The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast
  • 4.9 (14)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

Welcome to the Perimenopausal Mamas podcast! This is a podcast for hormonal mamas who want to reclaim their own natural state of health to thrive and raise healthy kids. We are two Naturopathic Doctors and moms to toddlers. Dr. Lisa Weeks, ND, practices in Toronto and has a son named Stuart. Dr. Toni Reid, ND, birth doula and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator practices in Calgary and has a daughter named Frankie. We are perimenopausal mamas! Our Mission (should you choose to accept it): Educate you on your hormones and empower you to take control of your own (and your kids’) health. Share our own tips, tricks and useful tools as perimenopausal moms and Naturopathic Doctors. Provide cutting-edge info from experts in the health and parenting worlds. We want to keep things simple, inspire you, and add some fun into your day, without any judgement or overwhelm. So, what is perimenopause all about? Perimenopause is the transition period you can experience for years (and years!) before your period stops and you reach menopause. You can start to have symptoms as early as your late 30’s or early 40’s. You may be perimenopausal if you are: Noticing that your periods are changing Getting night sweats, especially leading up to your period Having difficulty sleeping Noticing that your libido, energy and enjoyment in life are lacking Snapping at your partner and kids Becoming more forgetful and suffer from brain fog Seeing your weight creep up for no good reason Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and alone In this podcast, we will: Help to uncover the truth about hormonal imbalances that cause troublesome perimenopausal symptoms. Educate you on and how to make simple lifestyle and nutritional changes to restore balance (and help get you back to being the parent you want to be). Share our weekly “mom mess-ups”, “super mom moments” and “mom must-haves” (since one of our key survival skills is to laugh at ourselves, even when times are tough). Pass on our knowledge of nutrition and lifestyle counselling (as Naturopathic Doctors) to help raise healthy kids. Discuss our experiences (and those of other moms who are experts in their own rights) so we can all work on figuring out the challenge of parenting together. Not a mom yet...or not plan on becoming one? No problem! You can still listen and learn more about your hormones and health. Even rockstar perimenopausal aunties might be interested in our conversations about relationships, tips about parenting, picky eaters, and more.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 264: From Brain Fog to Empowerment: Menopausal Advocacy in the Workforce with MPOWER's Salima Valji and Lauren Glazer

    In this episode, Dr. Lisa welcomes Salima Valji and Lauren Glazer, co-founders of MPower. Their mission is to support women navigating perimenopause and menopause in the workplace, ensuring they can thrive in their careers rather than feeling held back by hormonal symptoms. With one in ten women leaving the workforce due to menopause-related struggles, it’s time to break the silence, advocate for better workplace policies, and embrace this transition as a time of renewal and empowerment. Salima Valji is an internationally sought-after speaker, thought-leader and certified executive coach on leadership topics related to advancing women and people of color. Salima was recently awarded the 2023 recipient of The World of Difference award by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) recognizing her impact on women's economic empowerment. Additional awards include Top 100 Speakers 2023 by Women in Tech, and Global Women Power Leaders 2024 by White Page International. Salima experienced menopause unexpectedly and realized there was a serious gap in resources and community support for executives navigating this life phase. She co-founded MPower to fill that void, empowering leaders to thrive through menopause and beyond.  Lauren Glazer is a leadership coach who helps emerging and experienced leaders become even more thoughtful, intentional and resilient—prepared to take on new roles and business challenges, capable of deftly navigating uncharted waters and poised to guide and empower their own people to do the same. Leveraging over two decades of experience in team and brand building, she helps individuals, teams and organizations with a multidisciplinary perspective, deep sensitivity and voracious curiosity. Having experienced surgical menopause in her mid-40s, Lauren has firsthand knowledge of this roller coaster journey. She co-created MPower to help women take back their power so they can continue to share their considerable skills and expertise while experiencing fulfillment and joy In this episode, we cover: * Why so many women struggle with perimenopause at work * How MPower was created to support midlife women in leadership and business * The 4 E’s Framework (Enlightenment, Embrace, Explore, Envision) to navigate menopause * Strategies for discussing menopause with your employer and advocating for workplace accommodations * The FLIP Method to confidently communicate your needs at work * How menopause can be a time of renewal and strength You can connect with Lauren and Salima and find out more about MPower at MPowerprogram.com and access the resource guide at https://www.unleashforward.com/mpowerresources Today’s Mama Must-Have Lauren is a big fan of the STOP method for mindfulness - Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed Salima loves being able to stay connected with family with technology, using FaceTime and WhatsApp Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only.

