Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a Friend

Michele Henning Folan
  • 4.9 (85)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you ready to make the most of your midlife years but feel like your health isn't quite where it should be? Maybe menopause has been tough on you, and you're not sure how to get back on track with your fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. Asking for a Friend is the podcast where midlife women get the answers they need to take control of their health and happiness. We bring in experts to answer your burning questions on fitness, wellness, and mental well-being, and share stories of women just like you who are stepping up to make this chapter of life their best yet. Hosted by Michele Folan, a health industry veteran with 26 years of experience, coach, mom, wife, and lifelong learner, Asking for a Friend is all about empowering you to feel your best—physically and mentally. It's time to think about the next 20+ years of your life: what do you want them to look like, and what steps can you take today to make that vision a reality? Tune in for honest conversations, expert advice, and plenty of humor as we navigate midlife together. Because this chapter? It's ours to own, and we’re not going quietly into it! Michele Folan is a certified nutrition coach with the FASTer Way program. If you would like to work with her to help you reach your health and fitness goals, sign up here:https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolanIf you have questions about her coaching program, you can email her at mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Sign up for Michele's weekly newsletter at: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqThis 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. Some of the links shared in this podcast may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I truly believe in and that I feel may add value to your health journey. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep.197 The Gift of a Kidney: One Woman’s Journey Through Grief, Service, and Second Chances

    On this week’s episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Cristina Fontana, registered nurse, health coach, living kidney donor, and author of Metamorphosis: The Gift of a Life Lived Twice. Cristina’s journey began with profound loss. When she was just nine years old, her father was diagnosed with kidney cancer—a moment that quietly planted the seed for a future she never imagined. Years later, after building a career in healthcare and raising a family, Cristina made the extraordinary decision to donate one of her kidneys to a complete stranger. In this powerful conversation, Cristina shares the deeply personal story behind that decision, what the donation process actually looks like, and how meeting the young man who received her kidney became one of the most meaningful moments of her life. But this episode goes far beyond organ donation. Cristina also opens up about navigating grief after losing her father at a young age, how loss shaped her perspective on time and purpose, and why she believes we all have the ability to transform hardship into something meaningful. Today, she continues that mission through her work as a health coach, author, and advocate for living kidney donation—while also climbing mountains around the world with other kidney donors to raise awareness and inspire others. This conversation is about resilience, service, and the powerful reminder that even the most difficult chapters of our lives can lead to extraordinary impact. Where to find Cristina Fontana and her book Metamorphosis: https://cristinafontanawellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criselba.wellness/ Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sfociU _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    49 min

  2. MAR 10

    Ep.196 Hidden Toxins in Your Home: Endocrine Disruptors, Glyphosate & Low-Tox Living

    After nearly 200 episodes of Asking for a Friend, I realized something surprising—we had never taken a deep dive into environmental toxins and low-tox living. So I went straight to the source. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachel Marynowski and Carly Egoavil, the doctors behind Kale Blossom and creators of the Ask Nook app, a tool designed to help consumers identify hidden toxins in everyday products. We unpack the confusing world of chemicals in our homes, food, and personal care products—and more importantly, what actually matters versus what’s just noise. This conversation focuses on practical awareness, not perfection. If you’ve ever wondered about endocrine disruptors, glyphosate, fragrances, or chemicals in household products, this episode will help you think differently about the things you use every day. In this episode we discuss: The reality of 80,000+ chemicals in commerce and how few are tested for long-term safetyThe most common endocrine disruptors found in household and personal care productsHow glyphosate and pesticides show up in everyday foodsWhy fragrance chemicals, plastics, and household cleaners may impact hormone healthThe biggest toxin exposures in the home (and simple swaps that actually matter)Why low-tox living shouldn’t be about fear or perfectionThe story behind the Ask Nook app and how it helps consumers evaluate productsIf you care about hormone health, longevity, and reducing toxic exposure without going crazy, you will love this episode. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making smarter choices where they matter most. Connect with Kale Blossom Kale Blossom: https://kaleblossom.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kale.blossom Ask Nook App: Available on the Apple App Store _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    40 min

  3. MAR 3

    Ep.195 “Normal Isn’t Optimal”: Hormones, Heart Disease, Thyroid & Midlife Lab Blind Spots

