Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

When it comes to midlife health, women are bombarded with mixed messages: It’s all your hormones. There’s nothing you can do. Just accept the changes. But is that really the full story?On this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I sit down with muscle scientist Dr. Colenso-Semple to break down why building muscle as we age isn’t just about looking strong — it’s about preserving independence, vitality, and living fully on our own terms.We tackle the myths and hype around menopause, hormones, and body composition, and get straight to the facts:Why muscle is the true “fountain of youth” for women in midlife and beyondThe real drivers of body composition change in menopause — and why hormones are only one piece of the puzzleStrength training decoded: how often, how heavy, which body parts, and whether tools like weighted vests actually matterThe cortisol connection: how stress impacts our ability to build and maintain muscleTraining and the cycle: does your period really affect strength gains?If you’ve ever felt confused by the noise online about women’s fitness, aging, and menopause, this conversation cuts through it all. Dr. Colenso-Semple gives us the science-backed “how-to” on building muscle, protecting our health, and aging powerfully — literally.It’s time to stop the myths, stop the fear, and start lifting for the life you want.This episode supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat, November 7-9, 2025 at Kingbridge Centre, Ontario. For info and bookings, www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat. Thank you to our partners, IRIS @lovemy.iris, GoodLife Fitness @goodlifefitness and Avène @avene. Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

The podcast is back and kicking off Season 3 with more myth-busting and more challenging of misinformation with OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter). She's back on the show because the nonsense online about menopause and women's health has only heated up and not slowed down. She discusses the latest myths about hormone therapy, plus the newest hot topics: strength training and protein intake. Finally, Dr. Gunter discusses how the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement and the conspiracy theories it espouses could have an impact on us Canadians up here. Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

After a short break, the podcast is back! Season 3 drops tomorrow, and every Thursday thereafter. Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter), the Internet's favourite myth-busting OB-GYN, is back to tackle today's biggest menopause and women's health social media myths and misinformation. But first, Melissa catches us up on something BIG she's been planning for the fall. Listen today and then tune in tomorrow for the first episode of Season 3! Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

It’s a wrap on another incredible season! Join Melissa and her Tech & Audio Producer, Drew Garner, as they look back on their favourite moments from the season. They’ll share behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard before — including the inside scoop on an episode that never aired and why it stayed on the shelf. A big thank you to all the sponsors who supported Season 2! @lovemyiris@alwaysdiscreet@felixhealthca@avene@sanoliving.ai@cdnhpcassnSTAY TUNED FOR SEASON 3 COMING THIS FALL! Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Travel for women 40+ isn't just about chasing your own Eat, Pray, Love experience. It can be even so much more! Travel can transform us, move us, help us grow, help us get unstuck during a rapidly changing time in our lives. It can awaken dreams and reveal what is possible for our Second Act of life. Whether you choose to take a trip alone or with your closest girlfriends, Travel Expert Heather Greenwood-Davis (@byheathergd) joins me to lay out everything you need to know to plan your next adventure! Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I have an in-depth discussion with The Midlife Maven herself, Alicia Erickson (@aliciae), to discuss how she transformed her body and mind through menopause. Alicia shares her journey resilience and empowerment, proving that midlife can be a time of reinvention rather than decline. From shifting her mindset to embracing new habits, she offers invaluable insights on navigating menopause with confidence and purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on thriving in midlife. Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

March is Women's History Month and includes International Women's Day March 8th. To mark these, I invited the women closest and dearest to me to join me on the podcast - my mother and sister, Clarita and Rosanna! We discuss my mother's immigration story, growing up on the horse farm, interracial marriage, motherhood, our childhoods and how we've made health and wellness centrepoints of our life. My mother shares her secrets to aging powerfully and being a healthy 84-year-old! Episode sponsored by Avène (@Avene on Instagram).Their website is https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_caFind Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

"We were taught how to get things in life, but we were never taught how to cope when we lose them." A LOT is changing in midlife. Physical changes in menopause, empty nest syndrome, career shifts, "grey" divorce, changing health and aging, in general. So let's talk about it. How can we cope with these changes in midlife andhow can we embrace our Second Act? Life coach Tammy Faulds (@innertravelcoach) takes us through the lows and the highs of the midlife transition and come out with fresh and new perspectives on the other side.Episode sponsored by Avène (@Avene on Instagram).Their website is https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_caFind Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Canada's health care system is supposed to be the envy of the world yet millions do not have a primary care practitioner, emergency room visits take hours and hours and thousands die while on waiting lists for life-saving treatments and surgeries. Was it always this bad? Is it getting worse? How did we get here? What countries are doing health care right and what can we learn from them? Emergency room doctor @drshazmamithani and family physician-scientist Dr. Tara Kiran help us understand how today's health care system was created, what's working and what's really broken. Then, solutions as to how things could be made better and what we can learn from countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.To find more of their work: Dr. Mithani on Instagram @thedoctalkpodcastDr. Kiran at www.ourcare.ca Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Relationships are hard! Romantic, platonic, familial, co-workers and so many more. On this Valentine's Day special episode, my co-worker and dear friend, sex and relationship expert Cynthia Loyst joins me to talk about the 5 Cs Of A Good Relationship. But first, we spill the tea about our own relationship and what we really think of one another after working side by side for 12 years! Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene on Instagram).Website: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_caFind Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

