Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

Karen Renaud
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Made for More — the podcast for women navigating midlife who are ready to stop surviving & start thriving. I'm Karen Renaud, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, integrative health practitioner, positive psychology coach & personal trainer. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, feeling exhausted & not quite like yourself — you are in the right place. Blending midlife wellness, positive psychology & integrative health to help you reclaim your energy, rediscover your purpose & transform your life. I cover mindset, habits, stress, fitness, confidence & whole-person transformation. You were made for more.

  1. Aug 24

    What If Stress Isn't the Enemy? A New Way to Think About Stress in Midlife

    Stress doesn't just affect your mood—it can influence your sleep, hormones, digestion, energy, weight, and overall health. Discover why your mindset about stress matters and learn practical strategies to build resilience without trying to eliminate every stressor from your life. What if stress isn't what's making you sick? What if your relationship with stress plays a bigger role than you've ever been taught? In this episode of Made for More: Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife, Karen explores what stress is really doing inside your body—and why understanding your stress response can change the way you think about your health. You'll learn the difference between a stressor and your stress response, why your nervous system reacts the same way to a bear on a hiking trail as it does to a full inbox, and how chronic stress can affect your sleep, hormones, digestion, energy, mood, and overall health. Karen also shares research on stress mindset, the surprising role of oxytocin during stressful times, and why some of life's most meaningful experiences are also some of its most stressful. Most importantly, you'll leave with practical tools you can use immediately—including the See It, Own It, Use It framework and the Five-Minute vs. Five-Year Question—to help you respond to stress with greater resilience. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode, this episode will help you understand why—and show you a healthier way forward. This week's Made for More Challenge: The next time something stresses you out, pause and ask yourself: "Is this a five-minute problem or a five-year problem?" If it's a five-minute problem, practice letting it go. If it's a five-year problem, try the See It, Own It, Use It framework and remember that your stress response is designed to help you rise to the challenge—not work against you. In This EpisodeThis Week's Made for More Challenge Connect with Karen: 🌿 Website: https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com 🎁 Free inSPIREd Reset Guide:https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/free-reset-guide 📬 Weekly Wellness Newsletter:https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/join-my-list 📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/inspiredintegrativehealth 👥 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/inspiredintegrativehealth 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrenaudiih References and Deeper Dive Resources: Stephen Cabral, DC.The Rain Barrel Effect: Why We Get Sick and How to Get Well. Kelly McGonigal, PhD.The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It. Alia Crum, PhD. Crum, A. J., Salovey, P., & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking Stress: The Role of Mindsets in Determining the Stress Response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(4), 716–733. Crum, A. J., & Crum, T. (2015). "Stress Can Be a Good Thing If You Know How to Use It." Harvard Business Review. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz.The Power of Full Engagement. Harvard Health Publishing.Understanding the Stress Response. MEDICAL & WELLNESS DISCLAIMER The information shared in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, nor should it be considered a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, medical nutritional therapy, or healthcare advice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility, and you should work with your healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs.

