32 episodes

Who said midlife has to be a crisis?
Dr. Sara Poldmae is here with the Midlife Rise + Thrive podcast for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women who are ready to heal and set new intentions as they write their next chapter.
Bringing you heart, humanity, and humor, each week Dr. Sara is sharing accessible education, real-world stories, and exclusive interviews for the modern woman. She’s dismantling societal aging norms one myth at a time as she explores new health and wellness approaches, changing relationships, healthcare advocacy, and the many complexities and opportunities of midlife.
Each episode comes straight from the heart to teach you how to live with intention and experience fulfillment in mind, body, and soul as you chart your bold course through life’s transitions.
For more than 20 years as a healer, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Sara has bridged the gap between Western and alternative medicine practices for her patients and their physicians and healthcare practitioners. Today, she leverages her unique experiences and perspectives as a speaker, consultant, and fierce advocate committed to challenging the narrative of the invisible, aging woman.
Get ready to make midlife your best life. Find out more at risingwomanproject.com!

Midlife Rise + Thrive Sara Poldmae

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 17 Ratings

Who said midlife has to be a crisis?
Dr. Sara Poldmae is here with the Midlife Rise + Thrive podcast for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women who are ready to heal and set new intentions as they write their next chapter.
Bringing you heart, humanity, and humor, each week Dr. Sara is sharing accessible education, real-world stories, and exclusive interviews for the modern woman. She’s dismantling societal aging norms one myth at a time as she explores new health and wellness approaches, changing relationships, healthcare advocacy, and the many complexities and opportunities of midlife.
Each episode comes straight from the heart to teach you how to live with intention and experience fulfillment in mind, body, and soul as you chart your bold course through life’s transitions.
For more than 20 years as a healer, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Sara has bridged the gap between Western and alternative medicine practices for her patients and their physicians and healthcare practitioners. Today, she leverages her unique experiences and perspectives as a speaker, consultant, and fierce advocate committed to challenging the narrative of the invisible, aging woman.
Get ready to make midlife your best life. Find out more at risingwomanproject.com!

    Alcohol: The Elephant in the Room with Maureen Benkovich

    Alcohol: The Elephant in the Room with Maureen Benkovich

    We all know that alcohol is not good for us, so why is it so hard to quit or cut back?


    In this episode of Midlife Rise + Thrive, we’re taking a deep dive into the science behind what alcohol does to your body and why it’s so difficult to change your drinking habits, even when you have the best intentions. Special guest Maureen Benkovich is here to share her approach to going alcohol-free without judgment or shame. 


    When Maureen confronted her own challenges with alcohol, she uncovered the insidious cycle of detox and retox prevalent among health and fitness-minded women. As a certified life coach, she empowers others to break free from this cycle, fostering sustainable health and wellness. Her approach combines neuroscience and practical strategies to guide clients toward an alcohol-free, empowered lifestyle.


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    Why alcohol is not good for you Breaking the detox and retox cycleYour body’s chemical reaction to alcohol How to shift your mindset around alcohol
    Join us for a discussion about physical health, mental health, social relationships, stress, trauma, and so much more. 


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Visit Maureen’s Website: www.soberfitchick.com 

    Get the Alcohol-Free Weekend Toolkit:
    https://www.soberfitchick.com/afw-optin

    Follow @soberfitchickllc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberfitchickllc/

    Follow Maureen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soberfitchickllc

    • 34 min
    How to Be Playful Again with TJ Matton

    How to Be Playful Again with TJ Matton

    How often do you get to play? How often do you even think about playfulness as an adult?


    For many of us, the answer is not very often, but TJ Matton is on a mission to change that. In this episode, TJ will teach you why we actually need to play as adults. You’re going to learn the neuroscience behind play, what makes us stop playing, and how to start playing again in midlife. 


    I’m so excited to reconnect with my playful side and I hope you are too! Believe it or not, your body will thank you for it, and you’re going to find out why. 


    TJ Matton is a social worker, psychotherapist, and clinical coach focused on helping adults learn to liberate their minds and bodies through play. TJ’s business, The Playful Revolution, is focused on helping people reconnect with the power of play. 


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    The neuroscience of play for adults Why we need to play How play can help with stress management 
    Who said you’re too old to play?


