The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee

The Menopause Disruptor Podcast exists to dismantle taboo, validate women's lived experiences, and deliver cutting-edge medical and performance insights directly from world-class experts. We are 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 I’m Mary Lee, Menopause Doula, Women’s Coaching Specialist, and science communicator, on a mission to challenge outdated narratives, bust menopause myths, and bring credible information and real women’s lived experiences to the forefront. 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 decline. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of your story. In many ways, it's just the beginning. Get ready for a powerful biological, psychological, spiritual, and emotional transformation — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and your soul in an entirely new way.

  1. 15h ago

    Why Hormone Shifts Are Changing A Woman's Skin with Stacey Berger

    Today Mary is joined by Stacey Berger, a beauty industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience developing and manufacturing skincare and haircare across clinical and mass-market beauty. Stacey shares what she discovered about the dramatic changes women's skin can experience during perimenopause and post-menopause, and why traditional skincare approaches may not address the hormonal shifts happening beneath the surface. The conversation explores the seven interconnected shifts that can affect midlife skin, including dryness and hydration, barrier fragility, slower skin recovery, dullness and uneven tone, texture and fine lines, slower cellular turnover, and loss of firmness, elasticity, and density. Stacey explains how these changes influenced the development of Sum of All, a skincare system designed specifically for peri- to post-menopausal skin. Mary and Stacey also unpack the science behind peptides, phytoestrogens, adaptogens, retinol, collagen, antioxidants, and botanical ingredients, while challenging the traditional anti-aging narrative and exploring what it could look like to focus instead on healthier, stronger, more resilient skin. Key Points: • The seven major shifts that can occur in women's skin during hormonal change and why midlife skincare needs to account for these interconnected changes. • Moving Beyond Anti-Aging: The idea that women need to erase wrinkles or look younger is being pushed aside to focus instead on skin longevity, health, resilience, and looking like the best version of yourself. • Why an ingredient's presence on an INCI list doesn't necessarily tell the whole story, and why ingredient percentages, formulation, clinical data, and how ingredients work together matter. • Peptides, Phytoestrogens & Adaptogens: How these components are intended to support collagen signaling, address oxidative stress and inflammation, and support hormone-affected skin. • The AP² Longevity Platform: A proprietary platform used throughout the Sum of All line, combining phytoestrogens, peptides, and adaptogenic chaga mushroom. • Simpler Skincare: Streamlining your morning and evening routine and the unnecessary layering of numerous products can complicate midlife skincare. • Retinol & Sensitive Skin: Encapsulated retinol is a delivery systems that may make retinol more tolerable for women who have struggled with sensitivity. • Why traditional collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin and  the role of collagen-boosting peptides and topical ingredients • Skin Beyond the Face:  Caring for the neck, chest, hands, and arms, where sun damage and other visible changes can appear is equally as important. Connect: • Sum of All: https://sumofall.com/ • Instagram: @Sum_of_All_Beauty 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 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.

    Why Hormone Shifts Are Changing A Woman's Skin with Stacey Berger
  2. 6d ago

    Menopause Is A Beauty, Body, and Spiritual Transformation with Christine Ruf

    In this episode, host Mary welcomes Christine Ruf, a holistic beauty practitioner with nearly three decades of experience, to explore a different way of looking at menopause—not simply as a collection of symptoms to manage, but as an opportunity for transformation, self-discovery, and rebirth. Christine shares her journey from working in beauty and skincare to exploring Ayurveda, Huna Healing, Spagyric remedies, energy work, emotional balance, facial analysis, and RESET jawline work. Her approach brings together the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a woman's experience through menopause. Together, Mary and Christine explore what happens when women spend years putting everyone else first, how stress and emotional experiences can influence the way we experience our bodies, and why menopause can become an invitation to pause, reassess, and reconnect with ourselves. Christine also introduces her 12-week online program, Phoenix Rising, which brings together many of the modalities she has developed and studied throughout her work with women. Key Points Covered: • Menopause as Rebirth • Beauty Beyond the Mirror • The Stories Women Carry • Self-Care for the Nervous System • The Jawline and Emotional Tension • TappingTechnique • Ayurveda & Rest • Numerology & Life Purpose Connect With Christine Ruf • Website: https://christineruf.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy.beauty.cosmetics/ Resources Christine Ruf, Phoenix Rising — A 12-week online program: https://christineruf.com/Second Bloom coloring book by Christine Ruf — available on AmazonLet 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 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 Is A Beauty, Body, and Spiritual Transformation with Christine Ruf
  3. Sep 17