    Have you ever been told your labs are “normal” — but you don’t feel normal? In this episode, I sit down with integrative and functional medicine physician Aaron Hartman, author of Uncurable, to unpack the dangerous gap between normal and optimal — especially for women in midlife. We cover: What lab reference ranges really meanThe cardiovascular markers every woman should know (hs-CRP, LDL particle number, Lp(a), ApoB, homocysteine)Why LDL alone is outdated thinkingThyroid testing beyond TSH (free T3, free T4, reverse T3, antibodies)Ferritin, B12, iodine & nutrient blind spotsEstrogen, progesterone & testosterone — when to start and what actually protects your brain and heartStatins, diabetes risk, and mitochondrial healthGut health, inflammation & autoimmune triggersWhy lifestyle is foundational — and where advanced longevity tools fit inDr. Hartman explains how heart disease begins decades before symptoms appear, why hormone replacement therapy dramatically reduces risk when used appropriately, and how women can advocate for themselves in a system that often dismisses midlife symptoms. If you care about your brain, your bones, your heart — and living strong into your 80s and 90s — this conversation is essential. Did you miss something? Check out the transcripts of the episode! You can find Aaron Hartman, MD at https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronhartmanmd/ His book, Uncurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds, is available where you buy books.  _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    1h 4m

  4. FEB 24

    Ep.194 Stop Wasting Money on Skincare: What Actually Matters After 50

    We spend a lot of time and money chasing better skin. But what actually matters after 50? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about midlife skin health. We focus on what truly moves the needle: • The non-negotiables of an effective skincare routine  • Retinol vs. tretinoin — do you need a prescription?  • Sunscreen myths and why protection still matters decades later  • What early melanoma can look like — and why vigilance matters  • Hair loss in menopause and what actually helps We also discuss Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) and why this segment is intriguing to Brooke. Dr. Jeffy also shares how her own recent melanoma diagnosis has reshaped her perspective on prevention and patient care. This episode isn’t about 12-step routines or viral trends. It’s about protecting your skin, making smarter decisions, and avoiding expensive hype. Because midlife skin health isn’t just cosmetic, it’s preventative. You can find Dr. Brooke Jeffy at https://www.brookejeffymd.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brookejeffymd/ Dr. Jeffy's teen skincare line, bwtn, can be found at https://www.instagram.com/meetbtwn/ Her favorite eye cream can be purchased at https://retrouve.com/https://retrouve.com/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    55 min

  5. FEB 17

    Ep.193 You’re Not Done Yet: Finding Courage, Confidence & Reinvention in Midlife

    Midlife can feel destabilizing. The kids are leaving. Careers are shifting. Parents are aging. Hormones are changing. And somewhere inside, a quiet voice says, “I’m not done yet.” In this conversation, Michele sits down with fellow podcaster Kim Benoy, host of Midlife Courage: Flourishing After 40, to explore what courage actually looks like in the second half of life. After a 27-year nursing career, Kim made a bold pivot — not because she had everything figured out, but because she felt called to something more. Together, they unpack: Why confidence doesn’t come before action — it comes from itThe hidden identity shifts women experience in midlifeWhy losing weight won’t fix what’s happening internallyThe power of small acts of courage (setting boundaries, speaking up, trying something new)How community accelerates confidenceWhy “someday” is not a strategyThis isn’t about Instagram quotes or overnight reinvention. It’s about quiet bravery. Tiny steps. And remembering that you don’t need permission to evolve. If you’ve been feeling restless, stuck, or quietly unhappy — this conversation will remind you that courage is already in you. It just needs to be activated. Join Kim's next Midlife with Courage Community Circle - March 3, 2026 You can find Kim Benoy at https://www.midlifewithcourage.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/midlife_with_courage/ _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    39 min

  6. FEB 10

    Ep.192 Anxiety in Midlife & Menopause: Why It Ramps Up and How to Calm It

    Anxiety often feels like it comes out of nowhere in midlife—especially during perimenopause and after menopause. You’re doing “all the right things,” yet your nervous system feels constantly on edge. Racing thoughts. Poor sleep. A sense that something isn’t right… but you can’t quite name it. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Dr. Lori Davis, licensed psychologist, clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medicine, and author of the upcoming workbook This Is Your Anxiety on Menopause. Together, we unpack why anxiety often intensifies in midlife—and what women can actually do about it. Dr. Davis shares both the science and the lived experience behind anxiety, explaining how hormonal shifts, nervous system changes, sleep disruption, perfectionism, and decades of “pushing through” collide in this season of life. We also talk about why anxiety may feel different now than it did earlier in life—and why you are not broken. In this conversation, we cover: Why anxiety often spikes during perimenopause and menopauseWhether menopause causes anxiety or unmasks an existing vulnerabilityThe role of hormones, cortisol, sleep, and the nervous systemWhy worry loops and nighttime anxiety are so commonEvidence-based tools to calm anxiety (including breathing, exposure, and cognitive strategies)When therapy or medication may be helpful—and when lifestyle alone isn’t enoughHow to stop fighting anxiety and start working with your nervous systemThis episode is grounding, practical, and deeply validating for women navigating midlife changes. If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I suddenly anxious when nothing is technically wrong?”—this conversation will help you connect the dots. 👉 Share this episode with a friend who needs reassurance that they’re not alone—and not failing. You can find Dr. Lori Davis at https://www.drloridavis.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drloridavis/?hl=en _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    49 min

