Own Your Midlife Podcast: Hormones, Perimenopause & Reinvention for Women 40+

Have you ever said yes when you really wanted to say no? I know I have. People pleasing can seem harmless on the surface. You keep the peace, avoid conflict, and make sure everyone else is comfortable. But over time, constantly putting other people first can start to shape the way you make decisions, how you show up in relationships, and even how you see yourself. Many women reach midlife and realize something surprising. Somewhere along the way, their own voice got quieter. In this episode, I'm talking about how people pleasing can slowly disconnect us from what we truly think, feel, and want in our lives. When we are always scanning the room for everyone else's approval, we stop checking in with ourselves. I'm also sharing three simple ways you can begin reconnecting with your voice again. In this episode you will hear: • Where people pleasing often begins and how it slowly disconnects you from your voice • Two phrases that make it easier to speak up in conversations • How paying attention to your instincts can guide you back to yourself Reclaiming your voice does not happen all at once. It happens in small moments when you pause, listen to yourself, and choose not to abandon what you really feel. Little by little, those moments begin to change the way you show up in your life. This episode explores people pleasing, finding your voice again, and learning how to set healthier boundaries in midlife. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder today. And make sure you are following Own Your Midlife so you do not miss future episodes:) Connect with Susie: Instagram 

Raising teenagers in midlife is a whole new level of parenting and it can feel both beautiful and incredibly hard. In this episode, my husband Anthony joins me as we share five things that are genuinely helping us stay connected to our teens. Because this stage of parenting looks very different than we expected and we're not coming to you as experts, just as two parents in the middle of it, learning in real time what actually builds trust, communication, and connection. We talk about the small shifts that have changed the way we show up at home, how we keep the door open for honest conversations, and why being a safe place for your teenager matters more than having the perfect response. If you've ever wondered how to stay connected to your teen, how to keep communication open as they get older, or why parenting teenagers can feel so emotional in this season of midlife,  you are not alone. This episode is honest, practical, and straight from our real life with a 17 year old and a 19 year old in university. These are the things that are working for us right now, and our hope is that you walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and ready to show up for your teen in a whole new way.  If this episode speaks to you, share it with another parent who's in the teenage years too because we were never meant to do this alone.   Connect with Anthony: Instagram  Website: anthonymclean.org Connect with Susie: Instagram   

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things? Eating well, trying to take care of yourself and yet your body just isn't responding the way it used to? The stubborn belly fat, the energy crashes, the hot flashes, the hair changes and you're left wondering what is actually going on? That's exactly what we're diving into today. I'm sitting down with Robin Nielsen. She's a board-certified integrative nutritionist who specializes in women's hormone health and she is on a mission to help women become the CEO of their own health so they can feel vibrant, confident, and sexy at any age. She's the founder and CEO of Natural Hormone Solution. And, through her programs, retreats, and events, has helped thousands of women around the world, with more than 16,500 women going through her signature Hormone Reset Program since 2020. She's interviewed over 200 leading healthcare experts and has been featured on CBS. Robin is also a proud mom and grandmother, a competitive tennis player, surfer, musician, a passionate cook, and has been married to the love of her life for over 42 years. In this conversation, we connect the dots between insulin resistance, cortisol, and why so many midlife women feel like their body is working against them. We also find out why insulin resistance can often mimic perimenopause symptoms. We talk about: • What tests you should actually be asking for at your next appointment • Why some of the habits you think are healthy (like skipping breakfast or intermittent fasting) could actually be making things so much worse • The one simple thing you can start doing after every single meal that can dramatically improve your insulin sensitivity. This was a BIG surprise for me! You will leave this conversation with so much insight and action steps. This episode does not disappoint. Grab those earbuds and enjoy! 🎁 Guest Freebie Grab Robin's Free Complete Hormone Assessment  Get Your Results Here! Connect with Robin   Follow her on Instagram Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📱 Yuka App Scan food and beauty product barcodes to see ingredient safety ratings (Search "Yuka" in the App Store or Google Play) 🌿 Environmental Working Group Skin Deep® Database Check your personal care and beauty products for harmful ingredients ewg.org/skindeep 📚 The Toxin Solution — Dr. Joseph Pizzorno A guide to how everyday toxins impact your hormones and endocrine system   Tests to Ask Your Doctor For These are the labs Robin recommends requesting for deeper metabolic clarity: Fasting Insulin Hemoglobin A1C Habits to Start Simple, realistic shifts you can begin right away: Eat a high-protein breakfast within an hour of waking Aim to finish dinner by 7pm to support insulin sensitivity Go for a 10–15 minute walk after meals Focus on balanced meals instead of skipping food earlier in the day Prioritize metabolic healing before longer fasting windows Connect with Susie on instagram

