GenX Hits Menopause

Heather Reilly Hiemstra

Welcome to GenX Hits Menopause, the podcast where host Heather Reilly Hiemstra dives into the unfiltered, transformative journey of midlife. Join Heather and her co-host, John Hiemstra, as they explore what it means to thrive in every stage of life through candid conversations with experts, innovators, and everyday individuals. From groundbreaking science and traditional medicine to personal stories and practical tools, this show redefines aging for a generation that’s ready to stay vibrant, confident, and unapologetically themselves. Together, we’ll challenge outdated narratives and embrace a future of health, intimacy, and empowerment—for women and men alike. 

  1. Get Back To Your Authentic Self

    FEB 26

    Get Back To Your Authentic Self

    In “Get Back to Your Authentic Self”, Heather sits down with Alli Williams,  a plant medicine guide, herbalist, and integrative coach at Bionic Bloom. Alli shares her own journey to healing from professional basketball – living in a "hyper masculine" way: all mind, striving, and forgetting the body. Alli reveals how she found balance and a "grounded presence" through potent, ancient allies. Join us for a deeply personal and insightful dive into the world of plant medicine and integration, and discover: The Nervous System "Vitamin": What if a subtle, legal dose could create a "little wedge" between a trigger and your reaction, leading to you being "less reactive" and feeling inexplicably "happy" days later? Allie shares the powerful, subtle shift of microdosing. The Key to Lasting Change: The experience doesn't end with the dose. Allie explains the non-negotiable step—integration—that turns clarity and insights into embodied transformation through new, healthy rituals. Tearing Down the Masks: Discover how this spiritual experience acts as a "remembrance" of your truest, unfiltered self, a “remembrance back to earth” allowing you to finally love yourself completely and realize that your authentic self is your greatest gift. Your Archetypal Blueprint: It's not one-size-fits-all. Alli reveals Bionic Bloom's highly personalized approach, which considers archetypal forces, planets, and elements to match you with the right path to healing. Alli's message is simple:  "Follow the call." Because, if this path resonates with you, it's probably the right time to listen. About Alli Williams Alli  believes her soul’s calling is to bridge worlds — guiding others back to wholeness by weaving together what we’ve been taught to see as separate. She brings a unique blend of academic training, professional certifications and healing modalities to guide others on their healing journey, including Psychedelic Facilitator at Bionic Bloom, the First Legal Psychedelic Therapy Clinic in the US Certified Somatic Psychedelic Facilitator B.S. Psychology & Minor in Exercise Physiology Certified Yoga Breath Coach Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming Certificate in Neuropsychotherapy Certification in Depth Psychology White Light Reiki First Degree Connect with Alli at https://www.alchemizewithalli.com To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    38 min
  2. My Generations | The Endocannabinoid System for Women from GenX to GenZ

    JAN 30

    My Generations | The Endocannabinoid System for Women from GenX to GenZ

    In “My Generations”, host Heather Really Hiemstra and  transformational speaker Angela Hutchinson bridge thirty years difference to reveal the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) as the key to better health & homeostasis for women at every age. Homeostasis - when our body works in optimal balance - is like the perfectly mixed track, and the ECS is your soundboard.  If your moods, sleep, or libido feel out of tune with perimenopause or menopausal symptoms, listen in to learn how to master your mix. Conversations include The ECS Decoded Learn how messengers (cannabinoids like the "bliss molecule" anandamide), receivers (CB1/CB2 receptors), and "sexy garbage men" (enzymes)work together to balance your health and well-being.Your Pelvis is a Powerhouse Discover why the ECS is heavily concentrated in your reproductive organs and how activating this area is the ultimate longevity hack for keeping your body's music playing strong.The Life-Boostin Power of Orgasm Heather breaks down the science of why profound orgasms are a vital health tool, creating chemicals like DHEA to keep your bones strong and fight aging—helping you hit that biological high note.The Science of Aging  Learn how fraying telomeres can cause your ECS "soundboard" to become less receptive, leading to inflammation and a drop in libido, and what you can immediately do to support them.Plant-Based Solutions Find out how full-spectrum hemp and botanicals like Beta-Caryophyllene and German Chamomile—delivered directly through the skin—can decrease inflammation, and even act as a "daily dose of Xanax”.Tune in to better understand the ECS, embrace plant wisdom, and listen as Heather & Angela open up some space around menopause and longevity. About Angela Hutchinson Angela Hutchinson is a globally recognized facilitator and keynote speaker whose transformational work is rooted in her personal survival story. As a teenager, she endured sexual abuse, which led to a period of struggle with high-functioning addiction. She realized that the same intense drive fueling addiction can also fuel entrepreneurship and be channeled into powerful creation and leadership. Today, Angela helps groups and individuals—from school districts to executive teams—turn their pain into purpose.  Her workshops integrate science, storytelling, and humor to teach tools like mindset coaching and breathwork, transforming reactive survivors into conscious, connected leaders who feel safe, seen, and free. Her journey is living proof that what once seemed a curse can become a calling. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    57 min
  3. Red Light and Blue: Our Midlife Clean Energy Future

