Things Mom Never Said: Secrets to Aging Well

Things Mom Never Said
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“Things Mom Never Said: Secrets to Aging Well” is a show for women age 45 and over who are concerned with all things aging from random chin hair to your “garden variety” menopause and all the things your mom never said about aging. Join host April Raque and her co-host (and MOM) Sherry Perkins-Brunes as they discuss healthy aging, what we know, what we were never told, and how each generation of women are still learning to age better, feel younger, and live longer than the next.

  1. 1d ago

    Rest Easy, Friend!

    On this episode, April and Sherry dive into the mystery of sleep apnea and get honest about what it feels like, how it shows up, and why so many women ignore the signs until they’re already exhausted. They break down sleep apnea in plain English, explain the three types, and walks through the symptoms you should not brush off - from loud snoring and gasping to dry mouth, headaches, and daytime fatigue. Sherry shares what it was like to live with it for years before getting diagnosed, how a home sleep study changed everything, and why her CPAP machine became a real game-changer once she adjusted to it. They also get into the practical side of living with sleep apnea - the face marks, the drying effect, the travel hassle, and the small morning tricks that help. They even dig into airway health, hydration, and the bigger question of when surgery might make more sense than managing symptoms forever. If you’ve been told you snore, wake up tired, or stop breathing in your sleep, this conversation could be the nudge you need to finally get checked.  Key Takeaways: Sleep apnea is not just a breathing problem - it's a sleep fragmentation problemThe cheapest interventions often reveal the biggest leverageA diagnosis often arrives late because people normalize gradual declineTechnology only works when people survive the adjustment periodData turns vague improvement into actionable feedbackAppearance-based objections can block life-saving habitsPrevention is often just maintenance done early enough Medical Info/Resources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-sleep-apnea https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obstructive-sleep-apnea https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22043-cpap-machine https://www.careprohs.com/blog/post/cpap-mask-leaving-marks-on-your-face-what-can-help Non-toxic eye masks: https://truebotanicals.com/products/chebula-multi-corrective-eye-patches https://clearstem.com/products/eye-candy https://www.100percentpure.com/collections/masks/products/bright-eyes-masks https://www.loopsbeauty.com https://knesko.com/collections/collagen-eye-masks

    Rest Easy, Friend!

  2. Oct 23

    The Longevity Lunch Club

    In this episode, April and Sherry unpack the science behind why connection, belonging, and community are not just nice to have, but essential for health, longevity, and emotional well-being. Together, they trace how community shapes every stage of life - from church circles and 4-H to women’s groups, family caregiving, neighborhood networks, and the kind of “moai” bonds Blue Zones is famous for. They also dig into the surprising research connecting social isolation to earlier death, higher dementia risk, and more inflammation, while showing how shared meals, group rituals, and regular gathering can create real protection over time.  Key Takeaways: Blue Zones consistently find community at the center of long lifeA moai works to improve purpose and resilienceMulti-generational living gives both older adults and younger families a richer life.Women’s groups, game nights, and shared tables are more powerful than they lookYou can create your own community if you feel disconnected where you live Medical Info/Resources:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860 https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-having-a-sense-of-belonging-important https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/wellness/journey/april https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/the-importance-of-connections-ways-to-live-a-longer-healthier-life/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125010/ https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4725506/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK298903/ https://www.bluezones.com/articles/why-social-bonds-are-important-for-health/ https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html https://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11403199/ https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/connection/index.html

    The Longevity Lunch Club

  3. Oct 9

    What’s Falling Through the Cracks?

    On this episode, April and Sherry talk about the health screenings women may need in perimenopause and menopause—and why routine checkups can leave important questions unanswered. They discuss mammograms, breast density, bloodwork, heart and bone health, and how to advocate for care that fits your needs. With personal stories and practical reminders, this conversation encourages women to stay informed and speak up for their health. Learn which health screenings make sense for you during perimenopause and menopause.Personal and family health history will help your care team reflect your risks.One routine test does not answer every question; ask what follow-up may be appropriate.Keeping track of important health measures, such as blood pressure, will help you understand your baseline.Work with a clinician or physician who listens and considers the whole picture.Stay active and support your strength, balance, and mobility as you age. Medical Resources/Info: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/breast-cancer-screenings https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/screening https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/health-screenings-for-women-age-65-and-older https://www.aafp.org/afp/2025/0500/health-maintenance-postmenopausal-women

    What’s Falling Through the Cracks?

  4. Sep 25

    Stop Chasing. Start Listening

    On this episode, Sherry and April talk about finding clarity when life feels overwhelming, noisy, and uncertain. They explore how prayer, gratitude, scripture, meditation, journaling, and quiet time can help create space to hear yourself—and God—more clearly. April shares her experience of stepping back from burnout, simplifying her schedule, regulating her nervous system, and learning to trust the process instead of trying to control every outcome. Sherry reflects on faith, surrender, waiting, and a powerful personal story about receiving unexpected direction during a difficult season. Together, they discuss the importance of reducing mental and physical clutter, turning off the phone, practicing gratitude, writing down your thoughts, imagining your best-case future, and taking one small step forward. This heartfelt and honest conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out—you may simply need to pause, listen, and begin again. Key Takeaways: Clarity often comes when you slow down and reduce the noise.Prayer, gratitude, and quiet time can help you find direction.You don’t need the entire plan—just take one small step.Pay attention to what your body is telling you.A clear vision can guide your decisions.Set boundaries around people and commitments that drain you.Resetting your life happens through small, consistent changes.