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 28

    Episode 263: Do You Need to Quit Coffee? (Re-Release)

    In this re-released episode, Dr. Toni breaks down the pros and cons of coffee. Coffee is a source of antioxidants and provides a boost of energy. However, if you are experiencing anxiety and sleep issues in perimenopause, caffeine and coffee intake might not be a good idea for you. If you are in the majority of people who consume caffeine daily in the form of coffee, you need to listen to this episode. In today’s episode, we cover: * The importance of your individual genetics on whether (and how much) coffee is good for you * How coffee can cause headaches or can be used to treat your headaches * See Episode 177 for more info about migraines * Is coffee addictive? * How drinking coffee can mask fatigue due to other health issues * Alternatives to coffee you can try if you want to reduce or stop your coffee consumption * Examples of caffeine sources: * 24 mg - 1 oz dark chocolate * 28 mg - 1 cup green tea * 34 mg - 1 can of soda eg. coke * 47 mg - 1 cup black tea * 65 mg - 1 shot espresso * 100 mg - 1 cup coffee * 135 mg - 1.5 cups coffee (average American daily consumption) * 150 mg - 1 grande Starbucks latte (16oz) * 160 mg - Rockstar original (16oz) * 200 mg - recommended limit for pregnant women * 300 mg - Rockstar endurance (16oz) * 360 mg - Trenta Starbucks cold brew (30oz) * 400 mg - recommended limit for non-pregnant people * 1200 mg - caffeine toxicity * 10-12 g - fatal dose Today’s Mama Must-Have: Dr. Toni is a big fan of hibiscus tea - antioxidant, supports healthy blood pressure and skin health What Else is Happening? Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is this fall. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register Thanks for joining us! Email us or connect with us on  Facebook  and  Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Stay safe and healthy everyone! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    32 min

  3. FEB 20

    Episode 262: How Period Panties, Leggings and Fast Fashion are Messing with Your Hormones

    In this solo episode, Dr. Toni uncovers the potential harms of fast fashion and the hidden toxins lurking in your favorite leggings and period panties. Many synthetic fabrics contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and formaldehyde that can disrupt your hormones, impact reproductive health, and even increase cancer risk. You and your daughters deserve better. Listen to learn why you need to start avoiding and replacing these products and what safer, non-toxic alternatives are available. In this episode, we cover: * Why fast fashion is harming both your hormones and the planet * The impact of toxic chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, and flame retardants for your hormones in perimenopause and puberty * For more info on early puberty, see Episode 245 * The dangers of PFAS and plasticizers like BPA found in your leggings and period panties * How you can slowly replace products containing hormone disruptors to avoid overwhelm * Safe and sustainable alternatives for period underwear and leggings * Best Organic Period Panties * Non-Toxic Leggings * Diane Kennedy Organic Bamboo Clothing * Pure Woven Sustainable Fashion * Miik Sustainable Bamboo Fabrics * Sustainable Canadian Brands Today’s Mama Must-Have Dr. Toni is a big fan of Zinc Chamomile Cream by St. Francis Herb Farm – a must to have on hand for soothing and healing skin Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    19 min

  4. FEB 13

    Episode 261: Around the World with Family: Lessons from an Eight-Month Sabbatical Journey with Charles and Janice Achampong

    Have you ever dreamed of taking a break from the daily grind and traveling the world with your family? Janice and Charles Achampong did just that—spending 8 months traveling the world with their two young daughters! In this episode, they share the inspiration, planning, and challenges behind their incredible journey with Dr. Lisa, as well as unexpected life lessons that came from stepping away from their routine. Whether you're dreaming of a big adventure or looking for ways to bring more intention, connection, and adventure into your daily life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Charles Achampong inspires others to embrace the present and reconnect with what truly matters. With over 20 years of experience across the public, private, philanthropic, and non-profit sectors, he has dedicated his career to empowering communities.  Charles now shares his insights through writing and speaking, helping individuals and families prioritize connection, mindfulness, and intentional living. His work encourages readers to pause, reflect, and uncover what brings meaning and fulfillment to their lives.  He lives in Toronto with his wife, Janice, and two daughters. Get Charles’ book, “Around the World in Family Days” and check out his website HERE Follow Charles on Instagram: @aroundtheworldinfamilydays  Today’s Mama Must-Have: Dr. Lisa is a big fan of her library card! Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    59 min

