StrongHER Voices

Ashley Basilio

StrongHER Voices is the podcast for women ready to step into their StrongHER Era with confidence, clarity, and community. Hosted by Ashley Basilio, certified menopause health coach and fitness professional, this show helps women 40+ understand their changing bodies, strengthen their mindset, and build a life that feels energizing and aligned. Each episode delivers honest conversations, expert interviews, and practical tools on topics like hormones, mindset, aging, body confidence, strength training, identity shifts, emotional well-being, and thriving through every season of womanhood. Whether you're navigating symptoms, seeking answers, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, StrongHER Voices gives you real guidance, relatable stories, and support you can trust. Because this isn’t a pause. It’s Power. 💛

  1. Nothing Was Ever Wrong With You: ADHD, Hormones, and Rebuilding Without Shame

    11H AGO

    Nothing Was Ever Wrong With You: ADHD, Hormones, and Rebuilding Without Shame

    If you've ever felt like your focus is slipping, your motivation is inconsistent, your emotions are harder to regulate, or you're questioning your competence in ways you never have before — and you're wondering if it's perimenopause, ADHD, or both — this episode is going to bring you so much clarity. Today, Ashley sits down with Mandi Dixon — licensed professional counselor specializing in late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause and menopause. Mandi helps women understand why the systems, structure, and discipline that once carried them through careers, motherhood, and life transitions suddenly feel ineffective — and more importantly, what to do about it. Her work focuses on hormones, executive function, and dismantling shame with evidence-based insight and real talk. And if you've ever stumbled across her Instagram and thought, who IS this woman and why does she get me so completely — you're in for a treat. This conversation is honest, science-backed, and deeply validating. We talk about the estrogen-dopamine connection, why midlife hits differently for women with ADHD, what "ugly perimenopause" actually means, and how to rebuild without shame when the old way no longer works. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women's wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Welcome + how Ashley discovered Mandi's work through Instagram  ✅ Mandi's story: her son's ADHD diagnosis, her own late diagnosis, and the perimenopause collision  ✅ How ADHD looks different in girls and women — and why so many go undiagnosed  ✅ How to tell the difference between perimenopause brain fog and ADHD — and the key clue that it might be both ✅ The estrogen-dopamine connection and what happens to executive function in perimenopause  ✅ How to get a full assessment and where to start  ✅ Why ADHD was always there — and how masking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing hide it  ✅ "Ugly perimenopause" — what it is, why Mandi named it, and why it matters  ✅ Rebuilding without shame: what that actually looks like in real life  ✅ Focus Space — body doubling, community accountability, and Mandi's special offer  ✅ Mandi's closing message to the woman who feels too scattered, too much, or not enough -- 👥 Featured Guest Mandi Dixon — licensed professional counselor specializing in late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause and menopause. Mandi helps high-achieving women understand why the coping strategies that carried them through life have suddenly stopped working — and how to rebuild with clarity, compassion, and without shame. Known for her refreshingly honest and relatable approach on Instagram, Mandi brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to every conversation. Connect with Mandi:  Website: http://www.mandidixonlpc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdmenopausetherapist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579378952184 🔗 Focused Space — body doubling community for ADHD & focus support: 20% off forever + a free 14-day trial: https://get.focused.space/adhdmenopausetherapist Resources mentioned:  The Menopause Society provider directory: https://menopause.org/ -- If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger — inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ 💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ 💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ 📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    55 min
  2. When Hormones Change, Mental Health Changes: What Women in Midlife Are Actually Experiencing

    MAY 4

    When Hormones Change, Mental Health Changes: What Women in Midlife Are Actually Experiencing

