The Elevated Woman's Podcast

Aderonke Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, NP-C

For high-performing women who are exhausted by weight gain, hormonal chaos, and vanishing energy — this is your reset. I’m Dr. Ade Akindipe, a DNP, obesity + hormone specialist, and health coach. On this show, we demystify metabolism, gut health, hormone balance, longevity, and the root-cause mindset behind lasting transformation. If you’re ready to stop fighting your body and start living with more clarity, energy, and confidence — this is your space.

  1. 4D AGO

    Estrogen as a Metabolic Protector: What It Actually Does

    Why does metabolism suddenly feel different in your 40s even if your diet and exercise haven’t changed? In this episode, I break down one of the most misunderstood hormones in women’s health: estrogen. Most women associate estrogen with reproduction, hot flashes, or mood swings. But estrogen actually plays a much larger role in your body, especially when it comes to metabolism, blood sugar regulation, fat storage, muscle preservation, and cardiovascular health. As estrogen begins to fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women start noticing changes they were never prepared for. Weight becomes harder to manage, belly fat increases, energy drops, and blood sugar or cholesterol numbers start creeping up. This episode explains why those shifts happen and what you can begin doing now to support your metabolism during this stage of life. 💡 In this episode, we cover: • What estrogen actually does in the body beyond reproduction • Why estrogen is considered a metabolic protector • The connection between estrogen decline and insulin resistance • Why belly fat and metabolic changes increase in midlife • How estrogen affects muscle mass, energy production, and mood • The link between estrogen, gut health, and metabolism • Why metabolism needs a different strategy after 40 • Practical ways to support your metabolism starting today Understanding these changes helps remove the guilt many women feel when their bodies start responding differently. It’s not about willpower. It’s about understanding how your hormones influence metabolism and adjusting your strategy accordingly. 🔗 Resources / Links 💬 Book Your Personalized Wellness Assessment → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Fasting Strategy Worksheet → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-16 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui Chapters00:00 Intro 00:45 Celebrating Women's Resilience and History Month 01:08 Understanding Estrogen's Influence on Women's Bodies 01:46 Common Misconceptions About Hormones 02:30 Estrogen's Impact on Metabolism and Heart Health 03:16 Types of Estrogen and Their Functions 05:50 Estrogen Decline and Metabolic Risks 08:20 Fat Redistribution and Cardiovascular Risks 11:11 Hormone Therapy and Its Benefits 12:50 Estrogen's Role in Fat Distribution and Muscle Mass 14:24 Estrogen, Brain Health, and Mood Regulation 15:13 Gut Microbiome and Estrogen Metabolism 17:38 Supporting Metabolism Through Nutrition and Exercise 20:26 Join the Spring Metabolic Reset Program 21:45 Recap: Estrogen's Critical Role in Women's Health If this episode resonated with you, share it with another midlife woman who needs this information. And make sure to hit like and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on hormones, metabolism, and women’s health.

    24 min
  2. MAR 3

    The Right Way to Lose Weight on a GLP-1 (Protect Your Metabolism & Avoid Regain)

