Create The Best Me

Carmen Hecox
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

We're an age-positive podcast that celebrates the richness of midlife and beyond. Hosted by Carmen Hecox, a seasoned transformational coach, our platform provides an empowering outlook on these transformative years. With a keen focus on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, Carmen brings together thought leaders, authors, artists, and entrepreneurs for candid conversations that inspire and motivate.   Each episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice to help you navigate life's challenges and seize opportunities for growth, wellness, and fulfillment. From career transitions and personal development to health, beauty, and relationships, "Create The Best Me" is your guide to thriving in midlife. Tune in and transform your journey into your most exhilarating adventure yet.

  1. Aug 6

    Why Weight Regain Happens After GLP-1s or Bariatric Surgery

    What happens when the surgery, medication, or number on the scale does not create the lasting change you expected? In this episode, I’m joined by Shenelle Green, founder of Bariatric Rewrite, for an honest conversation about weight regain, food noise, sugar cravings, emotional eating, and the realities many people are never prepared for after bariatric surgery or while taking a GLP-1 medication. Shenelle shares how getting sober in 2020 eventually led to bariatric surgery and why changing her stomach did not automatically change her relationship with food. When her hunger returned seven months after surgery, she began looking more closely at the protein products, artificial sweeteners, ultra-processed foods, habits, and emotional patterns influencing her choices. We discuss why bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications are not the easy way out, why some people continue struggling even after significant weight loss, and how unresolved stress, resentment, fear, and shame can keep the cycle going. Shenelle also shares the unforgettable story of the hot pink couch she believed would finally make her feel satisfied. Instead, it helped her recognize that no purchase, relationship, business achievement, or number on the scale could fill what she was trying to resolve internally. We also explore menopause and weight gain, transfer addiction, whole-food protein, accountability without shame, GLP-1 plateaus, and why lasting change often begins with one small, consistent decision. This conversation is for anyone who has ever reached a goal and quietly wondered, “Why don’t I feel different?” Music by:  Epidemic Sound Call to Action: Have you ever reached a goal and realized it did not fix what you thought it would? Share your experience in the comments. Your story may help someone else feel less alone. 📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep177 https://bariatricrewrite.com/ Join Bariatric Rewrite Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bariatricrewrite Related Episodes: 🎧 Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19069119  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18438445  ⚖️ Disclaimer: IMPORTANT: This episode contains personal experiences, opinions, and coaching perspectives and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not medical, nutritional, or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your medication, dosage, nutrition plan, or treatment. #GLP1 #BariatricSurgery #WeightRegain #FoodNoise #MidlifeWomen #BariatricRewrite #CreateTheBestMe  📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  2. Jul 24

    Why Survival Mode Leaves You Emotionally Disconnected

    You can do everything right, hold everyone and everything together, and still wonder why you feel so far away from yourself. In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and sexuality educator Todd Malloy to explore why high-achieving women can remain in survival mode long after the original danger or hardship has passed. Todd explains how unresolved childhood wounds, emotional neglect, imposter syndrome, and family-of-origin patterns can follow us into adulthood. These experiences can affect how we value ourselves, communicate with our partners, respond to conflict, and experience emotional and physical intimacy. We discuss why women often remain silent about what they need, how resentment builds when difficult conversations are repeatedly avoided, and why your partner cannot understand your experience unless you learn to communicate it clearly. Todd also introduces the “soft start,” a more thoughtful way to begin difficult conversations without immediately creating defensiveness. He shares how asking for clarity, listening to what was actually said, and stating the positive intention behind a conversation can help couples move from reacting to genuinely connecting. You’ll also hear a powerful story about a woman who confronted the wounds of her childhood, stopped abandoning herself, established boundaries, and created an entirely different life. Her transformation offers an important reminder that the life you live does not only affect you. It also teaches your children what they should accept, expect, and believe is possible. Todd leaves you with three places to begin: tell yourself the truth, understand your why, and question whether the standards you have been living by reflect your authentic values or someone else’s expectations. You may have become exceptionally good at surviving, but you are still allowed to choose honesty, connection, self-worth, and a life worth celebrating. Music by: Epidemic Sound Call to Action: What part of this conversation felt most familiar to you? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Create The Best Me for weekly conversations that help women in midlife reconnect with themselves, navigate change, and create lives that feel meaningful and fulfilling. 📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep175 https://toddmalloy.com/ Related Episodes: 🎧 Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18793435  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18628192  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18550342     #SurvivalMode #MidlifeWomen #EmotionalIntimacy #EmotionalDisconnection #MidlifeRelationships #RelationshipCommunication #SelfWorth #WomenOver40 #ToddMalloy #CreateTheBestMe 📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  3. Jun 19