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Follow @theplayfulrevolution on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplayfulrevolution/

    Get TJs Freebie: https://www.theplayfulrevolution.com/jumpstart-joy 

    • 35 min
    Getting Through Holiday Struggles with Maria Winters

    Getting Through Holiday Struggles with Maria Winters

    Are the holidays a particularly difficult time for you?


    You might feel alone based on the picture-perfect posts in your Instagram feed, but the truth is you’re not alone at all. We think of the holidays as a wonderful time of year filled with joy, laughter, family, and love, but the holidays can be super stressful for so many of us. 


    With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to take some time to talk about strategies that can help you through whatever struggles you’re experiencing this year. In this episode, Maria Winters is sharing some tools and tips to help you navigate the holiday season with grace, even if you’re feeling lonely and isolated amidst all the chaos. 


    Maria is a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience providing support to adults and adolescents in a variety of settings. For the past 11 years, she has been working in a local emergency room as a consultant for mental health-related crises. Maria is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    What gratitude really means Dealing with feelings of loneliness during the holidays How to acknowledge and validate your feelings
    If you’re feeling lonely this holiday season, let us help.


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Visit Maria’s Website: www.thecoachingtherapist.com

    Follow @coaching_therapist on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_therapist/

    Listen to the Wellness: Rebranded Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rebranded-intuitive-eating-diet-culture-food/id1651744916 

    • 31 min
    Inflammation: What It Is and How to Combat It with Dr. Shivani Gupta

    Inflammation: What It Is and How to Combat It with Dr. Shivani Gupta

    Inflammation. You’ve probably dealt with it before when you took an NSAID for a headache or had a cut that got sore and inflamed, but did you know that there’s inflammation in your body all the time?


    Unfortunately, there are many internal and external factors in modern-day living that cause inflammation in your body and lead to all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms. Joint pain, headaches, bloating, and autoimmune conditions can all be signs of chronic inflammation, to name just a few. 


    So, what can we do about it? Luckily for us, Dr. Shivani Gupta is here to walk us through some simple tools and lifestyle changes that can reduce inflammation so that you can feel your healthiest. 


    Dr. Shivani is an Ayurvedic practitioner and expert in fusing Eastern and Western practices to help our bodies achieve equilibrium. She completed her master’s in Ayurvedic sciences and her PhD in turmeric. She is also the founder of Fusionary Formulas, an Ayurvedic company that helps people with inflammation and pain.


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    Causes of inflammation in modern-day living The 5,000-year-old wisdom of Ayurveda Issues that stem from chronic inflammation
    If you’ve been wanting to learn more about inflammation and how to treat it, you’re in the right spot.


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Visit Dr. Sivani’s Website: www.ShivaniGupta.com
    Use Discount Code: MIDLIFE15

    Explore the Fusionary Formulas Products: www.FusionaryFormulas.com

    Follow Dr. Shivani on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheShivaniGupta

    Follow @dr.shivanigupta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/

    Subscribe to Dr. Shivani’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta/videos

    Follow @dr.shivanigupta on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.shivanigupta

    Follow Fusionary Formulas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FusionaryFormulas

    Follow @fusionaryformulasrx on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fusionaryformulasrx/

    Subscribe to the Fusionary Formulas YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Fusionaryformulas

    Sign Up for the Free 7-Day Inflammation Detox Challenge: https://www.7dayinflammationdetox.com/optin1641313075014 

    • 27 min
    What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? with Erin Harrigan

    What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? with Erin Harrigan

    What do you want to be when you grow up?


    Maybe you thought you’d have an answer to that question by now but you’re realizing you have no idea. You might be reassured to know you’re not alone. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have it all figured out, but what does that even mean? 


    Let’s unpack it in this episode with some guidance from our special guest, Erin Harrigan. 


    Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, empty nest mom, speaker, author, and business coach for high-achieving Christian women who seek to refine or scale their businesses without compromising their faith. 


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    Giving yourself the grace to explore what you want Why it’s okay not to know what you want next How to reframe feelings of shame Getting excited for your future 
    If you’re a woman in midlife and you’re not sure what you want to be when you grow up, you’ve found your people. Join us in this episode!


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Visit Erin’s Website: https://erinharrigan.com

    Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinharrigan/

    Follow Erin on Facebook: https://facebook.com/thehustlewithheartcoach

    Follow @erindharrigan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/erindharrigan

    Get Erin’s Freebie: https://erinharrigan.com/pinpointoverwhelm

    Learn About the 12-Week Midlife Reset Program: https://www.meadowhillwellness.com/midlife-12-week-reset 

    • 29 min
    A Beginner’s Guide to Chakras with Lauren Leduc

    A Beginner’s Guide to Chakras with Lauren Leduc

    Did you know that you can use your chakras to find comfort and balance in midlife?