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re suddenly more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or foggy — and you can’t figure out why — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Brianna Dawson, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Behavioral Wellness for Women, to unpack the real connection between hormones and mental health in midlife. They talk about the most common “out of nowhere” symptoms women experience in perimenopause, why so many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and what hormone-informed psychiatric care can look like when you’re ready for answers (and relief). 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why perimenopause can trigger anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog, and low mood — even for women with no mental health history ✅ What’s happening beneath the surface: fluctuating estrogen, declining progesterone, and the serotonin connection ✅ Common “clues” symptoms may be hormone-driven: night waking, restlessness, word-finding issues, cycle changes, mood shifts with no clear trigger ✅ The difference between situational anxiety vs. hormone-amplified anxiety ✅ Why so many women feel dismissed by providers — and the emotional toll of not being heard ✅ How Brianna approaches care: therapy support, detailed history, and when medication may help “take the edge off” while you figure things out ✅ Labs explained: “normal” vs. “optimal,” what functional ranges can reveal, and why labs can’t diagnose perimenopause (but can still be useful) ✅ Lifestyle support that matters: movement, nutrition basics (protein + fiber), and why alcohol/caffeine can worsen sleep and anxiety ✅ What it looks like to work with Brianna: free consult, 90-minute evaluation, and individualized treatment planning ✅ A validating reminder: you’re not broken — you deserve to feel better, and help exists -- 👥 Featured Guest Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC — Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Behavioral Wellness for Women, a boutique practice specializing in reproductive psychiatry. Brianna supports women across the reproductive lifespan — pregnancy and postpartum mental health, PMDD, and perimenopause — using an integrative, hormone-informed approach that combines evidence-based medication management with lifestyle and lab-guided care to help women feel stable, clear, and empowered during hormonal transitions. Connect with Brianna: Website: http://www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/  Resources mentioned: Women’s Lab Guide (free): https://behavioralwellnessforwomen.myflodesk.com/womens-lab-guide  Perimenopause-Focused Psychiatric Care Program Waitlist — a comprehensive, hormone-informed support option Brianna is building (details will be shared on her website and with current clients first) -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    41 min
  3. Why Eating Less Isn't Helping You Lose Weight in Midlife

    APR 20

    Why Eating Less Isn't Helping You Lose Weight in Midlife

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” — eating less, working out more, trying to be good — and yet midlife weight loss still feels impossible… this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Sara Borgstede, founder of The Holy Mess and creator of the wildly popular Reset 3 meal plan, to unpack one of the most overlooked reasons women get stuck: undereating earlier in the day and then white-knuckling their way through cravings, “kitchen detours,” and nighttime overeating. Together, they talk about the restrict–binge roller coaster, the “rolling river” approach to eating, the famous Minnesota Starvation Study, and why this isn’t a willpower problem — it’s often a biological response to not being adequately fueled. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. --  In this episode, we cover: ✅ Sara’s 100-pound weight loss story — and how she’s maintained her goal weight for 20 years ✅ Why “being good all day” often backfires into afternoon cravings and nighttime overeating ✅ The difference between a “roller coaster” eating pattern and the “rolling river” approach ✅ What “primitive hunger” is — and why it can make you feel out of control around food ✅ How to use a hunger/satiety “gas gauge” to avoid getting too hungry or too stuffed ✅ The Minnesota Starvation Study — and how restriction can trigger food obsession and binge behavior ✅ Sara’s “SAFE” framework: Structured, Adequate, Food groups, Enjoyment ✅ A realistic minimum calorie baseline for most women (and why 1200 is a trap) ✅ Why exercise alone doesn’t create weight loss — and why it’s still essential for health ✅ Why tracking works — and how “ugly tracking” builds awareness and self-trust without shame ✅ The reminder every woman needs: your worth is not your weight -- 👥 Featured Guest Sara Borgstede — Founder of The Holy Mess, 100-pound weight loss success story, and creator of the Reset 3 meal plan featured in Woman’s World magazine. Sara helps women break free from the restrict–binge cycle and build a peaceful, sustainable relationship with food through practical tools, compassion, and real-life strategies that work. Connect with Sara: Website: https://theholymess.com  Free resource mentioned: Reset 3 (Free 3-Day Meal Plan): https://theholymess.com/#plan  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    54 min
  4. When Strong Women Start to Break: The Hidden Cost of Always Being the Strong One