    Is Perimenopause Destroying Your Joints? Here's Why

    Have you ever wondered why your joints suddenly feel achy, stiff, or even “old” long before you imagined they would? If every morning feels like you’re waking up in someone else’s body, you’re not alone, and you’re not simply “getting older.” In this episode, I break down the hidden, hormonal reasons behind perimenopausal joint pain. From unexplained stiffness and tendon pain to frozen shoulder, I reveal how estrogen decline and the body’s inflammatory response are hijacking your mornings and what you can actually do about it. I’ll walk you through the three most common ways this pain presents, why most doctors miss the connection, and the practical steps every woman deserves to know to help you reclaim your mobility, energy, and confidence. What You’ll Learn: The Real Reason Behind Perimenopausal Joint Pain: How declining estrogen acts as your body’s anti-inflammatory and what happens when it disappears.Three Common Ways Inflammation Shows Up: What to look for in joint stiffness, tendon and connective tissue pain, and the increasing prevalence of “frozen shoulder” in women over 40.Why the Medical System Gets It Wrong: How your symptoms get treated in isolation, and the critical hormonal questions most providers never ask.The Power of Naming and Tracking Your Symptoms: How to walk into your next appointment prepared with the right evidence (and questions) to finally get answers.My 5-Step Action Plan to Support Your Joints: Practical steps to address hormonal imbalances, reduce cortisol, move safely, and advocate for your full-body health.Music by: Epidemic Sound Call to Action: 🔔 New videos every week for women navigating midlife with clarity and confidence. Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming.  💬 Have you been dealing with joint pain or frozen shoulder in perimenopause — and did your doctor ever connect it to your hormones? Tell me in the comments. 📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep171    Related Episodes: 🎧 Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19069119 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18438445  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18414779   #frozenshouldermenopause #menopausejointpain #estrogeninflammation #menopausebodyaches #menopausearthritis 📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  4. Jun 12

    Why Intimacy Feels Different After 40

    In this episode, I speak with Elana Auerbach, author of The Sure Thing: A Pleasure Practice to Revive the Spark, about intimacy, desire, shame, body confidence, communication, and reconnecting with yourself in midlife. Elana shares how a simple weekly practice helped transform her marriage after years of frustration, resentment, and emotional distance. But this conversation goes far beyond physical intimacy. It is about learning what you want, understanding how desire can change, feeling more comfortable in your body, and giving yourself permission to stop disappearing from your own life. Elana and I also discuss spontaneous desire, responsive desire, body confidence after 40, self-love, and how couples can begin honest conversations when intimacy has changed. Please note: This episode includes mature topics around intimacy, pleasure, and relationships and may not be suitable for younger listeners. Music: Epidemic Sound Call to Action: If this conversation helped you, please like, share, subscribe, and come back next week for another episode created just for you. Until then, keep dreaming big, take care of yourself, and remember you are beautiful, strong, and capable of creating the best version of yourself.   📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep172 https://surethingexperiment.com/   Related Episode: 🎧 Listen to this episode next: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18377811     #IntimacyAfter40 #MidlifeWomen #CreateTheBestMe #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #MidlifeRelationships #DesireAfter40 #BodyConfidence #SelfLoveAfter40 #MarriageConnection #ResponsiveDesire #ElanaAuerbach #TheSureThing 📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  5. May 29

    The Truth About Skincare Over 40 (Stop Wasting Money!)