  2. Aug 17

    Exercise Isn't Punishment—It's Training for the Life You Want

    What if the question "How many calories did I burn?" is the wrong question entirely? If you've ever exercised because you felt guilty, to "earn" your food, or simply because you thought you should, you're not alone. But what if there was a better reason to move your body? In this episode of Made for More: Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife, Karen explores why exercise isn't about punishment—it's about preparing your body for the healthy, active life you want to live over the next 20, 30, or even 50 years. You'll discover why strength training becomes even more important after 40, how everyday movement contributes to your health, why joyful movement makes consistency easier, and why recovery is an essential part of getting stronger. Karen also shares how her perspective on exercise evolved—from training to perform to learning how to train for a long, healthy, active life. Along the way, injuries, mystery health challenges, and menopause completely reshaped what fitness means to her. Because exercise isn't just about burning calories. It's one piece of a much bigger health puzzle. When you connect the dots between movement, sleep, nutrition, stress, hormones, mindset, and purpose, exercise becomes less about obligation and more about building the life you want to live. If you're ready to stop exercising out of guilt and start training for your healthiest, strongest next chapter, this episode is for you. This Week's Challenge: Choose one small way to move this week.Take a 10-minute walk.Do one short strength workout.Dance in your kitchen.Try the fitness class you've been curious about.Remember...You're not just exercising for today. You're training for the life you want to live tomorrow. CONNECT WITH KAREN 🌿 Website https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com 🎁 Free inSPIREd Reset Guide Start putting the pieces of your health puzzle together with my free guide. https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/free-reset-guide 📬 Join the Community Get practical wellness tips, podcast updates, and encouragement delivered straight to your inbox each week. https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/join-my-list 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inspiredintegrativehealth 👥 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/inspiredintegrativehealth 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrenaudiih 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, please follow Made for More: Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps another woman discover that her best chapter may still be ahead. Resources & Deeper Dive Dr. Stephen Cabral – The Rain Barrel Effect (DESTRESS Protocol)LaBlast® Fitness – Learn more about Louis Van Amstel and the LaBlast® program. MEDICAL & WELLNESS DISCLAIMER The information shared in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.I am not a physician, registered dietitian, or licensed mental health provider. The content of this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, nor should it be considered a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, nutritional, or healthcare advice.Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you heard on this podcast.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility, and you should work with your healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs.

  3. Aug 10

    HEALTHY EATING AFTER 40: CUT THROUGH NUTRITION CONFUSION

    EPISODE 12 — Nutrition advice has never been louder—or more confusing. Eggs are bad. Then they’re good. Carbs are the problem. No, fat is the problem. Try fasting. Don't try fasting. Count your Macros! Count your calories! Keto, Atkins, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian...protein goals, social media trends, and changing hormones... it’s easy to wonder what you’re actually supposed to eat! If you’re a woman over 40 who wants to feel stronger, more energized, and less stressed around food, this episode is for you. Karen Renaud offers a calmer, more sustainable approach to nutrition—one that moves away from restrictive rules and helps you pay attention to what supports your body in this season of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why nutrition experts agree on more than what we've been led to believeThe simple foundations that matter more than the latest trendHow to move from food rules and all-or-nothing thinking toward curiosityWhy protein and muscle health matter more in perimenopause and menopauseWhy extreme diets are rarely a long-term solutionHow mindful eating can help you better understand hunger, energy, and satisfactionOne small, realistic step you can take this week—without overhauling your life This is not another plan to follow perfectly. It’s an invitation to build a way of eating that feels practical, supportive, and sustainable. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Website: inspiredintegrativehealth.comFree inSPIREd Reset Guide: https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/free-reset-guideTips, inspiration, updates: https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/join-my-listEmail: karen@inspiredintegrativehealth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredintegrativehealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredintegrativehealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrenaudiih MEDICAL & WELLNESS DISCLAIMER This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Karen Renaud is not a physician or registered dietitian. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your nutrition, exercise, supplements, medications, or health plan. CONCEPTS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Blue Zones — regions of the world with exceptionally high concentrations of people living to 100 or beyond, studied by researcher Dan Buettner. The consistent dietary patterns across Blue Zones informed the general principles discussed in this episode. Bio-individuality — the principle that each person has unique nutritional needs based on genetics, lifestyle, health history, and other individual factors. Sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss, referenced in the protein section. Mindful eating — the practice of paying full, non-judgmental attention to the experience of eating. DEEPER DIVE RESOURCES Buettner, D. (2008). The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. National Geographic Society.https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Zones-Lessons-Living-Longest/dp/1426202741 Cabral, S. (2017). The Rain Barrel Effect. Stephen Cabral.https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Barrel-Effect-Stephen-Cabral/dp/0999194909 https://www.amazon.com/ROAR-Physiology-Performance-Health-Strong/dp/1623366860Tribole, E. & Resch, E. (2020). Beasley, J.M., Shikany, J.M. & Thomson, C.A. (2013). The role of dietary protein intake in the prevention of sarcopenia of aging. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 28(6), 684–690.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3928027/ This is Episode 12 of the Made for More podcast. New episodes every week. Follow on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss one.