    APR 6

    When Strong Women Start to Break: The Hidden Cost of Always Being the Strong One

    If you've ever felt like you're holding it all together — but you're running on empty, silently stretched thin, and quietly wondering how much longer you can keep going — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Michelle Govan — speaker, coach, and founder of Restore Your Roar — a movement dedicated to helping women reclaim their voice, confidence, and God-given purpose. She's also the co-owner of the Govan Group, where she works with leaders and organizations on training and transformation. She's a trusted voice in Ashley's community and has even led a vision-setting masterclass inside StrongHER Together. In this honest, faith-grounded conversation, Michelle shares her own story of breakdown and restoration, why chronic stress is the pandemic of our time, and what it actually looks like for strong women to stop enduring and start thriving. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women's wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Welcome + how Ashley and Michelle first connected through the Chamber of Commerce  ✅ Michelle's story: a breaking point on Route 422, losing her voice, and what it took to get it back  ✅ What is Restore Your Roar — and why it came from lived experience, not a textbook  ✅ The hidden costs of being the "strong one" — emotional isolation, chronic stress, and losing touch with yourself  ✅ Why stress is the pandemic of the 21st century (and why we wear it like a badge of honor)  ✅ Practical easy wins: how to prioritize your to-do list, take off the superwoman cape, and delegate  ✅ The perfectionism trap — and why excellence doesn't have to mean perfect  ✅ Identity, performance, and why your worth is not tied to your to-do list  ✅ What to say to the woman who's about to break — Michelle's powerful closing message  ✅ How to find Michelle + what she offers through Restore Your Roar and the Govan Group -- 👥 Featured Guest Michelle Govan — speaker, certified coach, and founder of Restore Your Roar Ministries, a faith-based movement helping women reclaim their voice, confidence, and purpose. She is also the co-owner of the Govan Group, where she delivers stress management and leadership transformation through her "Calm is My Corporate Strategy" program. With a heart for women who've been carrying too much for too long, Michelle brings honesty, faith, and practical tools to help women move from striving to thriving. Connect with Michelle:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.davisgovan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelledavisgovan/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlgovan/   -- If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger — inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:  👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:  👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:  👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/

    45 min
  5. High-Functioning, But Struggling: Anxiety, Midlife, and the Mental Load Women Carry

    MAR 30

    High-Functioning, But Struggling: Anxiety, Midlife, and the Mental Load Women Carry

    If you’ve ever been told “but you seem fine” — while inside you’re overthinking everything, carrying everyone’s needs, and running on fumes — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Jaclyn Burwell, LCSW, founder of JHB Therapy, to unpack the often-invisible experience of high-functioning anxiety in midlife. They talk about why midlife can feel like a pressure cooker, how the invisible mental load quietly drains women, and why minimizing your struggles (“others have it worse”) actually keeps anxiety stuck. You’ll leave feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical tools to create relief — without waiting until you “fall apart.” 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ What high-functioning anxiety really is — “anxiety that hides behind capability” ✅ Why midlife magnifies anxiety (hormones, sleep disruption, peak responsibilities) ✅ How identity shifts can create emotional pressure and self-doubt ✅ What the invisible mental load actually looks like in daily life — and why it’s exhausting ✅ Why resentment builds when you feel responsible for everything (even the “unseen” stuff) ✅ The connection between chronic stress/anxiety and physical health over time ✅ Why “others have it worse” is not helpful — and how it adds shame to anxiety ✅ A mindset shift: how validation calms the nervous system and creates relief ✅ Practical strategies to redistribute the mental load through communication and teamwork ✅ Jaclyn’s ACE grounding tool (Accept, Connect, Experience) to reduce anxiety in real time ✅ How to know when stress is tipping into “it’s time for support” -- 👥 Featured Guest Jaclyn Burwell, LCSW — Founder of JHB Therapy LLC. Jaclyn supports women in midlife who are navigating anxiety, burnout, identity shifts, and the emotional changes of perimenopause and menopause. Her approach is warm, direct, and practical — focused on helping women move from overwhelm and self-doubt to clarity, balance, and self-trust. Connect with Jaclyn: Website: https://www.jhbtherapy.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifewithjaclyn/  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    35 min
  6. When Menopause Comes Early: How to Rebuild After Surgical or Treatment-Induced Change

    MAR 16

    When Menopause Comes Early: How to Rebuild After Surgical or Treatment-Induced Change