In this episode, we're talking about what it actually looks like to move toward your dream in midlife. Whether you're in a season with the capacity to take a big leap, or a season where you're just trying to stay connected to the thing on your heart. Because you are not behind. And your dream is not too late. This is your reminder that the step forward doesn't have to look the same for everyone and that small, intentional moves still count. If you've been wondering: Is it too late for me? Where does my dream fit in this season of life? What can I do right now with the time and energy I actually have? This episode is for you! Your season is valid. Your dream still matters. And there is a way to move forward from right where you are. Come listen for the encouragement and leave with the next step that actually fits your life right now.   Connect with Susie here: Instagram

Fibroids affect up to 80% of women yet too many are told their symptoms are "normal" or are offered outdated treatment options without understanding what else is available. In Part 3 of this fibroid series, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Wright, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Vice Chair of Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world. Dr. Wright runs the Endometriosis Center at Cedars-Sinai and specializes in treating complex cases of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. She's also the doctor who performed my own fibroid surgery. In this conversation, we cover: Treatment options from non-surgical interventions (like embolization and ablation) to minimally invasive surgery The difference between hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and myomectomy and how to choose Why 98% of surgical fibroid cases can be treated with minimally invasive approaches (and what to ask if your doctor suggests a large incision) This episode is for you if: You've been diagnosed with fibroids, suspect you might have them, or have been dismissed by a doctor who said your symptoms are "just part of being a woman." My hope is that this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and clear about your options so you can make the decision that's right for your body and your life. Coonect with Susie: Instagram 

For many women, fibroids stay quiet for years until perimenopause brings symptoms like bloating, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and inflammation to the surface. In Part 2 of my fibroid series, I'm sharing the seven natural remedies that helped ease my fibroid symptoms during the two years I was navigating bloating, pressure, inflammation, and hormonal chaos before surgery ever entered the picture. This is not medical advice and I'm not a doctor. I'm simply sharing what supported my body and brought real relief while I was figuring out my next steps. In this episode, we talk about: The seven natural remedies that brought real relief to my fibroid symptoms Why fibroid symptoms can suddenly escalate in your 40s and 50s The one supplement backed by human research that genuinely surprised me The herbal teas that helped ease inflammation and discomfort If you've recently been diagnosed with fibroids or you're experiencing symptoms that point toward fibroids my hope is that this episode gives you clarity and a place to start when it comes to managing symptoms. Not as a cure. Not as a one-size-fits-all solution. But as options and conversations to have with your provider. ✨ Next week in Part 3, I'm sitting down with my surgeon to talk through the different medical options and procedures available to women who are considering fibroid treatment. If this episode helps you, please share it with a friend who might need it. And don't forget to follow the show so you don't miss what's coming next! Links to Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Castor oil pack wrap  Castor oil (cold-pressed, hexane-free)  EGCG (green tea extract)  Burdock root tincture (Herb Pharm)  Tea Pigs    Connect with Susie: Instagram 

This isn't the easiest episode for me to put out there, but it's one I know someone needs.   Today I'm opening up about my fibroid journey. The fear, the confusion, the late-night Googling (that did not help 🤦🏽‍♀️), and the choice I made to get my life back.   I'm sharing this because I remember how isolating it felt. And if my story helps even one woman feel seen, understood, or a little less overwhelmed… it's worth it.   In Part 1, I'm walking you through the symptoms that slowly took over my everyday life, how hormone shifts in our 40s can make fibroids grow, and why advocating for yourself matters so much when you're trying to find answers.   Whether you're newly diagnosed, managing symptoms, or still trying to understand what your body is telling you, you're not alone. This is Part 1 of 3.   If this episode resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone makes all the difference. This podcast shares personal experiences and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.   Connect with Susie: @susiemclean.xo  

Did you know that we lose half of our close friends every 7 years? That falling in love costs you an average of 2 friendships? And that midlife is one of the hardest times to make and maintain friends? You're not crazy if you feel like friendship is harder now. It IS harder. And there are actual sociological reasons why. In this episode of Own Your Midlife, I sat down with friendship expert and journalist Anna Goldfarb, author of the critically acclaimed book "Modern Friendship" (named a Forbes Top 10 Must-Read). Anna's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and TIME and she breaks down exactly why modern friendship feels so challenging and what actually works to build lasting connections. In this conversation you'll hear: • Why social media gives us the illusion of closeness without real connection • The 3 part framework for wholehearted friendship  • The 5 reasons friendships form and fade • How to craft invitations your friends can actually say yes to  • The friendship tiers and why they're constantly shifting • The one thing you can tell your friends today that will transform your relationship. If you've ever felt lonely even though you have friends, or wondered why maintaining friendships takes so much effort now, this episode is going to give you so many lightbulb moments. I walked away from this conversation with an entirely new strategy for my friendships and I can't wait for you to hear it! Connect with Anna Goldfarb: Follow Anna on instagram: @annagoldfarb Visit Anna's website: annagoldfarb.com Mentioned in this episode:Shasta Nelson - friendship expert and authorWebsite: shastanelson.com Connect with Susie McLean: Instagram: @susiemclean.xo  