  4. Aug 3

    Why Am I So Tired All the Time? What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

    Why Am I So Tired All the Time? If that question has crossed your mind lately—this episode is for you. So many women in perimenopause and midlife assume it's just aging or menopause. "Everybody's tired. I guess this is what life feels like now." But chronic fatigue isn't something you have to accept. In this episode, we'll look at exhaustion in a completely different way. What if your tiredness isn't a character flaw—or even a sleep problem? What if it's your body trying to tell you something important? • Why exhaustion is common—but not inevitable • The "energy checking account"—and why you're likely overdrawn without realizing it • Five hidden energy drains: physical, mental, emotional, relational, and purposeful  • Why brain fog and low energy aren't always about sleep • The relationship that may be draining you most • A simple 7-day Energy Detective experiment—no new habits required Whether you're navigating the menopause transition, burnout, or constant fatigue, this episode will help you understand what may be happening and give you a practical starting point for feeling like yourself again. 🌿 inspiredintegrativehealth.com — Free inSPIREd Reset Guide + program information Concepts Referenced: Viktor Frankl — Austrian psychiatrist and author of Man's Search for Meaning. Referenced in the discussion of purpose. PERMA Model — Dr. Martin Seligman's framework for human flourishing. The Relationships pillar is referenced in the relational energy section. (Covered in depth in Episode 4.) SPIRE Model — Developed by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Dr. Maria Sirois, and Megan McDonough at the Wholebeing Institute. The five pillars provide the framework for the five energy drains discussed in this episode. Multitasking and cognitive load — Referenced as well-established concepts in cognitive psychology. Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 Further Reading: Loehr, J. & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement. van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Frankl, V. (1946). Man's Search for Meaning. Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish. Happiness Studies Academy — happinessstudies.academy VIA Character Strengths (Free Assessment) — viacharacter.org Health & Medical Disclaimer: The content in Made for More—including all episodes and show notes—is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Karen is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Integrative Health Practitioner, Certified Personal Trainer, Positive Psychology Coach, and Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist. She is not a physician, licensed therapist, psychologist, or registered dietitian and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe for any physical or mental health condition, nor does she provide medical nutrition therapy. Everything Karen shares is grounded in professional training and lived experience. Having navigated many of these same health challenges herself, she understands the value of becoming your own health detective while partnering with qualified healthcare professionals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms—including fatigue, significant mood changes, or other physical or mental health concerns—seek appropriate medical care. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical care in favor of information shared in this podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are Karen's own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility and should be made in partnership with your healthcare team.

  5. Jul 27

    Episode 10: When Did "Busy" Become Who You Are? The Cost of Living With Your Foot on the Gas

    When Did "Busy" Become Who You Are? — The Hidden Cost of Chronic Urgency for Women in Midlife When someone asks, "How are you?"—what do you say? Busy. Tired. Keeping my head above water. Hanging in there. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped describing our schedules and started describing ourselves. In this episode, Karen Renaud asks an important question:What is living at full speed actually costing you? You'll discover: • The science behind allostatic load—what chronic stress and urgency can do to your body over time, and why it matters, especially during midlife. • Why your nervous system gets good at whatever you practice—and how to begin practicing something different. • The difference between functioning and having the capacity to truly live. • How to identify your exhaustion point and what it may be telling you. • Why recovery is a skill—not an event—and what recovery can actually look like in everyday life. • The difference between survival mode and capacity mode. • A simple 7-Day Capacity Check Challenge to help you begin creating a healthier rhythm. Question one: When did I hit my exhaustion point today? Notice the time and what was happening. Were you physically tired, mentally overloaded, emotionally depleted — or all three?Question two: How quickly did I recover from the hardest moment of my day? Did you reset within a few minutes? Did the tension follow you all afternoon? Are you still replaying it at bedtime?Question three: What helped me return to myself today? Medical & Wellness Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a physician, registered dietitian, or licensed mental health provider. The content of this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, nor should it be considered a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, nutritional, or healthcare advice. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility, and you should work with your healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs. Resources, References, Further Exploration: McEwen, B.S. & Stellar, E. (1993). Stress and the Individual: Mechanisms Leading to Disease. Introduced the concept of allostatic load—the cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by chronic stress.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8215752/ McEwen, B.S. (1998). Stress, Adaptation, and Disease: Allostasis and Allostatic Load. A foundational review explaining how chronic activation of the stress response affects long-term health.https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb09546.x Tal Ben-Shahar – Concepts related to recovery, wellbeing, and creating "Islands of Sanity."https://www.happinessstudies.academy Matthew 11:28 — "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Sapolsky, R. Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. An accessible, evidence-based exploration of the science of stress and its effects on long-term health.