    12/12/2025

    Red Light and Blue: Our Midlife Clean Energy Future

    In “Red Light and Blue”,  Heather dives deeper into the focus on “balance” in women's health concerns with Dr. Sarah Secor-Jones, founder of Lush Lifestyle and an integrative medicine physician specializing in hormone health and longevity. Dr. Sarah makes it clear that finding your happy balance isn't just about hormones; it’s about optimizing the internal power systems that support and produce them. The real game-changer here: mitochondria, the powerhouses of every cell. Conversations include: The Powerhouse Organ: Why optimizing ovary health is key to combating brain fog and boosting energy during the menopausal transition.Methylene Blue, The Longevity Hero: The compelling history of Methylene Blue (from textile dye to anti-malaria drug) and how it cleans up "gummed up" mitochondria, providing instantaneous, clean energy—like switching from black-and-white to Technicolor.Dosing & Augmentation: Dr. Sarah's "low and slow" approach to finding the right dose (typically 8-12mg), its effective use in weaning off stimulants, and the "double mitochondrial boost" achieved by combining Methylene Blue with Red Light Therapy.The CoQ10 Connection: The importance of CoQ10 as an essential electron transporter within the mitochondria and interaction with supplements like NAD.Community and Speaking Up: The critical mistake of "sitting in silence and suffer[ing] in isolation," and the necessity of finding sisterhood in communities for honest discussions about the real, often taboo issues of midlife.The One Actionable Change: Dr. Sarah’s powerful advice to “Commit to one thing to help your mitochondrial function today” as the foundational, self-given gift that provides lasting energy, making all other health goals more tolerable and achievable.This conversation is a rallying cry for Gen X women to un-accept the status quo and start gaining agency over our own health, fueling our bodies and brains for the vibrant, healthy decades ahead of us.Dr. Sarah Secor-Jones is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, Lifestyle Physician, and the founder of Lesh Lifestyle, a rapidly growing integrative and regenerative women’s health practice in Sarasota. As an active military doctor, she brings unmatched discipline, precision, and real-world medical experience to her work. She specializes in health optimization helping women elevate their hormone health, metabolism, energy, cognitive performance, and longevity using evidence-based medicine, regenerative therapies, and lifestyle-driven strategies. Her approach is forward-thinking, science-backed, and designed for women who want to feel strong, sharp, and in control at every stage of life. Dr. Sarah also serves as medical faculty, training residents in both the art and science of modern medicine. She is known for her ability to simplify complex physiology, mentor with clarity, and inspire the next generation of physicians to practice with excellence. With a reputation for honesty, humor, and no-nonsense guidance, Dr. Sarah empowers women to understand their bodies, optimize their health, and make strategic decisions that support their long-term vitality. Through her masterclasses, YouTube channel, and the Women’s Health Unfiltered community, she reaches thousands of women seeking better hormone balance, more energy, and a higher quality of life. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    45 min
  4. Not the Doctors | Personalized Medicine, Personal Responsibility

