vacationing in Mexico reactivated old symptoms and emotions connected to a previous traumatic brain injury in 2015.  This story highlights how brain injury, hormonal shifts, and stored trauma can amplify nervous system dysregulation. But this retelling of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) goes beyond fatigue, fog, headaches, and heightened emotional sensitivity. It's a story of community and navigating self-compassion.  Ironically, three comunities I have benefitted from and deeply invested in to promote their work suddenly became more meaningful. Those communities include Love Your Brain Foundation, Broken Squirrel Wellness, located in the Comox Valley, BC, Canada, and the Brainnovation Network. Resources (not affiliate links) Donate to LYB and make brain injury support more accessibleBroken Squirrel NeuroloungeJoin the Brainnovation Network CommunitySymphony Brain PerformanceThe Concussion Nerds Podcast Episode 67: Yoga NidraLet us know if you're liking the show! Thanks to our sponsor, Hen's Den YogaA cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of yoga and fitness classes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    When Concussion Collides with Menopause: A Brain's Story
  7. Mar 16

    The “Just Do Kegels” Myth Might Be Harming Your Pelvic Floor with Dr. Lisa Kelly

    Pelvic health is one of the most important  and often overlooked aspects of women’s health. Many are told that bladder leaks, pelvic pressure, or discomfort during exercise are simply part of aging, pregnancy, or menopause. But the truth is, these symptoms are common and they are also treatable. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Kelly, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic health specialist to explore how the pelvic floor connects to strength, breath, movement, and long-term mobility. We unpack some of the biggest myths about pelvic health — including why “just do Kegels” is often the wrong advice — and discuss how proper breathing, core coordination can support pelvic floor function at every stage of life. Dr. Kelly shares how pelvic health changes across the lifespan, from pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and beyond, and why early awareness and proper support can make a profound difference in quality of life. If you’ve ever experienced leakage during workouts, pelvic pressure, core weakness, or unexplained back or hip pain, this episode will help you better understand what may be happening in your body — and what you can do about it. Connect:  Learn more about Dr. Lisa Kelly on her website Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates Instagram @anchorwellnesscincyLet us know if you're liking the show! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    The “Just Do Kegels” Myth Might Be Harming Your Pelvic Floor with Dr. Lisa Kelly
  8. Mar 6

    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 Canada 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! I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. 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 @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Closing the Menopause Care Gap: Women Deserve To Be Heard with Dr. Lindsay Shirreff

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, where we’re rewriting the story of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife — one conversation at a time. I’m Mary Lee, Menopause Doula, Women’s Coaching Specialist, and science communicator, on a mission to challenge outdated narratives, bust menopause myths, and bring credible information and real women’s lived experiences to the forefront. On each episode, I explore the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of midlife, tackling the conversations that are too often dismissed, misunderstood, or left unsaid. From hormones, brain health, sleep, strength training, nutrition, sexuality, and mental health to trauma, identity, purpose, relationships, workplace menopause, and spiritual awakening — we go beyond the hot flashes. You’ll hear real, raw, and relatable conversations with credible experts, researchers, practitioners, and women sharing their lived experiences — alongside solo episodes where I unpack the science, challenge the status quo, and ask the questions many women are afraid to ask. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this podcast is here to help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and brain, advocate for yourself with confidence, and embrace the possibilities of midlife. Because menopause is not a disease. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of the story. It’s a powerful biological, psychological, and emotional transition — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and yourself in an entirely new way.

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