The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, I’m your host, Mary Lee, a compassionate Menopause Doula and Licensed Menopause Champion in partnership with The Menopause Expert Group. My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause. The menopausal transition is a natural phase of life that deserves to be embraced, not stigmatized. Reflecting on my own encounters with the lack gap in female hormonal health and leaning in on my experience in science communication and public relations practitioner, I decided the time is now to rewrite the script and bring truth and reliable resources to the forefront.  In each episode, I tackle taboo topics and disrupt the status quo on how we think, act, and treat menopause - peri to post. Join me in these informative conversations, either alone or with credible guest experts, as I dive into real, raw, and relatable discussions surrounding the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. It’s time to reclaim our voices and advocate for our health with confidence. Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

  1. Perimenopause Unplugged: Why Addressing Hormones Early Improves Long Term Health with Dana Culp

    3D AGO

    Perimenopause Unplugged: Why Addressing Hormones Early Improves Long Term Health with Dana Culp

    Today, we welcome Dana Culp, a doctor of nursing practice, founder of Thrive Midlife Medicine, and a certified menopause expert, for a candid and empowering conversation about navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Dana shares her personal journey from critical care medicine to becoming a passionate advocate for women’s midlife health after her own symptoms were repeatedly dismissed by healthcare providers. Dana explains the foundational pillars of midlife wellness and shares practical strategies for advocating in the doctor’s office, the essential lab tests every woman should consider. The episode also explores the impact of weight gain, the role of GLP-1 medications, and the importance of building a supportive care team. Dana’s insights on symptom tracking, self-advocacy, and incremental lifestyle changes offer hope and actionable steps, as well as a better understanding why self-education and persistence are crucial in a healthcare system that often overlooks women’s experiences. Connect: Website: https://www.thrivemidlifemed.com/Instagram: @thrivemidlifemedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivemidlifemedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-midlife-medicine/Resources: FREE WORKBOOK: The Midlife Belly Fat Reset: A 7-Day Hormone-Friendly Plan for Women in MenopauseLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 6m
  2. Intimate Wellness in Healthcare with Colette Courtion, Joylux Founder

    FEB 2

    Intimate Wellness in Healthcare with Colette Courtion, Joylux Founder

    In this episode, Mary sits down with Colette Courtion, CEO and founder of Joylux, to explore one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—parts of the menopause journey: intimate wellness. They unpack the persistent menopause knowledge gap in healthcare, where many primary care providers receive minimal formal training in menopause, leaving women dismissed or told their symptoms are simply something to endure. Colette shares how her rapid transition from motherhood to menopause exposed this gap—and sparked the creation of Joylux. As an entrepreneur in medical aesthetics, Colette had a pivotal insight: if red-light technology could rejuvenate facial tissue, can it support vaginal tissues? By partnering with a leading OB-GYN, that idea became vFit—the first FDA-cleared, at-home device designed to support vaginal and pelvic health through menopause and beyond. The conversation highlights why science-backed innovation matters in a crowded menopause market, how Joylux is raising the bar through clinical research and medical advisory boards, and the role of authentic advocacy—including partnerships with Halle Berry—in bringing vaginal health into the mainstream. Colette calls out the disparity in female health and the urgent need for systemic change from insurers and regulators to acceptance of language around intimate wellness. Connect Learn more about at joylux.comCollette on LinkedIn 00:00 The Menopause Knowledge Gap 01:07 Introduction to the Menopause Disruptor Podcast 01:23 Spotlight on Intimate Wellness 02:09 Meet Colette Courtion: Innovator in Women's Health 05:24 The Birth of Joylux 09:48 Challenges and Triumphs in Women's Health 17:57 Empowering Women with At-Home Solutions 22:21 Navigating the Menopause Market 25:33 The Importance of Knowing the Brand 26:21 Blending Personal and Pr Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    49 min
  3. Chelsea Jambo: A Young Woman Faces Medical Dismissal and Changes Hormone Health for All Women

    JAN 26

    Chelsea Jambo: A Young Woman Faces Medical Dismissal and Changes Hormone Health for All Women