    11/20/2025

    Not the Doctors | Personalized Medicine, Personal Responsibility

    In ‘Not the Doctors’, Heather sits down with ‘Nurse Gone Rogue’ Diana Nicorici for a no-holds-barred conversation about busting through corporate healthcare, becoming a multi-million-dollar pioneer, and how women especially need to retake control of their own healthcare choices. Diane went rogue for a reason - to create better outcomes for her patients. In less than three years, she flipped three suitcases into a portfolio worth $3 million. This warrior mother of five is changing the system for people who need it the most, including co-founding The Blind Investment nonprofit to help victims of domestic abuse survive and thrive in the next chapter of their lives. Conversations include Ditch the Paycheck, Break the Ceiling: How Diane went from 'pushing paralytics' at 20 to pioneering specialized care homes for ventilator clients, proving that dignity and quality of life are non-negotiable.Corporate Wellness 360 & The Cocktail: Get the insider scoop on concierge nursing for C-Suite execs and high-performance entrepreneurs, focusing on stress management and optimizing biochemistry with NAD IV protocols and anti-inflammatory diets.The Secret to Homeostasis (And Why Topical Wins): The endocannabinoid system is your body's master system for balance (sleep, hormones, inflammation) - learn how to activate it with plants!Holy Shock! The Danger of NAD IVs: If you're rushing to get an IV, stop. NAD is amazing for cell growth, but Diane delivers a critical warning: It can expedite tumor growth. Why you must get a cancer screening before you start any NAD protocol.Orgasms, Atrophy, and Anti-Aging: The one hard conversation people do want to have: how  to make your most intimate tissues explode in pleasure. We talk about ECS receptors in the reproductive system, fighting vaginal atrophy, and using Rockstar products for natural, head-to-toe collagen preservation (yes, especially right down there).Healthcare entrepreneur Diana Nicorici is the ultimate warrior mom: a retired ICU Nurse who went rogue to change the system. A now-single mother of five who stared down covert abuse and broke the mold to make a better world on the unshakable belief that we all thrive in community. She flipped her life—and three suitcases—into a portfolio worth $3 million in under three years doing better for patients under her care that the medical system where she started.  Her company Legacy Nurse Consulting, LLC., birthed the concept of the boutique nursing home - a caring collective that delivers truly comprehensive, personalized medical care and bridges the gap between healthcare and family in the local community. This is truly Bespoke Care, tailored to patients’ unique experiences, proving that self-love and dignity are non-negotiable for true healing.  Diana is  living, breathing proof that we can break through systemic limits and courageously realize our full potential, especially when it comes to taking the best care possible of our own bodies. She co-founded The Blind Investment, a 501c3 multi-state non-profit geared towards providing domestic violence transitional housing and entry level employment. Diana helps empower moms/abuse survivors with dependent children to reclaim their health, well-being  and dignity transitioning back into society and breaking the cycle of abuse. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    1h 34m
  5. Only GenX Wasteland | Toward True Leadership with Paul Karasik

    11/06/2025

    Only GenX Wasteland | Toward True Leadership with Paul Karasik

    Heather and John continue their conversation with author, leadership visionary, and entheogenic legend Paul Karasik, exploring how the modern leadership crisis mirrors a deeper spiritual one. Drawing from his book Getting High on Leadership: The Leader’s Guide to Higher Consciousness, Karasik challenges listeners to rethink what it means to lead with awareness, empathy, and authenticity. From the lost ideals of the 1960s to the burnout of today’s workforce, Only GenX Wasteland asks: how do we evolve leadership itself—so it’s no longer about power, but about presence, connection, and conscious evolution? Conversation include: The Crisis of Inauthentic Leadership Critique of the modern epidemic of inauthentic leadership—executives and public figures who “didn’t have a clue” and whose efforts lack an “underpinning of consciousness of truth,” leaving their words empty. Consciousness as the Foundation At the heart of both Getting High on Leadership and central to entheogenic leadership is a foundational principle about consciousness: “You can’t take anybody higher than your own consciousness.” Leaders must themselves be fully enrolled in their own vision, purpose, and personal growth. Relationships and Empathy Seeing team members, partners, and even strangers as “divine” and “equal” rather than cogs in a system transforms workplaces into living communities. Empathy, authenticity, and human connection become measurable business assets. The Integration Imperative The conversation revisits lessons from his experiences in the 1960s consciousness movement, which Paul says faltered due to a lack of integration. Despite an “awakening,” the movement missed the daily practice of embodying consciousness. This episode explores the many facets of Paul’s timeless message: our world’s “insanity” results from unconscious repetition of broken patterns, and lifting our consciousness is the only way to break our cycle of suffering. Paul Karasik is a pioneering thinker at the intersection of conscious leadership, personal transformation, and the modern psychedelic renaissance, with over 30 years of experience developing high-impact leadership practices for major North American organizations. As the president of The Business Institute, Paul guided executives and teams in reshaping their inner dynamics to achieve sustained external results. His work has always gone beyond merely teaching leadership “skills”—he invites leaders to explore how their inner world influences their organizational impact, creativity, collaboration, and mission fulfillment. A key milestone in his work is his book Getting High on Leadership: The Leader’s Guide to Higher Consciousness (2023/2024), which presents a roadmap for leaders to “get high” not in the sense of intoxication but in the sense of elevated consciousness, presence, and purpose. That when a leader’s awareness expands, so does the capacity of their team and the organization to produce creativity and innovation. Paul’s approach is his living through the cultural and experiential roots of the consciousness movement—his leadership since the 1960s, his study of meditation, breathwork, yoga, metaphysical sciences, and bodywork. He co-founded Thompson’s Ranch in Joshua Tree - one of the early alternative communities in America - and has worked to integrate safe, intentional practices of psychedelics into healing, leadership and transformation frameworks. Paul is also the founder of the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles, an international organization devoted to providing education & access to safe consciousness‐expanding technologies.  To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    52 min
  6. Sleep All Night, Rock All Day | Rebalance Heath