  6. Jul 20

    What Are You Training For? — How to Build a Body That Says Yes to Life (Strength Training for Women over 40)

    Whether you're looking to build muscle after menopause, improve your healthspan, support healthy aging, or simply create a stronger body for the life you want to live, this episode is for you. Most of us have been asking the wrong questions about our health. Did I lose weight? Did I hit my macros? What does the scale say? Did I earn dessert? Those aren't bad questions. They're just not the most important ones. What are you training for? Not for a number on the scale — but for the hiking trail, the dance floor, the spontaneous trip, the grandchildren on the floor. For the future you'll thank yourself for building today. In this episode you'll discover:— Why genetics are only one part of the story—and how your daily choices play a powerful role in shaping your future health.— The science behind sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss — and why strength training matters more in midlife than ever— How strength training supports bone density, metabolism, mood, and brain health— How getting stronger physically changes what you believe is possible in every area of life— Karen's personal story — from the Reebok National Aerobic Championships to training for future Karen— Why "I don't want my world to get smaller" is the philosophy behind everything Plus the challenge Karen wants you to answer in the comments:I'm training for ____________. 🌿 inspiredintegrativehealth.com — free inSPIREd Reset Guide + program info RESOURCES & REFERENCES Books:McGonigal, K. (2019). The Joy of Movement. Avery/Penguin Random House.amazon.com/Joy-Movement-Exercise-Happiness-Connection/dp/0525534946 Ratey, J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown.amazon.com/Spark-Revolutionary-Science-Exercise-Brain/dp/0316113514 Research:Sarcopenia & resistance training in menopausal women — PMC (2023)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10647115/ Resistance training & depression — Gordon et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2018)doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0572 Scripture: Philippians 4:13

  7. Jul 13

    Your Next Chapter — What If Your Best Years Are Still Ahead? (Thriving in Midlife & Beyond)

    Eight weeks in — and there's a question many women quietly carry but rarely say out loud: Is this it? Have I missed my chance? In this episode of Made for More, Karen Renaud explores those questions directly — and offers something better than reassurance. She offers a practical path forward for living the changes you've started making long after the excitement of a new beginning fades. This isn't about completing a program. It's about building a life. A life that reflects who you are, who you're becoming, and what is still possible for you in this chapter. In this episode, you'll discover: • The real difference between being informed and being transformed • How to build minimum baseline habits, rituals, and reminders that hold up in real life • How to "restart without drama" when life inevitably disrupts your routine • The SPIRE model reimagined as an ongoing weekly life practice rather than simply a program framework • Why growth doesn't stop at midlife — and why your prime years may still be ahead of you • A personal story about building a graduate curriculum by leaning into strengths rather than relying on willpower alone • A final challenge designed to help you carry your growth forward into whatever comes next If you've been wondering whether your best years are behind you — this episode was made to answer that question. 🌿 Visit https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/ to download your free inSPIREd Reset Guide and learn more about working together. Resources & References — Episode 8 Research: Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin Press. (Source of the person-activity fit concept — the idea that the wellbeing strategies that work best are the ones that genuinely match a person's values, strengths, personality, and season of life.) Teaching Referenced from Karen's Training: Tal Ben-Shahar — concepts of informed vs. transformed learning and lasting change, referenced from Karen's positive psychology coursework and the Happiness Studies Academy curriculum. Maria Sirois — concepts related to change, resilience, and conscious choice, referenced from Karen's training through Wholebeing Institute and the SPIRE framework. Framework Referenced: The SPIRE framework (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, Emotional), developed by Tal Ben-Shahar, Maria Sirois, and Megan McDonough through Wholebeing Institute and taught as part of Karen's training and professional certification.