    Are you losing weight on a GLP-1 but secretly worried about muscle loss, fatigue, or gaining it all back when you stop? GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can be powerful tools for midlife weight loss, especially during perimenopause when estrogen declines and insulin resistance rises. But they are not magic. And if you don’t protect your metabolism while using them, you may unintentionally lose muscle, slow your metabolic rate, and set yourself up for weight regain. In this episode, I break down how to use GLP-1 medications the right way so your results actually last. 💡 In this episode, we cover: • How GLP-1 medications really work in the body• The biggest myths about GLP-1s and metabolism• Why midlife hormone shifts change how these medications affect you• The risk of muscle loss and “skinny fat” during rapid weight loss• 5 GLP-1-friendly rules to protect your muscle and metabolic rate• How to structure protein intake and strength training while on a GLP-1• Warning signs your dose may be too high• How to come off a GLP-1 safely to reduce the risk of weight regain• When long-term pharmacologic support may actually be appropriate 🔗 Resources / Links 💬 Book Your Personalized Wellness Assessment → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Fasting Strategy Worksheet → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-16 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui Chapters00:00 Intro 00:45 Understanding Belly Fat in Women 02:56 The Role of Estrogen in Fat Distribution 06:47 The Importance of Testosterone and Cortisol 10:38 Managing Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance 12:35 Nutrition and Gut Health for Weight Management 16:47 Personalized Wellness Assessments for Midlife Health If you’re currently on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, or considering starting one, this episode will help you make informed, strategic decisions instead of relying on trends or comparisons. GLP-1 medications can quiet hunger. But your habits determine whether the weight stays off. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another midlife woman who needs clarity around GLP-1 weight loss. And make sure to subscribe for more education on midlife hormones, metabolism, gut health, and sustainable weight loss.

    27 min
  3. FEB 24

    Perimenopause & Pain: When Your Spine Is Trying to Tell You Something

    What if your neck pain, stiffness, or poor sleep during perimenopause isn’t just “getting older”… but your nervous system asking for support? In this episode, I sit down with Anchorage-based chiropractor Dr. Aimee Burgess, founder of Gentle Roots Chiropractic, to explore how midlife hormonal shifts show up physically in the body. We talk about the physical changes women experience during midlife, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Aimee emphasizes the importance of chiropractic care as a drug-free support system for managing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and sleep issues. The discussion also covers the impact of hormonal shifts on physical health, the role of stress, and the importance of self-awareness in recognizing when to seek help. Dr. Aimee emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other healthcare practitioners to deliver comprehensive care for women at this stage of life. 💡 In this episode, we cover: How perimenopause and menopause show up as stiffness, pain, and posture changesThe connection between spinal alignment and the autonomic nervous systemWhy chronic stress patterns get stored in the bodySigns your body may need more than just another workoutHow chiropractic care supports sleep, digestion, and nervous system regulationWhen to collaborate with other providers for deeper healingAbout Today’s Guest: Dr. Aimee Burgess Dr. Aimee Burgess is the Founder & CEO of Gentle Roots Chiropractic in Anchorage, Alaska. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, and is nationally certified and licensed. Her practice is centered on holistic, whole-family care, with specialized training in prenatal and postnatal chiropractic, as well as infants and children. Dr. Burgess has treated a wide range of pediatric concerns including colic, nursing challenges, ear infections, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, and neuromuscular conditions. She is currently pursuing her pediatric diplomate through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and has a strong passion for supporting children with neurodevelopmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Asperger’s, and sensory processing disorders. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Aimee Burgess 🌐 Website: https://gentlerootschiropractic.com 📺 YouTube: @GentleRootsChiropractic 📸 Instagram: @gentlerootschiro 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A59KJMwgu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Resources / Links📒 Download Dr. Aimee's tip sheet: https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-22 💬 Book Your Personalized Wellness Assessment → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Fasting Strategy Worksheet → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-16 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui Chapters00:00 Intro01:04 Understanding Midlife Changes in Women09:30 The Role of Chiropractic Care13:27 Hormonal Shifts and Physical Symptoms17:58 Stress and Its Impact on Health23:19 Recognizing Red Flags for Chiropractic Care23:41 Collaboration with Other Health Practitioners If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman navigating perimenopause, pregnancy, or chronic stress.And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations on hormones, metabolism, nervous system health, and whole-body wellness.

    24 min
  4. FEB 17

    She Did Keto, Cardio, and Meds… So Why Was She Still Stuck?