    Stop Chasing. Start Listening

  5. Sep 11

    The Lost Art of Slow Living

    In this episode, April and Sherry dig into the forgotten routines that actually support aging well—starting with the one beauty habit most of us abandoned: brushing your hair. From scalp health to blood flow, natural oils, tangles, and even why a high-quality French brush can change the way your hair feels in just days, this conversation turns an old-fashioned ritual into a surprisingly practical wellness tool. April connects the dots between modern convenience and what we've lost along the way—from homemade chicken soup and real bone broth to everyday movement, clotheslines, gardening, and the kind of slow living that used to be built into daily life. While Sherry adds the generational perspective, recalling the hard-earned wisdom of grandmothers who cooked from scratch, stayed active, and made health a way of life. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who suspects modern life has made too many things harder than they need to be. It's thoughtful, funny, practical, and a little nostalgic—perfect for listeners who want simple, sustainable ways to feel better, age better, and bring back what actually worked. Key Takeaways: Simple routines can support long-term wellness.Daily hair brushing may benefit scalp and hair health.Convenience can sometimes replace healthy natural habits.Consistency matters more than dramatic health changes.Traditional practices often contain practical wisdom.Homemade food, such as broth and soup, can be nourishing and restorative.Everyday movement is an important part of aging well.Slowing down can protect energy, health, and well-being.Modern life can benefit from bringing back habits that genuinely worked.The goal is not to live in the past, but to recover its balance. Medical Resources/Info: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4740347/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12094410/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12251769/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9659005/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7001769/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/three-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10242587/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4016571/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24167194/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279077/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585062/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12468415/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11929992/ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dig-into-the-benefits-of-gardening

    The Lost Art of Slow Living

  6. Aug 28

    R is for Regulation

    In this episode of Things Mom Never Said: Secrets to Aging Well, April and Sherry explore the importance of nervous system regulation and how it affects everything from stress and anxiety to inflammation, energy, and overall well-being. April shares how grounding, time in nature, and a personal “neurobalance” routine helped her move out of burnout and back toward balance, while Sherry reflects on how easily modern life pushes us into autopilot.They talk through simple, accessible tools like rebounders, vibrational plates, Tai Chi, breath work, journaling, calming routines, and the power of creating a peaceful home environment. Along the way, they connect the conversation to women’s health, chronic stress, neurodivergence, and the importance of listening to your body before it reaches a breaking point.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, dis-regulated, or just constantly “on,” this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that healing often starts with small, intentional moments of rest, movement, and awareness. Key Takeaways: Regulation is the real health primitiveYour environment is either co-regulating you or draining youMovement can calm you without being exerciseHigh stimulation often looks productive until the body starts collecting the billThe best regulation tools are often weird, simple, and body-specificSelf-awareness is a practice, not a traitRegulation works best when it becomes a lifestyle, not a rescue plan Medical Resources/Info: https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/survival-mode/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11356649/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12289630/ https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo/functions https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11591838/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/trampoline-workout-benefits https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/whole-body-vibration/faq-20057958 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10323263/ Life Pro Vibrational Plate https://a.co/d/0fNcsEDn BCAN Rebounder https://a.co/d/08YDvK7n

    R is for Regulation

  7. Aug 14

    Walk on the Wild Side

    In this episode, April and Sherry explore grounding, also called earthing, and why direct contact with the earth may help regulate the body, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellbeing. They discuss Clint Ober’s research, “The Earthing Movie” documentary, and the science, stories, and personal experiments that made the topic feel compelling. April shares her own experience using grounding products for sleep, hot flashes, inflammation, and recovery, while Sherry reflects on the documentary’s curiosity-driven origin and the value of paying attention, asking questions, and testing ideas for yourself. Key Takeaways: Curiosity is a health technology, not just a personality trait Modern convenience may have solved the wrong problem Inflammation is a systems problem, not a single-symptom problem The body often responds before the mind is convinced Small daily contact beats occasional dramatic fixes The environment can either amplify healing or block it Regulation is the real goal, not quick repair  The Movie - https://youtu.be/44ddtR0XDVU?si=64ABxM3dbTStCw-b  Clint Ober - www.earthing.com

    Walk on the Wild Side

  8. Jul 31

    A Tale of Two Mom's

    On this episode, April and Sherry are having  a warm, funny conversation about the power of memoirs and storytelling with special guest (and April’s Mother-in-Law), Pam Raque. Pam shares how writing her life story helped her rediscover forgotten memories, process both joyful and painful moments, and preserve family history for the next generations. April and Sherry add their own reflections on journaling, memory, and how telling our stories helps us understand ourselves and stay connected to the people we love. Key Takeaways: Writing your life story can be therapeutic and help you process your past.Memoirs preserve family history for kids, grandkids, and future generations.Storytelling helps people connect across age groups and life experiences.Writing down memories can bring back forgotten moments and details.Vulnerability in sharing your story can deepen relationships and understanding.Aging gives you a chance to reflect on life’s different chapters and lessons.Journaling or memoir writing can create closure around painful memories.Specific details make personal stories more meaningful and interesting. To get started in writing your memoirs, like Pam:  Memowrite

    A Tale of Two Mom's
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

“Things Mom Never Said: Secrets to Aging Well” is a show for women age 45 and over who are concerned with all things aging from random chin hair to your “garden variety” menopause and all the things your mom never said about aging. Join host April Raque and her co-host (and MOM) Sherry Perkins-Brunes as they discuss healthy aging, what we know, what we were never told, and how each generation of women are still learning to age better, feel younger, and live longer than the next.

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