  7. JAN 27

    Ep.191 Emotional Eating in Midlife: Why Willpower Fails and What Actually Works

    Emotional eating isn’t about willpower — and for many women, midlife is when it finally becomes impossible to ignore. In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan sits down with emotional eating expert, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author Tricia Nelson to unpack what emotional eating really is, why it intensifies during midlife and menopause, and how women can finally break free from decades of dieting, shame, and self-blame. Tricia shares her deeply personal story — from childhood emotional eating and binge drinking to sobriety at 21 — and explains why food is often used as a coping mechanism for stress, unprocessed emotions, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and burnout. Together, Michele and Tricia explore how hormonal shifts, caregiving roles, identity changes, and boundary struggles collide in midlife, making emotional eating patterns louder and harder to manage. This conversation goes far beyond food rules and meal plans. You’ll learn how emotional eating shows up as pain-killing, escape, and self-punishment, why dieting alone never solves the problem, and what it actually takes to heal your relationship with food — without restriction, guilt, or obsession. Tricia also addresses the misunderstood link between emotional eating, addiction, alcohol, and highly processed foods, and explains why healing requires addressing emotions, stress, and daily habits together. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of “doing everything right” but still struggling with food, weight, or self-trust — this episode will feel like someone finally put words to your experience. Tricia is the author of Heal Your Hunger and founder of Heal Your Hunger, a proven program helping women end emotional eating by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms. 🎧 If you’re ready for a more compassionate, sustainable path forward with food, this episode is a must-listen. Take the quiz - https://healyourhunger.com/quiz-splash/?nav=yes Free live masterclass with Tricia Nelson on January 29th at 2:30pm PT / 5:30pm ET, focused on helping women stop emotional and binge eating around sugar in a sustainable, compassionate way. Here is the link to join - https://go.healyourhunger.com/stop-sugar-bingeing?am_id=michele6703 _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    54 min

  8. JAN 20

    Ep.190 The Hidden Cost of Clutter in Midlife (And How to Let It Go)

    Clutter in midlife affects more than your home—it impacts stress, mental health, and how you show up for your next chapter. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan is joined by Tracy Hoth, a professional organizer with 17 years of experience, a science-based life coach, and host of the Organized Coach Podcast. Together, they explore why clutter feels heavier in midlife—and why it’s not just about “too much stuff.” As hormones shift and life transitions pile up, postponed decisions, emotional attachments, and changing identities can quietly increase stress, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. This conversation dives into: How clutter impacts cortisol, mental health, and energy levelsWhy women feel clutter-related stress more deeply in midlifeEmpty nesting, downsizing, and merging householdsLetting go of kids’ belongings and family items without guiltWhy your children don’t want your stuff—and how to release it anywayNavigating different clutter tolerances in relationshipsSimple, realistic ways to start decluttering without perfection or overwhelmThis episode is not about Pinterest pantries or minimalism for the sake of aesthetics. It’s about clarity, freedom, and creating physical and emotional space for the life you want to live next. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your own home but couldn’t quite explain why—this conversation will resonate. You can find Tracy Hoth at: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ Podcast: https://simplysquaredaway.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/tracyhoth Get the 15-minuteDeclutterChallenge:  http://simplysquaredaway.com/declutter _________________________________________ If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

    48 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Are you ready to make the most of your midlife years but feel like your health isn't quite where it should be? Maybe menopause has been tough on you, and you're not sure how to get back on track with your fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. Asking for a Friend is the podcast where midlife women get the answers they need to take control of their health and happiness. We bring in experts to answer your burning questions on fitness, wellness, and mental well-being, and share stories of women just like you who are stepping up to make this chapter of life their best yet. Hosted by Michele Folan, a health industry veteran with 26 years of experience, coach, mom, wife, and lifelong learner, Asking for a Friend is all about empowering you to feel your best—physically and mentally. It's time to think about the next 20+ years of your life: what do you want them to look like, and what steps can you take today to make that vision a reality? Tune in for honest conversations, expert advice, and plenty of humor as we navigate midlife together. Because this chapter? It's ours to own, and we’re not going quietly into it! Michele Folan is a certified nutrition coach with the FASTer Way program. If you would like to work with her to help you reach your health and fitness goals, sign up here:https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolanIf you have questions about her coaching program, you can email her at mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Sign up for Michele's weekly newsletter at: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqThis 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. Some of the links shared in this podcast may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I truly believe in and that I feel may add value to your health journey. 

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