    10/24/2025

    Sleep All Night, Rock All Day | Rebalance Heath

    In  “Sleep All Night, Rock All Day”, Heather has a sparkling conversation on a very hard topic for most of us with Justin Hai, author of one of this summer’s best-selling books, "Stress Nation”.  Justin turns a strong light on the profound impact of modern stress and technology on our hormonal balance, and the critical role of sleep in supporting hormone regulation and vibrant, sexy aging. Justin is also the co-founder of Rebalance Health, which  introduces an innovative, actionable solution to the adverse effects of our constantly stimulated world, as well as the inevitable changes our bodies go through as we age - menopause and menopause both! Conversations include: Cortisol's Dual Nature While essential for bodily functions, chronic overproduction of cortisol, often triggered by technology, is a primary driver of various health issues such as brain fog, weight gain, muscle loss, & sleep disturbances.The Power of SleepQuality sleep is paramount for the body's natural hormone production & overall well-being. Learn how to prevent sleep disruptions that directly impede this vital process.Practical Stress Management Hear how 'sleep hygiene',  breathwork & other lifestyle adjustments can help us reclaim rest & manage stress effectively.HRT ConsiderationsJustin & Heather consider the pros & cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), emphasizing that every body is different and the need for personalized, professional guidance in choosing best solutions.The Rebalance Health Solution Learn about their unique sublingual solution designed for superior absorption of adaptogens that support our natural cortisol rhythm, leading to significant improvements in menopausal symptoms. Listen in for more understanding & learning ways to address every day challenges to our hormonal health. Learn how we can ~ by prioritizing sleep & making informed, intentional choices about what and how we nourish ourselves ~ rebalance our own bodies to live healthier, happier lives. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    1h 3m
  7. You Want a Healthspan Revolution?

    09/18/2025

    You Want a Healthspan Revolution?