    A Harsh Reality About Women in the Workforce with Dr. Jennifer Todd

    In this episode, Mary is joined by Dr. Jennifer Todd, a public health physician specializing in women’s and children’s health, researcher on ageism in the workplace, and leadership coach. Dr. Todd shares her journey from studying women’s health and hormone replacement therapy to discovering just how deeply politics and systemic inequality can shape women’s healthcare and professional lives. Her experiences in public health, federal government, and academia give her a powerful perspective on the challenges women face as they move through midlife and menopause. Dr. Todd explores the intersection of menopause, ageism, sexism, workplace discrimination, psychological safety, and economic inequality, explaining why a woman’s experiences in the workplace can be dramatically different from a man’s. Dr. Todd shares practical strategies for navigating toxic or psychologically unsafe workplaces and why being intentional about who you trust at work and listening to your gut are powerful tools. This conversation is a reminder that menopause is a normal process, women deserve to care for themselves without shame or unnecessary justification, and creating healthier workplaces requires more than asking women to simply become more resilient. Key Points Covered: • Ageism in the Workplace: Women can face significant disadvantages as they move through midlife, including discrimination in hiring, advancement, and compensation. • The Gender Wage Gap: Dr. Todd discusses research showing that women’s earning potential can decline significantly with age while men’s earning potential generally continues to rise. • Psychological Safety: A healthy workplace requires more than physical safety. Psychological safety, respect, and the ability to work without fear of humiliation or retaliation are equally important. • Menopause & Workplace Accommodations: Menopause symptoms and requests for flexibility can be misunderstood or even used against women when organizations lack awareness and supportive policies. • Recognizing Workplace Red Flags: If an employer treats you disrespectfully during an interview, Dr. Todd warns that those behaviors are likely to continue once you are hired. • Trust Your Gut: Intuition and physical self-awareness can provide important signals when a workplace, interaction, or opportunity doesn't feel safe or right. Connect: • Email: Jennifer@jtoddwellness.com • Instagram: @jtoddwellness Resources: Menopause At Work Workshop 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 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.

    A Harsh Reality About Women in the Workforce with Dr. Jennifer Todd
  4. Sep 9

    The Spiritual Alchemy of Menopause with Heather Debreceni

    In this episode, Mary is joined by Heather Debreceni, a shamanic practitioner, soul healer, author, and former law enforcement professional whose journey through chronic illness, trauma, grief, and spiritual awakening led her to a deeper understanding of healing, identity, and living in alignment with her truth. Heather shares how years of suppressing her needs, spirituality, emotions, and sense of self eventually contributed to a profound personal breaking point. Through Kriya Yoga, meditation, shamanic soul retrieval, and hypnotherapy, she began exploring the connection between her physical experiences, emotional life, spirituality, and the parts of herself she had pushed aside. The conversation explores menopause and midlife as a potential "great reveal," a period when identities, expectations, and emotions that have been suppressed can become increasingly difficult to ignore. Heather explains how learning to listen inwardly, practice self-compassion, and release the need to control her narrative transformed the way she approached her life and her healing. Heather also discusses her memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Housewife, and how her own healing journey eventually became the foundation for helping others reconnect with themselves and explore their own spiritual paths. Connect: • Heather's website: Find information about her book, resources, meditations, and ways to work with her. Visit Heather's website • The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Housewife: A memoir of awakening, healing trauma, and choosing to live a sacred life. View the book on Apple Books 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 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 Spiritual Alchemy of Menopause with Heather Debreceni
  5. Sep 4

    Could Menopause Be An Awakening To A Starseed Identity?