    In this episode, Mary sits down with a young visionary entrepreneur Chelsea Jambo. She is the CEO and Founder of OURBody, a Canadian wellness brand built on a mission to make hormone support taste great, work gently, and fit real life.  Chelsea has created an organic herbal blend of teas uniquely crafted  to bring comfort and support to women through various hormonal phases. Her entreprenurial journey was ignited by a personal experience of medical dismissal and gaslighting. She reveals the motivations behind the brand, as well as her extensive research that went into formulating not just a blend for women of her generation, but for all the female hormone milestones.  Chelsea also shares that her brand is a movement closely aligned with her commitment to locally source high-quality ingredients and built on relationships with suppliers and distributors.  This is a story of entrepreneurial spirit reminding us that community support, education, and advocacy can be inspire change with the current healthcare system's approach to female health issues. Connect: Shop the brand or inquire about becoming a distributor at OURbody https://www.ourbody.ca/Instagram @shopourbody https://www.instagram.com/shopourbody/Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 3m
  4. Testosterone, Peptides, and AI: Revolutionizing Menopause Health with Jennifer Gularson

    JAN 16

    Testosterone, Peptides, and AI: Revolutionizing Menopause Health with Jennifer Gularson

    In this episode, Mary sits down with Jennifer Gularson, certified physician assistant and functional medicine practitioner, to explore what women truly need during midlife—and why the current healthcare system often falls short. Together, they unpack hormone therapy across the lifespan, including estrogen, progesterone, and the often-overlooked role of testosterone for women, as well as the growing use of peptides and GLP-1 agonists for weight management. Jennifer explains why symptom-based care misses the bigger picture and how a root-cause, functional medicine approach—grounded in nutrition, sleep, stress, relationships, and movement—can be life-changing. The conversation also dives into the psychosocial and relational aspects of libido, intimacy, and body image in menopause, the barriers women face in accessing appropriate hormone care, and the future of personalised medicine through genetic testing and AI—without losing the essential human connection in healthcare. Jennifer's message serves as a powerful reminder women deserve more than quick fixes. They deserve care that listens, integrates science with spirituality, and supports long-term vitality, autonomy, and self-trust. Connect with Jennifer at yourbestlifewithjennifer.com, @jennifergularson  00:10 Why women are demanding better menopause care  03:45 From traditional medicine to functional medicine  09:30 What “root cause” medicine really means  16:20 Hormones, libido, and intimacy in midlife  25:10 Testosterone therapy for women: myths & barriers  34:40 Weight gain, estrogen loss & GLP-1 medications  44:30 Lifestyle foundations that actually move the needle  52:10 Genetics, AI & the future of personalised healthcare  58:30 Reclaiming women’s health, voice & power Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 8

    Optimize Exercise with Heavy Lifting and High Intensity Workouts

    In this episode, Mary delves into the nuances of exercise for women during menopause and perimenopause.  Mary discusses the physiology of exercise she learned as a student of Dr. Stacy Sims (Menopause 2.0), emphasizing the importance of both heavy lifting and high volume workouts for muscle growth, metabolic health, and overall resilience.  This episode covers why and how exercise should be adapted for midlife bodies, examining the benefits and differences between high intensity and high volume training approaches.  Mary also provides practical tips she gained as a certified Women's Coaching Specialist (Girls Gone Strong) on developing a sustainable exercise routine that includes cardiovascular training, interval workouts, and strength training.  Resources Why HIIT Matters for Women’s Body and Brain Health by Dr. Stacy SimsTake your health journey during menopause further with the Midlife Belly Fat Reset, a FREE guide to help women kickstart their fitness journey. Visit https://subscribepage.io/bellyfatreset 00:54 The Psychology and Physiology of Exercise 01:18 Why Exercise is Crucial During Menopause 01:55 Adapting Exercise for Midlife Bodies 03:22 Heavy Lifting vs. High Volume Training 06:13 The Benefits of Heavy Resistance Training 08:08 High Volume Lightweights and Their Role 10:06 Combining Heavy Lifting and High Volume 11:28 Ideal Exercise Amounts for Menopausal Women 15:52 Practical Tips for Starting Your Fitness Journey 17:57 Conclusion and Free Resources Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    21 min
  6. 1-1-1 Portal Meditation: 2026 and the Powerful Year of the Horse

    12/30/2025

    1-1-1 Portal Meditation: 2026 and the Powerful Year of the Horse

    In this solo podcast episode, Mary closes out 2025 and welcomes in 2026 through reflections on numerology and Chinese astrology. This final episode of the year offers another guided meditation in the Goddess Series. Highlighting the significance of the universal year one and the year of the horse, the episode encourages women to reflect on their past nine years, trust their instincts, and embrace new beginnings with courage and wisdom. The guided meditation focuses on integrating body wisdom with soul wisdom, fostering a sense of trust, and initiating forward movement. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:32 Numerology and the Significance of 2026 02:41 Reflecting on the Past Nine Years 03:44 Divine Feminine Energy in 2026 07:24 Guided Meditation: Portal to 2026 15:46 Closing Thoughts and New Beginnings Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    18 min
  7. Understanding GLP-1 Medications for Weight Management and Metabolic Health with Dr. Sara Tariq