  5. FEB 6

    Episode 260: From Chaos to Calm: How Intentional Morning Routines Change Everything

    In this solo episode, Dr. Lisa shares practical strategies for creating a morning routine that sets you up for success. Whether or not your mornings feel chaotic or unintentional, this episode will help you build a routine that supports your energy, mood, and productivity. Simple adjustments can have a big impact on your day—even if you only have five minutes to spare! In this episode, we cover: * The default morning routines many of us fall into (and why they don’t serve us) * How to customize a morning routine that fits your season of life * The importance of sleep and waking up before your alarm * Why you should avoid checking social media or the news first thing in the morning * The science behind movement, cold exposure, and morning light * Hydration & caffeine timing to support energy levels and reduce crashes * Using tools like the Sleep Cycle app or Oura ring to track sleep patterns * How to design a kid-friendly morning routine for smoother school days * Mel Robbins’ 7-Step Morning Routine, including the Hot 15 Rule for goal-setting Today’s Mama Must-Have: Dr. Lisa is a big fan of birthday freebies including free smoothies, lattes, and other treats  Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    35 min

  6. JAN 30

    Episode 259: Helping Kids Navigate Peer Pressure with Lilli Marmurek, Registered Social Worker

    In this episode, Dr. Lisa welcomes registered social worker Lilli Marmurek to discuss an important topic for parents—peer pressure. As children grow, they are increasingly influenced by friends, social media, and their environment. How can we support them in staying true to themselves while also fostering positive friendships? Listen in for valuable insights into how kids’ developing brains affect their decision-making, the difference between positive and negative peer pressure, and how parents can help their children build self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to make independent choices. In today’s episode, we cover: * How children's and teens' brains process peer pressure differently * Understanding the DOES model for emotional reactivity in kids * Positive vs. negative peer pressure—how to guide your child toward healthy friendships * Effective conversation starters to encourage open communication with your child * Teaching kids self-awareness and identifying core values to help guide their choices * Simple phrases and strategies kids can use to resist negative peer influence * Using a "safe word" or emoji system for kids to signal when they need a parent’s help * How parental modeling plays a key role in how children handle peer pressure This Week’s Mama Must-Haves: Dr. Lisa is a big fan of Bone Brew House bone broth packets – a simple way to get protein while traveling Lilli values the 4 M’s of Mental Health: Movement, Mastery, Meaningful connections, Mindfulness  Connect with Lilli on Instagram: @yourlifestyletherapist Visit Lilli’s website: lmtherapy.ca Access the "Conversations With Kids: Peer Pressure" PDF here. Contact Lilli via email: Lillimarmurek@gmail.com Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    40 min

  7. JAN 23

    Episode 258: Embracing the Superpowers of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs)

    In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni dive into the fascinating topic of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). They explore what it means to be an HSP, how it can impact adults and children, and why sensitivity is a genetic trait that can be a true superpower. They also discuss helpful strategies for managing overwhelm, including self-care practices and setting boundaries, especially during the heightened demands of perimenopause. Learn about the signs of being highly sensitive, how it can manifest in kids, and practical tips for supporting yourself and your loved ones who may be HSPs. In this episode we cover: * What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? * Elaine Aron’s research and the DOES model: * D: Depth of processing * O: Overstimulation * E: Emotional reactivity and empathy * S: Sensitivity to subtle stimuli * Managing sensory and emotional overwhelm for HSPs * How to support highly sensitive kids * The connection between HSP traits and hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause * Practical strategies to create calm and regulate your nervous system * Reclaiming sensitivity as a superpower in leadership, parenting, and creativity Resources Mentioned: * Elaine Aron’s Highly Sensitive Person self-test: HSP Test * Documentary: Sensitive: The Movie featuring Alanis Morissette * Tools for sensory-sensitive kids: Noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets This Week’s Mama Must-Have: Dr. Lisa loves her cozy UGG socks – perfect for keeping your feet warm this winter. Dr. Toni is a big fan of her Ambler wool slippers – warm, comfy, and stylish for cold days. Follow Us: * Website: perimenopausalmamas.com * Instagram & Facebook: @perimenopausalmamas * Email: info@perimenopausalmamas.com Don’t Forget to Subscribe and Share!If you loved this episode, leave us a 5-star rating and a review. Share it with your fellow perimenopausal mamas to spread the love and support! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you. Thanks for listening! Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page. Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too! Stay safe and healthy everyone! Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    37 min