    If you’ve heard of chakras but you’re not sure exactly what they are or what they do, this episode of Midlife Rise + Thrive is the perfect place to start. Lauren Leduc is walking us through each of the seven chakras to teach us what they are, what they do, how they become blocked, and why you might want to work on unblocking them. 


    Lauren Leduc is a visionary, yoga teacher, intuitive, mentor, and mama. With the special gift of cultivating community and creating accessible experiences, Lauren has taught thousands of students with her approachable and intelligent methodology. 


    Topics covered in this episode include:


    A basic guide to the seven chakras How your chakras can help you understand your mind, body, and spirit in midlife Strengthening your relationship with self and with others 
    This episode is for you if you’re interested in learning new ways to connect with your mind, body, and spirit as well as learning techniques for rediscovering what brings you joy in midlife.


    All show notes are available at risingwomanproject.com!


    Resources Mentioned:

    Visit Lauren’s Website: www.laurenleduc.com

    Follow @iamlaurenleduc on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamlaurenleduc

    Find Out What Your Chakra Superpower Is: https://www.laurenleduc.com/chakra-superpower-quiz 

    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

Betsy Bender ,

Practical & Actionable Information

This is the podcast series I wish I could've listened to 20 years ago -- or even 10! Whether it's your 40th, 50th or 60th birthday in the rearview mirror, you're bound to find a topic of interest on Rise + Thrive. Each episode is a conversation, not a lecture, and chock full of practical and actionable information. Each of Dr. Sara Poldmae's guests is as knowledgeable and personable as she is while discussing their areas of expertise. Pick an episode, find 35 minutes, and listen. You'll be glad you did!

Munster-3241 ,

Great show!!

Listening to these podcasts was so informative!! I loved hearing such sensible and helpful ideas on how to navigate our growth in topics related to our health!

verrrycurious ,

Listen to Dr. Sara Poldmae! Empowering, Informative, and Inspirational.

I recently had the pleasure of discovering the "Midlife Rise and Thrive” Podcast hosted by Dr. Sara, and I must say it has been an incredibly empowering and enlightening experience. This podcast offers a wealth of valuable information, guidance, and inspiration for those navigating the midlife phase of their lives.

Dr. Sara's expertise and passion shine through in each episode as she dives into various health-related topics that specifically cater to the needs and challenges faced by individuals in midlife. Her ability to communicate complex medical concepts in a clear and accessible manner is truly commendable. Whether you're dealing with hormonal changes, weight management, mental health, or any other aspect of midlife health, Dr. Sara covers it all with utmost professionalism and empathy.

One of the standout qualities of this podcast is the genuine connection Dr. Sara establishes with her listeners. She not only educates but also provides a safe space for open conversations, inviting guests who share their personal stories and experiences. This creates a sense of community and reassurance that many individuals in midlife often seek.

The podcast episodes are well-structured and thoughtfully organized, allowing for a seamless flow of information. Each episode tackles a specific topic in-depth, offering practical tips, expert advice, and evidence-based strategies to help listeners overcome common challenges and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Furthermore, Dr. Sara's enthusiasm and positive energy are contagious. She infuses her episodes with an inspiring outlook on midlife, emphasizing the potential for growth, self-discovery, and personal transformation during this pivotal stage. Her uplifting messages serve as a reminder that midlife can indeed be a time of immense opportunity and fulfillment.

In terms of production quality, the "Midlife Rise and Thrive” Podcast does not disappoint. The audio is crystal clear, and the overall production is professional, making it a pleasure to listen to. The episodes are of a reasonable length, allowing for convenient consumption during daily commutes, workouts, or moments of relaxation.

To sum it up, the "Midlife Rise and Thrive” Podcast with Dr. Sara Poldmae is a true gem for anyone seeking guidance and support during the midlife phase. With her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to empowering her listeners, Dr. Sara Poldmae delivers a podcast that not only informs but also inspires, leaving you feeling motivated and ready to embrace the best years of your life. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities of midlife with grace, wisdom, and vitality.

By the grateful listener Inna Young

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