    Are you spending more money on skincare over 40 but still feeling like your skin looks dry, dull, or irritated? You are not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Nahmiache, owner and CEO of Veriphy Skincare, for a real conversation about what happens to our skin in perimenopause, menopause, and midlife, and why buying more products is not always the answer. Lindsay shares how she first discovered Veriphy as a customer, what made her believe in the brand enough to take it over, and why the line has only five products on purpose. We talk about PhytoSpherix, hydration, skin barrier support, retinol and tretinoin dryness, ingredient overload, and the TikTok skincare trends that can be a little too much for midlife skin. You’ll also hear the simple washcloth method Lindsay learned from her grandmother, why she believes less can be more, and how women over 40 can start simplifying their skincare routine without feeling like they have to throw everything away. If your skin has changed and your skincare shelf is starting to feel like a science experiment, this episode will help you think about your routine in a calmer, simpler, and more confident way.   Music: Epidemic Sounds   #VeriphySkinCare #SkincareOver40 #MenopauseSkincare #MidlifeSkin #CreateTheBestMe   📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep170 Use this link for a discount: https://veriphyskincare.com/discount/Carmen25   Related Episodes: 🎧  Listen to these episodes next: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18709719 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18340310   skincare over 40, skincare over 50, menopause skincare, perimenopause skincare, dry skin over 40, midlife skincare, skin barrier, retinol dry skin, skincare routine over 40, skin minimalism, clean skincare, clinical skincare, Veriphy Skincare, Lindsay Nahmiache, PhytoSpherix, Create The Best Me 📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  6. May 22

    ADHD or Perimenopause? Why Women Over 40 Get Misdiagnosed

    Have you ever felt like your brain was replaced overnight, focus gone, memory slipping, and a fog you just can’t clear? As someone who’s navigated both adult ADHD diagnosis and the rollercoaster of perimenopause, I’ve experienced firsthand how the intersection of hormones and brain chemistry can turn your world upside down. In this episode of Create The Best Me, I break down the real science behind why so many women over 40 are suddenly being diagnosed with ADHD (or thinking they have it), why your medication may have stopped working, and the role estrogen plays in keeping our brains firing on all cylinders. I also share the three most common misdiagnoses women receive, plus, I give you a playbook to approach your doctor armed with the facts and confidence you need. This episode is for every woman who feels like she’s “losing it.” You’re not alone, and there’s a reason for what you’re experiencing!   What You'll Learn The real connection between estrogen and dopamine: Why perimenopause can upend years of mental clarity and what’s really happening beneath the surface.Why your ADHD meds might feel useless now: How hormonal changes impact the effectiveness of stimulant medications as you move through midlife.The three most common misdiagnoses to watch out for: How anxiety, depression, and even early-onset dementia can mask underlying hormone-related ADHD symptoms.How to prepare for your doctor’s visit: The steps to build your case, track symptoms, and ensure you’re seen and heard in the medical system.Why holistic strategies matter: From external systems, sleep, and routines to hormone therapy conversations, how to support every part of your life, not just your diagnosis.  Music by:  Epidemic Sound   Call to Action:  If this episode helped you, share it with a woman who may be sitting there with a diagnosis that does not quite fit and wondering what is wrong with her. This may be the piece that helps connect it all.   📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep169   Related Episodes: 🎧 Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19143428  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19069119    ⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk with your qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.   #ADHDAfter40 #Perimenopause #WomenWithADHD #MidlifeWomen #BrainFog #CreateTheBestMe  📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  7. May 15

    Why Your Doctor Says You’re “Normal” But You Feel Like Crap (Perimenopause vs. Burnout)