    In this special episode of Gen X Hits Menopause, Heather speaks with Elias Arjan – a true luminary in the healthspan and longevity universe. Armed with his powerful "trifecta" of scientific prowess, business savvy, and tech-forward thinking, Elias is on a mission to start a revolution in health and wellness, a revolution to dismantle misinformation and champion credible, life-enhancing solutions in today's overwhelming health landscape. Elias's groundbreaking venture, PRUVN, is a truth-teller, rigorously validating health innovations and cutting through the noise. His production company Healthspan Productions creates transformative events like the Longevity Leadership Conference this past June and the upcoming Healthspan Summit Oct 3-5, 2025 in Los Angeles. Elias creates dynamic spaces where evidence-based breakthroughs and ethical pioneers unite.  The episode also looks hard at the underserved realm of women's health, particularly menopause, within the broader healthspan & longevity dialogue. Elias doesn't just acknowledge the past; he propels us forward, emphasizing the vital integration of the feminine perspective.  At the next Healthspan Summit, leading hormone specialists and a dedicated women's panel will shift the conversation from "why we haven't" to "how we can" revolutionize menopause treatments and embrace deeply personalized health strategies. This is where the revolution gets personal, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions simply don't fit our unique microbiomes, genetics, and mindsets. They also explore the exhilarating potential of AI in healthcare. While acknowledging the sci-fi fears, Elias also illuminates AI's incredible power to accelerate discoveries, like the Yamaka factors, potentially reshaping cellular optimization and extending our vibrant years. He introduces Aubrey De Gray's captivating concept of "longevity escape velocity," hinting at a future where scientific & technological leaps continuously renew our healthy lifespans. Elias Arjan is a visionary leader at the forefront of healthspan innovation, blending science, technology, and business to drive meaningful change in the wellness and longevity industries. As the founder of PRUVN Research and Healthspan Productions, he is dedicated to validating the efficacy of emerging health technologies, wearable devices, and longevity protocols through rigorous analysis and evidence-based research. A dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and trusted industry advisor, Elias bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world application, empowering individuals, brands, and organizations to navigate the future of human optimization with clarity and confidence. His mission is to debunk misinformation, elevate credible solutions, and inspire a new paradigm of health and performance that extends both lifespan and quality of life. PRUVN Research is an independent global scientific research organization committed to validating wellness and longevity brands through rigorous science. By partnering with reputable institutions, academic organizations, and global researchers, PRUVN meticulously assesses wellness products and services to ensure they meet top-tier scientific credibility. Healthspan Productions collaborates with global leaders to produce groundbreaking media and events. We aim to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and communities to take control of their health, promoting longevity and quality of life across all ages. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    44 min
  8. More Than This ~ Extended Orgasm & The Fountain of Youth

    08/07/2025

    More Than This ~ Extended Orgasm & The Fountain of Youth

    In “More Than This: Extended Orgasm & The Fountain of Youth“ host Heather Reilly Hiemstra holds a high-voltage conversation with Alicia Davon, a leading expert in Tantra and tantric relationship coaching. Get ready to amplify your passion and ignite your inner rockstar, because this isn't your grandma's menopause talk. Alicia and her husband Erwan have guided over 20,000 students through their unique Davon Method over the last two decades, blending psychology, Zen, and Tantra into a unique system that's hitting all the right notes for singles and couples worldwide. Topics include: Dismantling Menopause Myths: Challenging the belief that sensuality and attractiveness diminish with age, and how societal conditioning and busy lives can overshadow our inherent "sensual yumminess."The Power of Tantra: Defining Tantra not as an esoteric concept, but as the art of cultivating presence in the body, especially in the "vital center" (hips, pelvis, g******s).Extended Orgasm as the "Fountain of Youth": A deep dive into the science and practice of extended, full-body orgasms, and how they contribute to well-being and a youthful glow.Solo Sensuality Exercises: Practical, empowering exercises for women to reconnect with their bodies and pleasure independently, including "visiting dignitary," "visual inventory," and "tactile inventory.Partnered Practices for Deeper Connection: Simple, non-sexual touch practices to foster intimacy and communication in relationships, moving beyond the pressure of penetrative sex.Bringing Men on Board: The importance of loving invitation and education for men to understand and participate in this transformative journey alongside their partners.This episode is a call to action for every woman to drop the armor, ditch the old narratives, and rediscover the profound pleasure and connection that lies within. Its time to turn up the volume on your essential, sensual self.Alicia Davon is a leading expert in Tantra and Tantra Relationship Coaching, known for helping singles and couples ignite passion, deepen intimacy, and thrive in love. With a Master’s in Integral Psychology and a background in women’s pleasure and empowerment, Alicia began her career leading women’s groups focused on romantic and sexual expression. To Learn More, visit: rockstarblends.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: missionmatters.com/author/heather-reilly-hiemstra

    48 min

About

Welcome to GenX Hits Menopause, the podcast where host Heather Reilly Hiemstra dives into the unfiltered, transformative journey of midlife. Join Heather and her co-host, John Hiemstra, as they explore what it means to thrive in every stage of life through candid conversations with experts, innovators, and everyday individuals. From groundbreaking science and traditional medicine to personal stories and practical tools, this show redefines aging for a generation that’s ready to stay vibrant, confident, and unapologetically themselves. Together, we’ll challenge outdated narratives and embrace a future of health, intimacy, and empowerment—for women and men alike.