  8. JAN 18

    Episode 257 - Hard Habit to Break: The Four Tendencies (Re-Release)

    In today’s episode re-release from 2021, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss habits and Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies framework behind why you keep or don’t keep habits. If you’ve picked up some bad habits or have let go of some healthy habits, you’ll want to listen in to find out why and how to start changing your habits. Why do you have certain habits? * Trigger - Automatic, autopilot, routine or low energy * Behaviour - Healthy or unhealthy * Result or outcome - Reward with positive feelings or negative feelings and impact What can you do to interrupt automatic habits and behaviours? Between your trigger and behaviour: pause; set timer, do something you enjoy for 5-10 minutes (eg. journal, go for a walk), then see how you feel Four Tendencies, as outlined in Better Than Before book by Gretchen Rubin * Distinguishes how you respond to inner and outer expectations * Why you keep habits or don’t * Upholder * Meets both inner and outer expectations * Self-starter, reliable, motivated, thorough * But can become defensive, rigid, impatient, demanding * Can experience burn out and not say no * Key strategy for habit change: Does well with scheduling and monitoring * Questioner * Meets inner expectations and resists outer expectations * Data-driven; desire to create efficient and effective systems * Like to play devil’s advocate * It isn’t enough to be told what to do * Needs to know why * Reliable, strong-willed, responsible * Can suffer analysis paralysis - can manage with seating deadlines, establishing limits, consulting authorities * Key strategy for habit change: Strategy of accountability and clarity with monitoring and collecting data  * Obliger * Resists inner expectations and meets outer expectations * People pleaser and puts a high value on meeting commitments to others—“I’ll do anything for a client/patient/family member” * Requires deadlines, oversight, monitoring, and other forms of accountability * Key strategy for habit change: Give self treats or rewards * Rebel * Resists both inner and outer expectations * Independent-minded * Unswayed by conventional opinion, willing to buck social conventions * In touch with their authentic desires * Act as though ordinary rules don’t apply to them * Restless; may find it difficult to settle down in a job, relationship, city * Repelled by routine and planning * Struggle with repetitive or mandatory tasks * Needs any behaviour to be convenient and to add to their identity * Key strategy for habit change: Strategy of Identity Consider the following Habit Hacks: * Approach your habits and behaviours with self-love, compassion and forgiveness, as we discussed in a href="https://perimenopausalmamas.

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4.9
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About

Welcome to the Perimenopausal Mamas podcast! This is a podcast for hormonal mamas who want to reclaim their own natural state of health to thrive and raise healthy kids. We are two Naturopathic Doctors and moms to toddlers. Dr. Lisa Weeks, ND, practices in Toronto and has a son named Stuart. Dr. Toni Reid, ND, birth doula and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator practices in Calgary and has a daughter named Frankie. We are perimenopausal mamas! Our Mission (should you choose to accept it): Educate you on your hormones and empower you to take control of your own (and your kids’) health. Share our own tips, tricks and useful tools as perimenopausal moms and Naturopathic Doctors. Provide cutting-edge info from experts in the health and parenting worlds. We want to keep things simple, inspire you, and add some fun into your day, without any judgement or overwhelm. So, what is perimenopause all about? Perimenopause is the transition period you can experience for years (and years!) before your period stops and you reach menopause. You can start to have symptoms as early as your late 30’s or early 40’s. You may be perimenopausal if you are: Noticing that your periods are changing Getting night sweats, especially leading up to your period Having difficulty sleeping Noticing that your libido, energy and enjoyment in life are lacking Snapping at your partner and kids Becoming more forgetful and suffer from brain fog Seeing your weight creep up for no good reason Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and alone In this podcast, we will: Help to uncover the truth about hormonal imbalances that cause troublesome perimenopausal symptoms. Educate you on and how to make simple lifestyle and nutritional changes to restore balance (and help get you back to being the parent you want to be). Share our weekly “mom mess-ups”, “super mom moments” and “mom must-haves” (since one of our key survival skills is to laugh at ourselves, even when times are tough). Pass on our knowledge of nutrition and lifestyle counselling (as Naturopathic Doctors) to help raise healthy kids. Discuss our experiences (and those of other moms who are experts in their own rights) so we can all work on figuring out the challenge of parenting together. Not a mom yet...or not plan on becoming one? No problem! You can still listen and learn more about your hormones and health. Even rockstar perimenopausal aunties might be interested in our conversations about relationships, tips about parenting, picky eaters, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

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