If you can't seem to stay consistent with your workouts, you're not the problem. You're approach is.  In this episode I'm joined by Oonagh Duncan who is a multi-award-winning trainer. Her book Healthy As Fck* was a #1 Globe and Mail bestseller and was named one of the The Top 100 Fitness Books of all time. She's a TEDx speaker, host of the top 5% podcast Goals, Grit, And Some Woo Woo Shit, and has helped tens of thousands of people ditch the yo-yo diets and get fit without food scales, gym memberships, or losing their minds. Known for her no-BS, habits-based approach and a knack for making fitness weirdly fun, Oonagh is here to prove that getting healthy doesn't have to suck. In this conversation, we talk about: • Why all-or-nothing thinking destroys your progress • Why sustainable habits outperform motivation and discipline • How small wins rebuild confidence and long-term consistency • How to make the habit loop work for you • How to bring joy back into movement so showing up feels easier in midlife • Simple, sustainable habits that finally stick If you're ready to build a fitness routine that feels doable and sustainable in this season of life, this conversation will make you feel seen and supported.   Connect with Oonagh Duncan Instagram: @OonaghDuncan  Website: FitFeelsGood.com  Purchase Ditch The Diet (Healthy As F*ck): https://www.fitfeelsgood.com/healthyaf/ Free Resources from Oonagh: https://www.fitfeelsgood.com/free/   Contact with Susie McLean Instagram: @susiemclean.xo      

You start the year motivated. Clear on what you want. Ready for change. And then life happens. Work gets busy. Family needs you. And those goals? They quietly slip away. Sound familiar? If you know what you want but something keeps getting in the way, this episode is for you. Vision boards are not about wishing or waiting for things to fall into place. They are about working with your brain so that what you want stays visible, relevant, and actionable. In this solo episode of Own Your Midlife, I share: • Why vision boards work from a brain based perspective • How your Reticular Activating System shapes what you notice every day • A personal story from my early twenties and how a vision board helped shift what I believed was possible • Why trying to focus on too many goals at once keeps you stuck • How to create a vision board that feels simple, clear, and supportive This episode is about alignment. About getting your brain and your goals working together. If you're in midlife and craving clarity or a sense of direction again, this episode will meet you right where you are. 🎧 Press play and take one small step toward what matters most to you.

As the year winds down, you might be feeling the weight of everything 2025 threw at you. In this end of year episode, I'm sharing some encouragement for women in midlife who are tired, overwhelmed, or just unsure of what comes next. I talk about why it's okay if this year didn't go as planned, the surprising science behind choosing the right people for your inner circle, and why you don't need to have everything figured out before the calendar flips to 2026. If you need permission to rest, to let go, or to trust that good things are still ahead, this one's for you! Connect with Susie here: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo/    

Sometimes reinvention doesn't come with a big moment or a clear sign. It starts quietly. In this episode, I'm sitting down with my husband, Anthony McLean, to talk about how change in midlife often unfolds through small pivots rather than one big leap. We talk about the uncertainty that can come with change, why clarity usually comes from taking action instead of waiting for the perfect moment, and what it looks like to move through transition when you are not fully sure of the outcome yet. Anthony shares his own journey from acting to becoming a keynote speaker, and what he has learned along the way about identity, timing, and trusting the process. This conversation is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space to explore what reinvention can look like in real life, especially in midlife, when change can feel both exciting and unsettling at the same time.  Connect with Anthony McLean: Website: https://anthonymclean.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonymcleantv Book: All Fired Up by Anthony McLean  

So many women in their 40s and 50s assume their symptoms are just perimenopause, but your thyroid might be playing a much bigger role than you realize. In this episode, I'm joined by registered dietitian and thyroid specialist Lindsay O'Reilly, who helps women understand their thyroid health with clarity and compassion. Lindsay breaks down what thyroid symptoms actually look like, why so many women get dismissed, and the exact labs you should be asking for when something doesn't feel right. We also talk about: How stress during midlife can affect thyroid function Why TSH alone is NOT enough What a full thyroid panel really includes Where to start if you feel like your labs haven't told the whole story If you've ever wondered, "Is this perimenopause or is this my thyroid?" This conversation will help you connect the dots and understand what could be going on in your body.   Connect with Lindsay: Website: https://www.lindsayoreillyrd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thyroidnutrition.rd/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/57NuH5ptws2KV5bYy3E9ZY              

