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

Michele Henning Folan
  • 4.9 (84)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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

  2. JAN 13

    Ep.189 GLP-1s, Muscle, and Midlife Metabolism: Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen on Weight Loss Without Shame

    If you’re a midlife woman who feels like you’re doing everything right — lifting weights, eating well, walking, managing stress — and your body still isn’t responding, this episode is for you. In this powerful, myth-busting conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, author, and early adopter of GLP-1 therapies in the U.S. Dr. Salas-Whalen helps us understand why weight gain in midlife is not a willpower problem — it’s a biology problem. We break down: Why midlife metabolism changes so dramatically during perimenopause and menopauseHow GLP-1 medications actually work (in plain English)Why muscle is the true organ of longevity — and how to protect it while using GLP-1sThe truth about side effects like hair loss, nausea, and “Ozempic face”Microdosing vs. full dosing, long-term use, and what’s coming next in obesity medicineWhy shame-based weight loss advice is outdated — and harmfulWe also talk about Dr. Salas-Whalen’s new book, Weightless, a science-backed, compassionate guide to GLP-1 medications and metabolic health that validates what so many women have experienced for decades. You can find Weightless wherever books are sold. This episode is about options, not pressure. Facts, not fear. And building health for the long game. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen/ Website https://www.nyendocrinology.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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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.

    47 min

  3. JAN 6

    Ep.188 Midlife Fitness for Women: Dr. Stacy Sims Explains Why Your Old Workouts Stopped Working

    Midlife fitness for women 45+ is not about trying harder—it’s about training smarter for perimenopause and menopause physiology. In this powerhouse episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Dr. Stacy Sims—exercise physiologist, TEDx speaker behind “Women Are Not Small Men,” and author of ROAR and Next Level—to break down exactly why your old workouts and “eat less, do more cardio” strategies stop working in midlife… and what to do instead. We get practical (and refreshingly no-BS) about the real midlife playbook: Why estrogen shifts change metabolism, muscle power, recovery, and body compositionWhy heavy lifting matters (and why it won’t make you “bulky”)The difference between HIIT vs. Sprint Interval Training (SIT)—and why many “HIIT classes” aren’t actually HIITWhere Zone 2 fits (and why it’s great for mental health, but not your best lever for optimization)The truth about fasted workouts and intermittent fasting for women—and how it can backfire on appetite, cravings, energy, and sleepHow to think about protein needs in midlife (including the “1 gram per pound” conversation and how to distribute it)Why creatine is having a moment (brain, muscle, mood, performance, and aging)—and what dosing typically looks likeRecovery upgrades in perimenopause/menopause: sleep, mobility, heat/sauna (and why cold plunge isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool for women)Why testing and metrics like DEXA (bone density + body comp) and VO2 max can be useful for longevity-focused womenIf you’ve been standing in your kitchen wondering where your “30-year-old metabolism” went—and why you can’t out-discipline midlife hormones—this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and a realistic path forward. You can find her newsletter and blog at:  https://www.drstacysims.com/  You can receive 15% off her online courses at https://www.drstacysims.com/product_guide using the code DRSTACYSIMS15OFF https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPD55VPa1ZWx1a_nzWC2VJA _________________________________________ 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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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.

    53 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Ep.187 The Dirty Truth About Meat Labels (and Why Protein Quality Matters)

    If you care about protein quality, metabolic health, inflammation, and long-term strength, this episode will change the way you shop for meat. On this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele Folan pulls back the curtain on the modern meat industry with Cloe Parker, CEO of Parker Pastures, to expose the truth behind misleading meat labels—and why most consumers are unknowingly getting it wrong. Cloe explains what labels like grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, and Product of the USA really mean—and why up to 85% of grass-fed beef is imported, yet still legally labeled as American. You’ll learn how conventional feedlot practices affect omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, inflammation, nutrient density, and overall protein quality—especially important for women focused on muscle preservation, bone health, and longevity. In this episode, we cover: Grass-fed vs grass-finished: what actually mattersHow grain-fed meat impacts inflammation and metabolic healthGlyphosate, pesticides, and contaminants in conventional meatWhy protein quality matters more than quantityThe truth about chicken, pork, and beef sourcingHow to shop smarter without chasing perfectionWhy food choices today impact strength, mobility, and independence later in lifeCloe also shares her powerful personal story—stepping into leadership of her family ranch after losing her mother—and how that loss shaped her mission to provide food that heals instead of harms. This conversation isn’t about fear or food rules. It’s about making informed choices that support strength, energy, and health for decades to come. 🎧 Listen now and learn what your meat label isn’t telling you—and how to choose protein that actually supports your body. https://parkerpastures.com/ Follow Cloe Parker on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parkerpasturesgrassfed/ _________________________________________ 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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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.