    Why do so many midlife women do everything “right” and still feel stuck? In today’s episode, I share the story of a woman I saw in clinic who had lost 80 pounds, tried keto, exercised consistently, and taken the medications — yet she was still inflamed, exhausted, and confused about why her body would not respond the way it used to. What became clear wasn’t a lack of discipline. It was a hormone shift being treated with willpower. If you are in your 40s or beyond and feel like what worked at 25 no longer works now, this episode will help you understand why. We’re breaking down what actually happens inside the midlife body, and why chasing calories, cardio, or another plan often backfires during perimenopause and menopause. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why dieting like you're 25 backfires after 40How over-restricting and excessive cardio can increase fat storageThe hidden role cortisol plays in midlife weight gainWhy insulin resistance changes everythingWhy hormone therapy alone is not the full solutionThe danger of chasing the scale instead of metabolic health5 practical shifts you can start implementing today 🔗 Resources / Links 💬 Book Your Free Metabolic Reset Session → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Fasting Strategy Worksheet → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-16 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:47 Understanding the Struggles of Midlife Women 03:10 Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Weight Loss 05:49 The Role of Stress in Weight Management 08:17 The Importance of Muscle and Metabolism 10:34 Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy 13:15 The Scale and Its Misleading Nature 15:43 Strategies for Sustainable Health and Weight Loss 18:11 The Need for Support and Personalized Plans 📣 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a midlife woman who needs clarity instead of another diet. And make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations on hormones, metabolism, and sustainable weight loss.

    21 min
  5. FEB 10

    Power, Presence, and a Changing Body: How Midlife Women Can Dress the Leader They Already Are

    What happens when your body changes, but your leadership responsibilities grow? In this episode, I sit down with executive stylist and image consultant Monique Ross, founder of MDOTROSS, to talk about the often unspoken reality many midlife women face. Your body is shifting, your role is expanding, and suddenly the clothes that once worked no longer feel aligned. We explore how style, confidence, and self-expression intersect during midlife and why dressing well is not vanity but strategy. This conversation is for the woman standing in front of her closet thinking, nothing here reflects who I am now. It is about learning to stop fighting your body, reclaiming presence, and using style as a form of self-respect and self-care. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why your wardrobe can feel out of sync during midlife transitionsHow body changes impact confidence, visibility, and leadership presenceWhat wardrobe mapping really means and why it matters for women who leadCommon style myths that keep professional women playing it safeHow to dress the body you have now while honoring who you are becomingSimple ways to create a signature look that feels authentic and powerfulAbout today’s guest: Monique Ross Monique Ross is the founder of MDOTROSS, a luxury style studio redefining personal style as a tool for transformation, confidence, and wellness. Her work supports women in leadership through intentional, elevated styling experiences that reflect who they are and where they are going. Through expert wardrobe mapping, capsule curation, and signature VIP experiences, MDOTROSS helps women reclaim their time, presence, and power. This is not trend-driven fashion, but a personalized style system designed for clarity, confidence, and lasting influence. 🔗 Guest Resources 🌐 MDOTROSS Website → https://mdotross.com 📘 STYLE VISION BOARD WORKBOOK (FREE) → https://mdotross.com/collections/free-downloads/products/vision-board-workbook 🔗 Resources / Links 💬 Book Your Free Metabolic Reset Session → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui Chapters00:00 Intro00:47 Introduction to Personal Style and Leadership01:53 Monique's Journey and the Birth of MDOT Ross03:39 Understanding Wardrobe Mapping05:51 Signs Your Wardrobe Is Out of Alignment07:56 Embracing Body Changes and Confidence11:30 Transformative Client Stories14:28 Style as Self Expression20:20 Breaking Style Myths23:16 The Discovery Process for Personal Style27:01 Simple Steps to Start Your Style Transformation30:44 Breaking Out of Style Comfort Zones32:28 How to Work with Monique Ross If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman navigating body changes, leadership growth, or a season of reinvention.Hit like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

