Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife Michele Henning Folan

As life's complexities unfold, psychologist and coach Lauren Napolitano joins us to dissect the painful yet sometimes transformative nature of infidelity, providing understanding for those navigating these difficult times.

Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, yet when it's shattered by infidelity, the rebuilding process can resemble a labyrinth of emotional turns. This episode doesn't shy away from the tough conversations, including a gripping account of a woman who chose to face her husband's emotional affair with extraordinary bravery. We discuss the societal shackles and the often solitary aftermath of such revelations, and the imperative role of specialized couples counseling in the journey towards forgiveness and reconnection. The goal is to validate the myriad of experiences and the resilience it takes to either mend the cracks or close the book on a chapter of one's life.

In a world where the term 'narcissism' is thrown around with alarming frequency, we zone in on what it truly means to be entangled with a narcissist and how gaslighting can erode one's sense of self. Tactics for preserving your identity and the importance of establishing boundaries are underscored, without sugarcoating the challenging decision of whether to stay or depart from a relationship. 

https://www.instagram.com/laurennapolitanopsyd/
https://www.laurennapolitano.com/
I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

If you think back, even two years ago, the menopause conversation was still really stifled, and worse yet, resources and information were minimal. 

Enter our next guests to the podcast. Menopause pioneer, Gwen Harris, saw the need as far back as 2013 with the start of the Menopause Support Group. The organization grew organically to 11,000 members by 2018, and then Tina McDermott, a wellness coach, joined forces with Gwen.

The Menopause Support Group now spans the globe with well over 140,000 members in 120 countries, and out of this Menowave was born, an online, integrated care model for women in menopause.

Early menopause and perimenopause can ambush the unexpecting, leading to a storm of questions and concerns. Gwen and Tina join me in shining a beacon of hope for those navigating these tumultuous waters, detailing how their comprehensive health assessment bridges the gap between confusion and taking action. 

Pack your bags for a journey to Sedona, where 'Menopalooza' promises an oasis of self-discovery and sisterhood. These retreats offer members and care providers an opportunity to connect in a more intimate setting. Life-long bonds are made between the attendees through the profound impact of community and support, rewriting the narrative of menopause, one story at a time. 

Menopause Support Group Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/439232282854798

Menowave integrated care model
https://www.menowave.org/



I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

When was the last time you went to the doctor and felt like you had a true champion in your corner? Someone rooting you on to not only improve your biomarkers and lose a few pounds, but a health care provider who gets excited for your small health wins and encourages you to live your healthiest life, not only in words but by example. Meet Dr. Tolu Olabintan.

Tolu's journey from Nigeria to the U.S. has infused her medical practice with deep empathy. We dissect the challenges and strategies for women's fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being, and we explore the 'whys' and 'hows' of maintaining an active lifestyle and managing cravings, packaging wisdom from personal struggles into actionable advice.

Imagine starting each day grounded in a routine that fuels your body and mind, ready to face the world with a go-getter attitude. This episode peels back the layers on how such morning rituals, consistent self-care, and a thirst for knowledge, can shape our health. Dr. Olabintan's story emphasizes the power of epigenetics, where our daily habits speak directly to our genes, influencing our health in profound ways. Join us as we illuminate the connection between our lifestyle choices and the legacy we leave in our DNA.

Wrapping up with a passionate call to action, we underscore the need for comprehensive health screenings tailored to the unique challenges of midlife. We share tips on navigating the maze of medical tests, the importance of patient involvement, and how to tackle stress and sleep disruptions head-on. You can check out Tolu's YouTube channel where she interviews doctors from around the world.