    Are you tired of being told your labs are “normal” when you know something is off? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Will Haas, founder and CEO of VYVE Wellness in Charlotte. Together, we discuss the frustrations so many high performers (especially women) face when they hit that midlife wall: unexplained fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, and a new reality where old routines just don’t work anymore. We dive into: The difference between burnout and perimenopause (and why they so often overlap)Why standard labs don’t always reveal the real cause behind your symptomsWhat deeper tests really show about hormones, recovery, and cellular healthHow to use heart rate variability (HRV) as your “check engine” light for burnoutThe truth about GLP-1 drugs, “skinny fat,” and rebuilding your metabolism the right wayIf you’ve ever left the doctor’s office feeling dismissed or confused…the conversation is about to change. Music from: Epidemic Sound   Call to Action:  Ready to stop settling for "normal"? Hit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Comment below: What is one change you are going to make to your recovery routine this week?Share: Send this to a friend who needs to hear this exact message today.Make sure to come back next week, we have another amazing episode lined up with more strategies to help you navigate midlife with energy and confidence!   📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep168 https://vyvewellness.com/get-started   Related Episodes: 🎧 Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19143428  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19069119    #vyvewellness #DrWillHaas #Perimenopause #MidlifeHealth #FunctionalMedicine #BurnoutRecovery #GLP1 #MitochondrialHealth #CreateTheBestMe #takecontrolofyourhealth  📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

  8. May 8

    Perimenopause Brain Fog vs. Memory Loss: What's Normal vs. What's Not

    Is it just brain fog or something more serious? In this episode, I dive into one of midlife’s most misunderstood and frightening symptoms: perimenopause brain fog. If you’ve ever lost your train of thought mid-sentence, missed a word that was right there, or worried that these slips mean you’re starting to lose your memory for good, you’re not alone. Together, we cut through the confusion between brain fog and true memory loss. I give you a clear checklist of what’s a normal (if frustrating) part of perimenopause and what signs signal it’s time to check in with your doctor. I’ll walk you through the brain biology behind the “vocabulary gap,” how estrogen and acetylcholine affect your mind, the best foods to support cognitive health, and the science-backed habits that help your brain stay sharp through every hormonal shift life throws your way. What You’ll Learn: The difference between brain fog and permanent memory loss (why worry isn’t always warranted)Seven completely normal symptoms of perimenopausal brain fog and the five that mean it’s time to call your doctorHow estrogen and acetylcholine shape your memory, and why word-finding gets harder in midlifeThe foods and nutrients that protect your brain and support memory (hello, blueberries and eggs!)How “cognitive reserve” can help your brain reroute around fog and the three habits that build it, starting todayMusic by:  Epidemic Sound Call to Action: Drop a comment and tell me: which of the 7 brain fog symptoms did you recognize in yourself? I read every single one. 📕 Resources:  https://createthebestme.com/ep167   Related Episodes: 🎧  Listen to these episodes next:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/19069119  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949561/episodes/18414779   #perimenopausebrainfog #menopausebrainfog #brainfogsymptoms #brainfogcauses #menopausememoryloss  📨 Newsletter: https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/   👀 Connect With Me: Website: https://createthebestme.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createthebestme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox   📽️ Video Request: https://forms.office.com/r/LvLV1AsBfv

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About

We're an age-positive podcast that celebrates the richness of midlife and beyond. Hosted by Carmen Hecox, a seasoned transformational coach, our platform provides an empowering outlook on these transformative years. With a keen focus on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, Carmen brings together thought leaders, authors, artists, and entrepreneurs for candid conversations that inspire and motivate.   Each episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice to help you navigate life's challenges and seize opportunities for growth, wellness, and fulfillment. From career transitions and personal development to health, beauty, and relationships, "Create The Best Me" is your guide to thriving in midlife. Tune in and transform your journey into your most exhilarating adventure yet.

Information

  • Creator
    Carmen Hecox
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Create The Best Me
  • Show Website
    Create The Best Me