Have you ever had those days where your body feels "off," but you can't quite explain why? The sleep isn't deep, the stress hits faster, the little things suddenly feel really loud and you're left wondering, "Is it just me?" You're not imagining it. And magnesium might be the missing piece.  In this episode, I'm breaking down the two types of magnesium that made the biggest difference for me. One that helps calm your body, and one that helps calm your mind. I hope this gives you more clarity around what your body might be trying to tell you. Quick note: This episode is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always check with your doctor about what's right for you.          

In today's episode, we're breaking down what it really looks like to reinvent your career in midlife without feeling like you're starting from zero. We dig into why true reinvention doesn't start with updating your résumé. It starts with identity. It starts with getting quiet enough to hear your own voice again, especially after years of being everything to everyone else. I share tangible tools that helped me during my own transition, including the Morning Pages practice and weekly Artist Dates, originally introduced by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist's Way, which helped me reconnect with my creativity. You'll also learn how to shift your mindset from "I'm starting over" to "I'm starting with experience," and how to run simple, low-stakes experiments that give you clarity without the commitment. Whether it's exploring a curiosity, trying a class, or testing something you've always been drawn to, these small steps can reveal so much about your next chapter. This episode is for any woman who's ready for change but doesn't know where to begin. You'll walk away with practical steps, a renewed sense of confidence, and permission to take your next step at your own pace. This is the identity work that gives your next chapter direction, clarity, and the fuel to actually take action.   Resources Mentioned The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron https://a.co/d/bg1RJL7   Connect with Susie McLean https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo/    

If you've been feeling off lately, extra tired, moody, foggy, or like you just do not feel like yourself even though your labs come back normal, this episode will really speak to you. Today I am joined by Dr. Corina Dunlap, a licensed naturopathic doctor, researcher, and womens health and hormone specialist. We talk about what is actually happening with hormones in midlife, why so many women are dismissed when they ask for help, and what symptoms you should not ignore. Dr. Dunlap explains why normal lab ranges don't always mean your hormones are optimal, how changes in estrogen and progesterone can affect your mood and energy, and the connection between hormones, gut health, thyroid function, and blood sugar. She also walks through what the DUTCH test looks at and why it can be helpful. We talk about common symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, PMS, irregular periods, bloating, and acne. Dr. Dunlap also explains how alcohol can affect hormones, why healthy daily rhythms matter, and how foods like flax seeds, fiber, whole foods, and quality proteins can support your hormones. If you've been wondering whether what you are feeling is just getting older or something deeper going on with your hormones, this conversation will help you feel more informed and supported. Own Your Midlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo/ Learn more about Dr. Corina Dunlap below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcorinadunlap/ Clinc - Naturpathic By Design: https://drcorinadunlap.com/health-by-design/ Website: https://drcorinadunlap.com/ Book a Free Consultation: https://drcorinadunlap.com/book-a-free-consult/      

Have you been looking at your life lately thinking, "This isn't where I thought I'd be by now"? You're not the only one. So many women in midlife feel stuck, feel behind, or feel lost. In this episode, we're getting honest about that "off track" feeling that shows up in your 40s and 50s. When life shifts, timelines change, or the picture you had for your life no longer matches your reality. I'm sharing 3 simple tools to help you create clarity, reconnect with what matters, and gently move forward from where you are. If you're craving encouragement, a new perspective, or just a reminder that you're not alone in this season, this episode will give you the perspective and clarity you need to take your next small step forward.

Welcome to Own Your Midlife, a podcast for women in their 40s+ who are ready to reinvent themselves when life flips everything upside down. When your body changes, your career feels stale, your relationships shift, and you catch yourself thinking, "Is this really it for me?" That's when reinvention begins. In this introduction episode, host Susie shares the personal story behind why she started this podcast, from struggling with acne and shame to finding her voice in midlife and realizing she wanted to help other women do the same. If you've ever felt like your best years are behind you, or you're just trying to figure out what's happening to your body and your life in this season, this podcast is for you. What you'll hear in this episode: Why Susie created Own Your Midlife and what inspired her to start this journey What you can expect each week: expert interviews on women's health, hormones, and career pivots plus solo episodes on motherhood, identity, people-pleasing, and finding yourself again An honest look at the messy, beautiful reality of midlife and why inspiration alone isn't enough This isn't just about feeling inspired. It's about taking real action toward the life you actually want. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Hit subscribe and start your reinvention because you're not done yet.