Tune in to hear: 
- Why Dr. Olabintan encourages a "brain dump" to help with stress and anxiety 
- What bloodwork to ask for at your next appointment
- Upgrading and being intentional about your "thought life" 

You can find Dr. Tolu Olabintan at:
https://www.livingspringmedicals.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@dr.tolulopeolabintanmd62
https://www.instagram.com/dr_olabintanmd/
https://www.facebook.com/Eniabire
I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

As I uncork the champagne for the 100th episode of "Asking for a Friend," I'm taking a moment to share a slice of my life's journey—a true midlife pivot. It's been a road paved with the trials of menopause, a quest to get my body back, and an unexpected turn toward the world of nutrition and fitness with the FASTer Way program. Beyond my own very positive results, this path has led me to become a certified nutrition coach, determined to empower others to take control of their health.

Marking the second anniversary of our heartfelt conversations, I'm grateful to you, our dedicated listeners, for sharing in the ebbs and flows of this podcasting voyage. With the start of my coaching business, I'm extending a personal invitation to those of you yearning to write your own stories of transformation. Whether you're seeking one-on-one coaching or just a spark of inspiration to ignite change, I encourage you to reach out. Your next chapter may just be a message away, and I stand ready to guide you through every step, squat, and spoonful toward feeling better in your own skin.
I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

There comes a moment when the safety net of a steady job no longer serves the soaring ambitions of our spirit. That's precisely what I faced before embarking on the entrepreneurial journey that has led me here, sharing my story with you. This episode is a tribute to those transformative crossroads in life. I'm joined by Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned career transition coach, who echoes my sentiments as we dive into the transitions that redefine our personal and professional lives. Together, we uncover the courage it takes to leap into the unknown and the joy that awaits when you dare to chase what truly ignites your passion.

Facing midlife with a yearning for more can be as daunting as it is exhilarating. In our candid conversation, Shannon and I peel back the layers of what it takes to shift gears from a successful career to one that's aligned with our evolving dreams. We talk about the pandemic's role in prompting self-reflection and the unique hurdles and breakthroughs that come with setting new life goals for women in midlife. It's not just about finding a new job; it's about curating a life that's filled with happiness and meaning, and we're here to show you that it's never too late to ask yourself what truly makes you happy.

Wrapping up our heart-to-heart, we turn the spotlight on the inspiring tales of women who've written books and started coaching enterprises – all in the prime of their lives. We tackle the fears of failure and the societal whispers that might attempt to dissuade, yet we stand firm on the importance of finding joy at any stage. Shannon's Second Act Success coaching is a testament to the power of support and resources available to anyone ready for their own second act. Our discussion is not just an episode; it's an invitation to step into a world where your career and passions align, filled with the promise of a fulfilling new chapter.

You find Shannon Russell and Second Act Success at:
https://www.instagram.com/secondactsuccess/
https://secondactsuccess.co/


I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ever found yourself chuckling because you couldn't remember why you walked into a room or when trading war stories about hot flashes with your friends? Well, you're in for a treat! Join me as I sit down with the ever-delightful Brenda Bowen, who writes under the whimsical pen name Haut Flasch, to discuss her sweet take on menopause in "Goodnight Night Sweats." She partnered with the equally talented illustrator Jessie Hartland, aka Mina Pauze, to bring to life a parody of the favorite children's book, "Goodnight Moon," with a skillful blend of humor and artistry that turns the daunting world of menopause into something we can all giggle about. Brenda's candid storytelling and personal reflections offer both comfort and camaraderie, making this natural transition feel less like an ending and more like the beginning of a new, albeit sweatier, chapter.

Our conversation takes us on a safari through the menopausal experiences of the animal kingdom—yes, even orcas have hot flashes—and back to the human world where Brenda shares the top-reads currently on her nightstand. We don't stop there; we're talking about self-care routines that go beyond the typical spa day, highlighting why a good yoga session or a restorative walk can be just the ticket for clarity and managing stress. So, whether you're looking for a laugh, a good book, or some sage self-care advice, join us!

https://zandoprojects.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zandoprojects/

Goodnight Night Sweats is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Books-A-Million
I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan

Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets:
https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/
https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/

Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow!
https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.