    36 min
  6. FEB 3

    The First 30-Day Shift That Has to Happen Before Weight Loss After 40

    If weight loss feels harder after 40, this episode is not about pushing harder or finding another plan. It is about what has to happen before weight loss can even begin to feel possible. Most women do not fail because they lack effort. They fail because they skip the most important step: discovery. When your body is exhausted, inflamed, under-fueled, or chronically stressed, no plan will work the way it used to. The first shift is not fixing. It is understanding. This episode walks you through what the first 30 days should actually focus on so your body stops resisting and starts responding. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why weight loss feels harder after 40 even when you are tryingThe discovery phase most women completely skipHow energy, sleep, stress, and nourishment affect fat lossWhat to pay attention to before changing your diet or workoutsWhy clarity matters more than motivationHow the first 30 days set the tone for long-term results🎯 Resources / Links: 💬 Book Your Free Metabolic Reset Session → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Method Checklist → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-19 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui 📣 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who feels stuck and overwhelmed going into this next season. Hit like and subscribe so you do not miss future episodes.

    10 min
  7. JAN 27

    Why Faster Results Start With Understanding Your Body—Not Another Plan

    What if the reason results feel slow has nothing to do with discipline and everything to do with missing feedback?Midlife bodies respond differently, and faster results come from understanding what your body is telling you, not from doing more or trying harder. Most women are not stuck because they lack willpower. They are stuck because they are making decisions about food, fasting, workouts, and supplements without clear feedback from their body. When progress stalls, the instinct is to eat less, train harder, or chase another plan. Discipline without information leads to guessing, and guessing is exhausting. This episode shifts the focus from restriction to awareness so your efforts actually work with your physiology. 💡 In this episode, we cover: • Why discipline without information keeps women stuck • The key metabolic signals your body is already giving you • How blood sugar patterns impact fat loss and cravings • Why low energy and poor recovery are stress signals, not laziness • What body composition really tells you beyond the scale • Which labs and symptoms matter most in midlife • How to track progress without obsessing • Why weight loss happens after regulation, not restriction Resources / Links 💬 Book Your Free Metabolic Reset Session → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download my Metabolic Data Made Simple: 14-Day Worksheet→ https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-18 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this. And don’t forget to hit like and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Metabolic Adaptation01:28 Understanding Metabolic Adaptation05:39 Hormonal Influences on Metabolism08:58 Strategies for Effective Weight Management09:56 Resources for Further Support

    15 min
  8. JAN 20

    Eating Less Isn’t Working? Let’s Talk About Metabolic Adaptation

    In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening when you’ve been cutting calories, skipping meals, or fasting longer, and the scale still will not move. Metabolic adaptation is your body’s protective response to prolonged under-eating. Your resting metabolic rate can slow, hunger hormones shift, cortisol rises, thyroid signaling can downshift, and you can end up feeling tired, bloated, wired, and stuck. This is not failure. This is physiology. 💡 In this episode, we cover: • What metabolic adaptation is and why it happens • Resting metabolic rate and how under-eating can slow it down • The hormone shifts behind cravings, fatigue, and stalled progress • Why midlife stress and hormone changes make this more common after 40 • Common signs of adaptation (coldness, mid-afternoon crashes, 3–4 a.m. wakeups, bloating) • What to do instead: regulate blood sugar, increase protein, reduce stress signals, and rebuild safety If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this. And don’t forget to hit like and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next! Resources / Links: 💬 Book Your Free Metabolic Reset Session → https://l.bttr.to/uctL2 📋 Download the FREE DANRE™ Fasting Strategy Worksheet → https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-16 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoVU03xrDH8WODZsTZoQx0tUsvhT0XUui

    11 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

For high-performing women who are exhausted by weight gain, hormonal chaos, and vanishing energy — this is your reset. I’m Dr. Ade Akindipe, a DNP, obesity + hormone specialist, and health coach. On this show, we demystify metabolism, gut health, hormone balance, longevity, and the root-cause mindset behind lasting transformation. If you’re ready to stop fighting your body and start living with more clarity, energy, and confidence — this is your space.