  8. Jul 6

    Remembering Yourself: Why Confidence Comes From Action, Not Before It (Identity & Courage for Women in Midlife)

    Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought: "What happened to me?" It’s not always that you don't recognize your face—sometimes, you don't recognize your life. Maybe during a stressful season, health changes, or navigating menopause symptoms, you lost touch with the woman who used to trust herself, take risks, and speak up. If you are trying to find yourself again in midlife, you are not alone.In this episode of Made for More, Karen Renaud explores how to build self-confidence, close the gap on your goals, and step into a more purposeful life. This isn't about becoming someone new. It's about remembering who you are, reconnecting with your personal strengths, and taking courageous action before you feel ready. 📌 Key Takeaways From This Episode: How to Build Self-Confidence: Why bravery is built through physical action, not just positive thinking.Albert Bandura & Self-Efficacy: How "mastery experiences" give your brain the data it needs to believe you can do hard things.The 4-Minute Mile Mental Barrier: What Roger Bannister’s historic 1954 run teaches us about challenging our limiting beliefs.The "As If" Principle: How changing your posture, breath, and movement signals your nervous system to shift your emotional state.Shifting Your Identity: Moving away from "I'm trying to change" to leading from an identity-driven framework.VIA Character Strengths: Reclaiming the core parts of your personality that got buried under years of responsibility. 🌿 Free Midlife Wellness Resource: Visit inspiredintegrativehealth.com to download your free inSPIREd Reset Guide and explore midlife coaching. 📚 Deep Dive & References From This EpisodeWant to explore the positive psychology research, history, and mind-body science discussed in today's show? Check out the resources below: William James & The "As If" Principle: In Segment 2, we discussed William James's revolutionary 1884 theory of emotion ("What Is an Emotion?", published in Mind). James argued that our physical actions and physiological responses occur before our conscious emotions. If you want to experience an emotion like confidence, you must act habitually as if that feeling is already present. For a fantastic modern extension of James's work on how behavior shapes our minds, check out psychologist Richard Wiseman’s book, As If: The Radical New Approach to Changing Your Mind. Learn more about James via his Britannica Biography.Albert Bandura & Self-Efficacy: We looked at Bandura's foundational 1977 study, Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. His research proves that confidence isn't a personality trait; it grows primarily through "mastery experiences"—moments where you take a risk and see that you are still standing. Review his framework via the APA Human Agency Summary.Sir Roger Bannister’s Four-Minute Mile: On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister shattered a collective psychological barrier by running a mile in 3:59.4. While he possessed incredible mental fortitude, he was also an Oxford medical student who achieved this feat by pioneering scientific physiological pacing and interval training. Once he proved it was possible, 15 other runners matched the feat within three years, proving that the barrier was psychological, not physical. Read the story on the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame.VIA Character Strengths Framework: Created by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson, this framework emphasizes focusing on your core character traits to build authentic self-trust. Referenced from Karen's graduate coursework in positive psychology.Identity-Based High Performance: The concepts of identity-driven change mentioned in Segment 3 are associated with the public work of Tony Robbins and Brendon Burchard, focusing on who you need to become in order to make sustainable life changes.

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About

Made for More — the podcast for women navigating midlife who are ready to stop surviving & start thriving. I'm Karen Renaud, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, integrative health practitioner, positive psychology coach & personal trainer. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, feeling exhausted & not quite like yourself — you are in the right place. Blending midlife wellness, positive psychology & integrative health to help you reclaim your energy, rediscover your purpose & transform your life. I cover mindset, habits, stress, fitness, confidence & whole-person transformation. You were made for more.

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