    12/23/2025

    Understanding GLP-1 Medications for Weight Management and Metabolic Health with Dr. Sara Tariq

    Today's episode features Dr. Sara Tariq, an internal medicine physician at Northern Virginia Family Practice with over two decades of clinical experience. Dr. Tariq is a dedicated advocate for systemic transformation within healthcare, passionately addressing inequities and fostering cultural shifts through relationship-centered care. Dr. Tariq discusses the challenges of navigating midlife weight gain, body image, and the stories behind our eating habits. She shares her countless experiences coaching clients through starting on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, to tackle increased stubborn weight that can occur in the menopause transition. These medications, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, are now being used to help non-diabetic women manage weight through appetite regulation and improved satiety. We uncover the misconceptions and stigma surrounding GLP-1s, the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies, and the critical role of mental health and mindset in a patient's health journey. Key Takeaways: GLP-1s are evidence-based tools, not quick fixes, and should be used under professional guidance.Each woman’s journey is unique. Coaches and providers should listen, empathize, and support women’s agency and choices.The power in shifting from a “skinny” to a “strong” mindset and embracing resistance training, self-compassion, and self-advocacy.Resources:  GLP1 Cheat Sheet (Source: GGS Academy) Contact: Dr. Tariq’s clinic at Northern Virginia Family Practice  and on Instagram  @drsaratariqnvfpLet us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    51 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    Epic Mini: The Big Three Health Concerns During Menopause

    In this episode, host Mary breaks down the misconception that menopause is merely about hot flashes and mood swings, and emphasizes the importance of bone, brain, and heart health during this life phase. The role of estrogen goes far beyond reproductive health, and its decline can have serious physiological impacts if left unchecked. Drawing on insights from prominent researchers and authors such as Dr. Lisa Mosconi, Dr. Avrum Bluming, and Dr. Stacy Sims, this episode explores strategies including heavy resistance training, sprint interval training, and a Mediterranean-style diet to effectively manage hormonal shifts. Mary also introduces Menopause Intelligence—an online learning experience designed to empower women through education and self-advocacy—along with a free workbook offering practical guidance on fitness, nutrition, and stress management. Resources: Maximize Heart Health Through Nutrition with Michelle Routhenstein, Episode 43The Hidden Impact of Modern Wheat and the Microbiome on Women’s Health with Dr. William Davis, Episode 77Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Monsconi Next Level by Dr. Stacy SimsSign up for a free resource: The Midlife Belly Fat Reset: A 7-Day Gut–Hormone–Workout Plan.  In this plan, you’ll receive gut-friendly, hormone-balancing nutrition insights, a powerful heavy resistance training strategy, and simple stress-reset rituals you can do in under 10 minutes a day to support the gut–brain axis. Start shifting belly fat at the root cause by working with your body, not against it. Sign up today: https://subscribepage.io/bellyfatreset. Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet Mary —a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women as they navigate menopause: peri to post. Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the exclusive Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning journey to empower you to take agency over your health, and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Mary is also a corporate educator, offering workshops and seminars for forward-thinking organizations to create a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies to accommodate employees at work . Ready to foster a positive and supportive organizational culture. Click to learn more 👉🏼👉🏼 https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Let's connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    14 min
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4.9
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About

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, I’m your host, Mary Lee, a compassionate Menopause Doula and Licensed Menopause Champion in partnership with The Menopause Expert Group. My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause. The menopausal transition is a natural phase of life that deserves to be embraced, not stigmatized. Reflecting on my own encounters with the lack gap in female hormonal health and leaning in on my experience in science communication and public relations practitioner, I decided the time is now to rewrite the script and bring truth and reliable resources to the forefront.  In each episode, I tackle taboo topics and disrupt the status quo on how we think, act, and treat menopause - peri to post. Join me in these informative conversations, either alone or with credible guest experts, as I dive into real, raw, and relatable discussions surrounding the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. It’s time to reclaim our voices and advocate for our health with confidence. Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Lee
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Menopause Disruptor Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Menopause Disruptor Podcast