In this episode, with psychiatrists and co-founders of virtual mental health clinic, Bria, Dr. Ariel Dalfen and Dr. Bev Young discuss some key points about menopause and mental health, explore why many people are still hesitant to seek help, and discuss how ethnicity and socioeconomic status impact mental health. Together, we'll also cover lifestyle changes, medications, and how to find the right professional for your needs. Finally, we'll delve into the latest research on women's brains through menopause and offer coping strategies for when the world feels overwhelming. Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene on Instagram).Website: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_caFind Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss is back on the podcast to break down seven numbers you should know to get and stay healthy. These seven numbers can give you a snapshot of how your health is today and where it might be going in the future. Learn what the metrics are, when to start testing and tracking, how often and what these numbers tell you about your health. Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene on Instagram). Website: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.ca/en_ca Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

You've been hearing the messages that a lot changes as we enter perimenopause and the menopause transition. One of those messages? It's time to modify what we eat for optimal health in midlife and beyond. This is the podcast episode for you! Registered Dietician Devon Peart of Cleveland Clinic Canada breaks down meal planning through menopause. Your guide to nutrition 40+. Episode sponsored by Avène (@avene on Instagram). Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Did you know that two-thirds of people with Alzheimer's are women? Did you know that women over 60 are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than breast cancer? Here's the thing: Most of the diseases causing dementia starting developing in the brain 20 years before clinical symptoms show, which for many women, is around the time of menopause, begging the question, what role does menopause play in our brain health? The good news is that almost half of Alzheimer's cases can be prevented with lifestyle changes. During this Alzheimer's Awareness Month, two of the foremost Canadian brain researchers, Dr. Liisa Galea (@liisagalea) and Dr. Jenny Rabin (@drjennyrabin), join me to discuss this disease that impacts over 600,000 Canadians today and will impact three times that in the next several decades - most of them, in women. Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

In 2024, the world was buzzing with the name Ozempic as weight loss drugs took center stage. Celebrities were coming forward left and right, crediting these drugs with transforming their lives. The once-taboo topic of weight loss drugs has been slowly losing its stigma, thanks in part to none other than Oprah Winfrey herself, who openly shared that she achieved her best weight with the help of a weight loss drug. But who exactly are these drugs for? How do they work? And most importantly, are they safe and right for you? Who shouldn't be taking them and why. It's time to delve into the world of obesity, Ozempic, and the powerful influence of Oprah on this week's episode. Joining us once again is expert obesity physician, Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd). Get ready for an eye-opening discussion!Episode supported by @felixhealthca (felixforyou.ca)!Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Are you struggling to maintain a healthy weight as you get older? You're not alone. Despite the abundance of information on healthy living, obesity rates in Canada have doubled since the 1970s, leading to an increase in obesity-related chronic diseases. And if you add menopause to the mix, the challenge becomes even more complex. According to the National Institute of Health, women gain an average of a pound per year during the menopause transition, with 20% gaining 10 pounds or more during this period. To make matters worse, almost 40% of women in menopause are either overweight or obese, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. But how do we do this without falling prey to dangerous diet culture? It's time to take control of our weight and learn how to age powerfully. Join me as I speak with top Canadian obesity physician, Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd), as she explains what science says about being overweight, having obesity and how to achieve our best, healthiest weight for life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!Episode supported by @felixhealthca (felixforyou.ca)!Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

As the year comes to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and envisioning the possibilities ahead. It’s a season of resets, fresh goals, and for some, a deeper reassessment of life’s purpose. Are you craving more meaning and connection in your work or relationships? Perhaps you’re ready to embark on a new career, launch your own business, or completely shift your life’s path. Today, Peak Performance and Mindset Coach Hina Khan joins us to guide us through the journey of realigning our goals and discovering our true purpose. She believes that unlocking this clarity could be the ultimate key to tapping into the fountain of youth. Episode supported by @felixhealthca (felixforyou.ca)!Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Their new show is called The Doc Talk Podcast and they're here to answer your questions. Emergency Physician and Pediatric Emergency doctor, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Family Physician, Menopause Specialist, Sexual Health Specialist and medical contributor on The Social, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, answer your questions about everything from menopause, to how to find a doctor, to thinning hair, to heart disease in women, to colon cancer screening and so much more.  Episode supported by @felixhealthca (felixforyou.ca)!Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Joanna Griffiths founded the undergarment company KNIX 12 years ago and she hasn't looked back since. Famous for its leak proof underwear, KNIX has grown into a global brand. Though Joanna sold 80% of it to a Swedish firm a few years ago for a cool $320 million, she remains at the helm of the company and is constantly innovating and bringing new products to the market with attention-grabbing commercials featuring the biggest celebrity names and regularly going viral on social media. She is on a mission to normalize periods and perimenopause for my generation and the ones coming up behind us. Listen to how she has built her business around empowering women, how her company is changing the way we talk about periods and how she is grabbing perimenopause by the horns and helping women take control too. Episode supported by @felixhealthca (felixforyou.ca)!Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Have you ever thought about what you want the last years, months or weeks of your life to look like? What if you or a loved one is diagnosed with an unexpected illness, or you are injured in some way - what do you hope your care will be? Where will you be? Who will be taking care of you? Who would you want making decisions for you about your health, your care and even your life if you were not able to do so for yourself?With the health care system in crisis across Canada, asking these questions and planning are more important than ever. This is an important part of the work the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association does, helping to prepare for the future of healthcare in Canada. It provides education, raises awareness and influences public policy to ensure that we and our loved ones prepare and get the care we all want and deserve when we need it the most. In this vital episode, CHPCA CEO Laurel Gillespie shares her own journey facing a life-changing illness and having to plan end-of-life care and she shares what she's learned to now help others do the same. Check out the new Advance Care Planning Guide at www.chpca.ca or www.advancecareplanning.ca Episode supported by: CHPCA (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association) Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.