    In this solo episode, Mary challenges dismissive medical narratives and frames perimenopause/menopause as a neurological, psychological, physiological, as well as a spiritual awakening.  Inspired by discussion of “starseeds” by several intuitives including several of her own spiritual teachers, Mary explores menopause through two parallel lenses: a spiritual lens (heightened intuition, sensitivities, synchronicities, purpose) and a biopsychosocial neuroscience lens (estrogen-driven changes affecting mood, cognition, sleep, stress response, and identity).  Mary describes menopause as an Ayurvedic “great reveal” that drops long-used coping strategies, forces authenticity, and can catalyze creativity. She defines starseeds as a modern spiritual belief, an identity framework and encourages holding it lightly, integrating insights into purposeful, responsible life choices. What is your great reveal? Perhaps this album, a creation by Mary using SunoAI to enhance her lyrics, will inspire you to seek and find yours? 00:57 Starseeds Introduction 01:37 Two Lenses of Menopause 03:47 Great Reveal Begins 05:11 Signs of Awakening 09:23 Gen X Starseed Idea 11:42 Starseed to Service 12:47 Grounding Practices 15:20 Symptoms and Gut Clues 17:10 Discernment and Integration 22:56 Service and Purpose 25:23 Starseed Defined and Cautions 28:09 Metaphor and Closing Resources: This is Maryia on YouTubeAlexandra WenmanKirsty GallagherSonia Choquette, The Good Vibe TribeThe Great Reveal on SpotifyLet 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.

  6. Aug 28

    The Intersection Between Anesthesia, Menopause, and Oral Health with Dr. Sandra Bargeron

    In this episode, Mary welcomes Sandra Bargeron, PA-C, CAA, an anesthesia clinician and brain health expert with more than 22 years in medicine and over 10,000 anesthesia cases. Sandra shares why preparing for surgery should involve more than medical clearance, and why the brain's neurological resilience may play a major role in how we respond to anesthesia and recover afterward. The conversation explores the overlooked connection between menopause, hormones, anesthesia, surgical stress, and brain health. Sandra explains her Neurologic Stress and Recovery Index (NSRI), how sleep, metabolic health, medications, lifestyle, and previous neurological injuries can influence resilience, and why women in perimenopause and menopause may need more attention before and after surgery. Connect: • Website: https://beyondbrainhealth.com/ • Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondbrainhealth • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sandra-bargeron • YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sandebphd Resources: • Beyond Brain Health: https://beyondbrainhealth.com/ • Neurologic Stress & Recovery Index (NSRI): https://surveys.beyondbrainhealth.com/NSRI-live • Break Through Anesthesia Fog by Sandra Bargeron: https://beyondbrainhealth.com/book • NSRI Evidence & Research: https://beyondbrainhealth.com/nsri-evidence 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 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 Intersection Between Anesthesia, Menopause, and Oral Health with Dr. Sandra Bargeron
  7. Aug 21

    Unapologetic Workplace Leadership and Power with Nicole Johnston

    In this episode, Mary is joined by Nicole Johnston, an executive and leadership coach, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of Innate Power, to explore workplace leadership, visibility, confidence, and the often-unspoken challenges women face during menopause. Nicole draws on 30 years of experience in major consumer brands including Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Hershey, and Newell Brands, where she witnessed women being diminished, sidelined, and overlooked despite their experience and capabilities. She now helps women understand the unwritten rules of corporate environments, communicate their value, build stronger personal brands, and step into leadership without shrinking themselves. The conversation explores why women can be over-mentored but under-sponsored, how an “Atta Girl” folder can protect their accomplishments and strengthen career conversations, and why personal brand is ultimately shaped by how other people perceive your value. Nicole also discusses menopause in the workplace, the importance of removing shame from the conversation, asking for support, and giving yourself permission to use new tools and strategies when your needs change. She shares how openly acknowledging brain fog helped her maintain credibility rather than hide what was happening. Connect: • Innate Power  on Instagram— Nicole Johnston's leadership coaching and professional work. Resource: • Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About But Don't — Nicole Johnston's book, available in hardcover, paperback, and audio formats. 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 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.

    Unapologetic Workplace Leadership and Power with Nicole Johnston
  8. Aug 14

    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! 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 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

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Menopause Disruptor Podcast exists to dismantle taboo, validate women's lived experiences, and deliver cutting-edge medical and performance insights directly from world-class experts. We are 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. 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 decline. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of your story. In many ways, it's just the beginning. Get ready for a powerful biological, psychological, spiritual, and emotional transformation — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and your soul in an entirely new way.