    41 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Ep.186 Vitality After 50: How to Build Emotional Resilience, Physical Strength, and Joy in Midlife

    What if healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—but adding energy, clarity, and purpose to the years you already have? In this episode of Asking for a Friend, host Michele Folan sits down with Eric North (aka “The Happiness Warrior”), a wellness speaker and coach who’s redefining what it looks like to be strong—emotionally and physically—at 61. Eric is the creator of the Happiness Workout, a simple daily practice that blends breathwork, functional movement, and mindset training to help people build resilience, reduce stress, and regain momentum in midlife. This conversation dives into what it really takes to stay well in your 40s, 50s, and 60s—especially when life feels heavy, habits slip, or motivation disappears. You’ll hear practical tools for rebuilding confidence, getting out of “survival mode,” and creating small daily rituals that support mental fitness, consistent movement, better sleep, and emotional strength.  Michele and Eric also discuss why community matters, how to reintroduce movement without overwhelm, and how to shift from fear-based aging to intentional living. If you’ve felt stuck, tired, or like you’ve been playing small, this episode is your reminder: you’re not finished yet. Follow Eric North: Instagram @thehappinesswarriorofficial Happiness Warrior Website  Follow Michele: @askingforafriend_pod and subscribe for weekly midlife wellness + fitness insights. _________________________________________ 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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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

  6. 12/16/2025

    Ep.185 Loneliness Is the New Smoking: Why Midlife Women Need Strength & Community

    Midlife can feel like a perfect storm—menopause, stubborn weight gain, bone loss, shifting identities, and an unexpected rise in loneliness. In today’s episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and 60s: disconnection—and why rebuilding community may be as powerful as lifting heavy or optimizing your hormones. My guest, Terry Tateossian, is a Harvard-trained, ISSA-certified personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats, where hundreds of midlife women have transformed not just their bodies—but their confidence, connection, and sense of purpose. We talk about: Why loneliness is the new smoking for women in midlifeHow community improves metabolic health, adherence, motivation, and emotional resilienceTerry’s personal transformation from obesity, burnout, and hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women's wellnessThe recurring struggles she sees in midlife women—under-eating protein, chronic dieting, hormone confusion, and the pressure to stay smallHow retreats create safety, belonging, and joy—often sparking lifelong friendshipsThe smallest, simplest steps you can take today to feel less aloneWhy lifestyle foundations matter more than ever—protein, strength training, stress reduction, and nervous system regulationIf you’ve been feeling isolated, stuck, or unsure how to reconnect with the adventurous, vibrant woman you used to be, this conversation is going to speak straight to you. You can find Terry Tateossian at: https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/ https://www.instagram.com/thor.wellness/  https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get/ _________________________________________ 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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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.

    47 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Ep.184 Menopause, Microbiome & Libido: A Urogynecologist’s Guide to Midlife Intimacy

    If you can talk about hot flashes and wrinkles but freeze up when the conversation turns to sex, this episode is for you. This week I’m joined by Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the U.S., to talk about everything we don’t discuss enough in midlife: pelvic floor health, recurrent UTIs, vaginal dryness, low libido, pain with sex, and what’s really going on with your microbiome and your mojo. We dig into the gut–brain–sex connection and how stress, antibiotics, diet, and hormone shifts in menopause all collide to affect your pelvic health, your confidence, and your desire. Dr. Betsy breaks down why so many women over 50 struggle with recurrent urinary tract infections, vaginal odor, and irritation—and why the answer isn’t just another round of antibiotics. We also get real about: Recurrent UTIs & vaginal infections in midlife and how the vaginal and gut microbiome are connectedWhy vaginal estrogen is such a game-changer (and what to do if you can’t tolerate certain forms)Pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence & fecal incontinence—what’s actually happening and when to seek helpHow probiotics, fiber, and fermented foods support pelvic health and sex driveThe truth about low libido in midlife, stress, and why “sex and stress can’t coexist”What we know (and don’t) about the G-spot, squirting, and the O-ShotWhy self-pleasure counts as pelvic physical therapy and how “use it or lose it” is very realReframing intimacy when you’re dealing with pelvic pain, dryness, or body confidence issuesDr. Betsy’s Pelvic Floor Store and what’s actually worth putting in your cart (lubricants, devices, and more)This conversation might make you blush, but it might also change how you think about your body, your pleasure, and what’s possible for you in midlife and beyond. 🎧 Listen in if you’re a 50+ woman who’s tired of suffering in silence and ready to feel comfortable, confident, and connected again—down there and everywhere. You can find Dr. Betsy Greenleaf at https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf/ Her Pelvic Floor Store https://pelvicfloorstore.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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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

  8. 12/02/2025

    Ep.183 Stronger, Not Smaller: Dr. Vonda Wright’s Blueprint for Muscle, Bone Density & Midlife Vitality

    Absolutely no one warned us that midlife would be this loud—hot flashes, achy joints, bone density, belly fat, all competing for attention at once. And yet the message women still get is, “This is just how it is.” In this episode, I’m joined by orthopedic sports surgeon and longevity visionary Dr. Vonda Wright, author of Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. We dig into what it really takes to stay strong, mobile, and independent for decades—so you can carry your own groceries at 80 and stay out of the nursing home. We cover: Why bones are an endocrine organ (yes, your skeleton is talking to the rest of your body)The truth about osteoporosis, fracture risk, and why waiting until 65 for a DEXA is a terrible strategyHow to safely use impact, heavy lifting, and sprint intervals even if you’ve been told to “be careful”The role of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D in bone and muscle healthProtein, leucine, vegan vs animal sources—and why under-proteining is keeping you weak and inflamedWeighted vests, jumping, Pilates and yoga: what actually moves the needle for strength and longevityIf you’re a woman in perimenopause, menopause, or beyond—and you want denser bones, stronger muscles, better balance, and a body that can keep up with the life you want—this conversation is your blueprint. 👉 Grab Dr. Wright’s book Unbreakable, A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power, and connect with her online. Dr. Wright's website https://www.drvondawright.com/ Check out her new bone supplement, Unbreakable Bone, on her website. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright/ Dr. Wright's weighted jump rope https://amzn.to/3Mi91VU Don’t forget to follow Asking for a Friend for more real talk on midlife health, fitness, hormones, and longevity. _________________________________________ 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. 1:1 and group Midlife Health and Longevity Coaching mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 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.

    47 min
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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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