    If you’ve ever felt blindsided by menopause — especially when it comes early, suddenly, or after surgery — and you’re left thinking, “Why didn’t anyone warn me?” this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Julie Parana (The Menopause OT) — occupational therapist, certified menopause coach, and women’s health educator — to talk about what really happens when menopause doesn’t follow the “normal” timeline. Julie shares her own experience of entering menopause after a hysterectomy (even with her ovaries intact), the confusing symptoms that came first, and the life-changing support and education that helped her feel like herself again. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply validating — with clear steps you can take to advocate for your health and build a plan that supports both symptoms and long-term wellbeing. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Ashley met Julie at the Philadelphia Conference for Women — and why “The Menopause OT” instantly stood out ✅ Julie’s personal story: hysterectomy, unexpected symptoms, and the moment she realized it was menopause ✅ The wide range of “surprise” symptoms that can show up before hot flashes — including brain fog, dizziness, rashes, joint/foot pain, and weight changes ✅ Why a hysterectomy can still impact ovarian function — even when ovaries are left intact — and how it can shift menopause earlier ✅ What surgical menopause is and why symptoms can feel more severe when hormones drop abruptly ✅ The problem with “wait and see” after ovary removal — and what a real post-surgery hormone plan should include ✅ How to find a menopause-informed provider (and what to look for in the directory) ✅ What to do if you’re told “you can’t take hormones” — the exact follow-up questions to ask and why “hormones” is not one-size-fits-all ✅ Where to start when everything feels overwhelming: Julie’s 3 foundations — sleep, nervous system regulation, and blood sugar stability ✅ Why hormone therapy can support long-term health (bone, heart, brain) — and why lifestyle still matters either way ✅ Julie’s resources for women navigating early, surgical, or treatment-induced menopause — including her free audio series and coaching options 👥 Featured Guest Julie Parana — occupational therapist, certified menopause coach, and founder of The Menopause OT. With over 20 years of experience helping adults navigate complex health challenges, Julie now supports women through the physical, emotional, and cognitive shifts of midlife — with a special focus on early, surgical, and treatment-induced menopause. Her approach is grounded, practical, and empowering, helping women feel informed and supported when their menopause journey doesn’t follow the “expected” path. Connect with Julie: Website: https://themenopauseot.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenoot/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themenopauseot  Resources mentioned: The Menopause Society provider directory (look for the Certified Practitioner seal): https://menopause.org/  ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health): https://www.isswsh.org/  @sarahgirlstrong Tai Chi Routine: https://www.sarahgirlstrong.com/videos/energizing-tai-chi  "Menopause Doesn't Have to Suck" Audio Guide: https://the-menopause-ot.kit.com/da610e33d2  Early, Surgical & Treatment Induced Menopause Newsletter: https://the-menopause-ot.kit.com/07dd5fd3b4  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/  ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    48 min
  7. Perimenopause and the Highly Sensitive Mom (on Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms)

    MAR 2

    Perimenopause and the Highly Sensitive Mom (on Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms)

    If you’ve been feeling more reactive, more forgetful, or like your “stress buffer” has disappeared — you’re not failing. In this episode of Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms, Ashley Basilio joins Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop to break down what perimenopause really is, why it can hit highly sensitive moms especially hard, and what can actually help (without turning self-care into another full-time job). Ashley shares both the science and the real-life experience — from brain fog and sensory overload to the surprising upsides of this transition, like stronger boundaries and clearer priorities. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert‑backed support.  Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.  --  In this episode, we cover: ✅ What perimenopause actually is (and why menopause is technically just one day) ✅ Why symptoms vary so widely — and why it’s a “whole body takeover,” not just hot flashes ✅ How perimenopause impacts parenting: lowered patience, heightened stress response, faster emotional shifts ✅ Highly sensitive nervous systems + hormonal fluctuation: why overstimulation can feel relentless ✅ Brain fog and memory changes — and why it can feel scary (and what helps) ✅ Practical, realistic self-care: micro-resets, movement breaks, grounding, tapping, and sensory boundaries ✅ Why “doing less” is sometimes the most powerful form of self-care (simplifying, lowering expectations, reducing clutter) ✅ Hormone therapy basics, what to know, and why finding a menopause-informed provider matters ✅ Vaginal estrogen, bone health, and the long-term “why” behind getting support sooner rather than later ✅ The unexpected upsides of this season: clearer values, stronger boundaries, and more authenticity -- 💗 Meet Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop: I’m honored to be featured on Leah and Adrienne’s podcast Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms for a meaningful conversation on perimenopause and the highly sensitive mom. Leah Andreoni is a licensed perinatal therapist and the founder of Rising Sun Therapy, and Adrienne Bishop is a parent coach and owner of Adrienne Bishop Coaching who supports sensitive parents with practical tools and grounded guidance. Together, they create such a safe, validating space for sensitive parents.  📌 Connect with Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop:  https://www.risingsuntherapy.com/ https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/   https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/podcast-real-parenting-for-sensitive-moms/   Resources mentioned:  The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/   The Menopause Brain: https://amzn.to/3ZBmw6J  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/    -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

    57 min
  8. Hormone Truths & Midlife Myths: What You’re Not Being Told About Estrogen, Thyroid & Stress

    FEB 16

    Hormone Truths & Midlife Myths: What You’re Not Being Told About Estrogen, Thyroid & Stress

    If you’ve ever felt like your hormones are mysteriously sabotaging your life — leaving you tired, achy, irritable, or just “not yourself” — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Marla Osner, NP, co‑owner of Eclipse Total Health, to break down hormone health in a way that finally feels clear, human, and hopeful. They talk about everything from hormone therapy myths and recent FDA updates to the foundational role of cortisol and thyroid health — and how women can walk away from this episode feeling informed, empowered, and equipped to take control of their wellbeing. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert‑backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Marla’s personal hormone journey — and why she’s passionate about helping women feel seen in their symptoms ✅ What bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) really is — and how it differs from synthetic hormones ✅ Why old hormone research created confusion — and what has changed with modern evidence and the removal of the FDA black box warning ✅ Why “normal” lab ranges don’t always equal optimal health ✅ The “hormone trio” — adrenals (cortisol), thyroid, and sex hormones — and why they must be viewed together ✅ Practical ways to support cortisol rhythms and your nervous system every day ✅ How to advocate for yourself when your provider says “your labs are normal” ✅ How hormone care can improve sleep, mood, weight, libido, and even relationships ✅ A reassuring message for women who feel like they’ve lost themselves -- 👥 Featured Guest Marla Osner, NP, DPT, CFNIP — Nurse Practitioner and co‑owner of Eclipse Total Health. Marla helps women ditch fatigue, fix hormone chaos, and finally feel human again by focusing on root‑cause medicine and honest, no‑nonsense conversations about hormone health. She blends clinical expertise with warmth and humor to help women step into midlife feeling strong, sexy, and unstoppable. Connect with Marla: Website: https://www.eclipsetotalhealth.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eclipsetotalhealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eclipsetotalhealthML Resources mentioned: The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/ Podcast‑Exclusive Offer: Marla is offering $150 off first hormone package for StrongHER Voices listeners — ask about the StrongHER Voices podcast special when you contact Eclipse Total Health. -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ -- 💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ -- 💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ -- 📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/   ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. 00:00 Welcome & Marla’s Introduction 02:22 Marla’s Hormone Journey & Why She Started Eclipse Total Health 04:09 BHRT Explained: What Bioidentical Hormones Are & Why They Matter 09:45 HRT Study History & the Black Box Warning Update 13:14 How Hormones Affect Health Beyond Symptoms 15:59 The Hormone Trio: Adrenals, Thyroid, & Cortisol 18:55 Practical Ways to Support Your Cortisol & Circadian Rhythm 23:01 How to Advocate for Yourself with Healthcare Providers 31:06 Final Message: You Don’t Have to Feel ‘Off’ — There’s Hope 33:35 How to Connect with Marla & Special Offer

    37 min
See All (18)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

StrongHER Voices is the podcast for women ready to step into their StrongHER Era with confidence, clarity, and community. Hosted by Ashley Basilio, certified menopause health coach and fitness professional, this show helps women 40+ understand their changing bodies, strengthen their mindset, and build a life that feels energizing and aligned. Each episode delivers honest conversations, expert interviews, and practical tools on topics like hormones, mindset, aging, body confidence, strength training, identity shifts, emotional well-being, and thriving through every season of womanhood. Whether you're navigating symptoms, seeking answers, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, StrongHER Voices gives you real guidance, relatable stories, and support you can trust. Because this isn’t a pause. It’s Power. 💛

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Basilio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    StrongHER Voices

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