Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health & Medical Director of The Menopause SocietyPart One: Menopause Myths & MedicineMenopause has gone viral — but not always for the right reasons. From claims that a woman’s brain “eats itself” in menopause to this week’s breaking FDA news about estrogen therapy, it’s harder than ever to know what’s true.In this first half of the episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Stephanie Faubion, one of the world’s leading voices in women’s health, to cut through the confusion with evidence, empathy, and straight talk.Together, they unpack: The latest FDA decision and what it means for hormone therapy and women’s health Whether estrogen can protect against heart disease or stroke The state of research and funding in women’s health and menopause AI and Menopause Care: helpful or hurtful? How to discern who you should — and shouldn’t — trust for menopause information onlineAbout Dr. Stephanie Faubion:Dr. Faubion is the Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, and author of The New Rules of Menopause. A professor and chair at Mayo Clinic, she’s a globally recognized expert on hormone therapy, sexual health, and healthy aging — leading groundbreaking research through the DREAMS Registry and beyond. The Menopause Society Mayo ClinicPart Two: Aging Powerfully — The Retreat DebriefThen, Melissa switches gears to share a heartfelt recap of her inaugural “Aging Powerfully” retreat weekend — a three-day experience designed to help women reconnect with their strength, wisdom, and joy in midlife and beyond.From expert-led workshops on menopause, mental health, fitness, and nutrition to unforgettable moments of laughter, vulnerability, and sisterhood — Melissa reflects on what truly made the weekend magical, what surprised her most, and what’s next for the Aging Powerfully movement.www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and tag a friend who deserves to age powerfully, with truth, community, and confidence.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact: beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Guest: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Clinical Psychologist & Friendship ResearcherAs we age, our friendships can evolve—some deepen, others drift, and new ones can feel harder to form. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa speaks with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist and leading expert on adult friendship, about why meaningful connection is vital for women in midlife and beyond.Together, they explore:How women’s friendships change as we age—and why that’s normalWhy it’s harder to make new friends in adulthood and how to overcome itThe link between strong friendships, longevity, and overall healthNavigating friendship loss, loneliness, and life transitionsThe benefits of friendships across generationsHow cultivating supportive relationships helps us age powerfully—with confidence, joy, and resilienceFind Dr. Kirmayer on her website, https://www.miriamkirmayer.com/This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada https://protein.starbucks.ca/When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle.In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time.Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into:The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight itWhat the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardioThe biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength trainingHow just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging wellBecause when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful.As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle.ResourcesLearn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) – https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo 

If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to be changing through midlife — even when your habits haven’t — this episode is a must-listen.Melissa sits down once again with Dr. Sasha High (@sashahighmd), obesity physician and leading voice in metabolic health, for an eye-opening conversation about weight gain and weight loss during the menopause transition.Dr. High breaks down the latest science behind today’s most talked-about obesity medications — and why calling them “weight loss drugs” is not only misleading, but potentially dangerous. She explains who these medications are really for, who shouldn’t be taking them, and why trendy “microdosing” approaches can backfire in serious ways.If you’ve struggled with midlife weight changes, felt confused by conflicting advice, or just want the truth — free of diet fads and fear — Dr. High’s compassionate, evidence-based approach will change the way you think about your body, your metabolism, and your health.In this episode:Why weight gain during menopause is normal — and what’s really behind itThe science (and myths) of new obesity treatment medicationsWhy “weight loss drug” culture is dangerous and inaccurateThe truth about “microdosing” and other social media fadsHow Dr. High helps menopausal women find real, sustainable, science-backed solutionsListen now — and start aging powerfully, inside and out.This episode is supported by Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat and partners @GoodLifeFitness, @lovemy.iris, @avene and @rexalldrugstoreofficial.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com 

Guest: Dr. Shafeena Premji, Menopause Expert & Physician (@drshafeenapremji).If you’ve been told you can’t take hormone therapy—or you’ve chosen not to—this episode is for you.This week, menopause expert and physician Dr. Shafeena Premji joins us to unpack all the non-hormonal treatment options available to women navigating the menopause transition. From prescription medications to emerging therapies, Dr. Premji explains what’s proven, safe, and effective for managing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep issues—without using hormones.She also breaks down the exciting new non-hormonal treatment recently approved by Health Canada, how it works, and why it’s being hailed as a game changer—especially for:Breast cancer survivorsStroke or cardiovascular disease patientsThose beyond the 10-year window for starting hormone therapyAnyone seeking approved, science-backed non-hormonal symptom reliefWe’ll cover what the research says, how to talk to your doctor about these options, and what this means for the future of menopause care in Canada. You’ll learn:The science behind non-hormonal menopause treatmentsWhich medications are currently approved and how they workWho should consider non-hormonal therapiesHow the newest Health Canada-approved treatment is changing the landscape for menopause symptom managementThis episode is packed with expert insights and empowering information to help you make informed choices for your health and well-being through midlife and beyond.EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).Thank to you partners:@GoodLifeFitness - www.goodlifefitness.com@Avene - www.eau-thermale-avene.ca@LoveMy.Iris - www.lovemyiris.com Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

This Menopause Awareness Month, we’re turning up the laughter (and maybe the thermostat) with one of the funniest and most relatable voices in the menopause conversation — Kara Murray, the Canadian mom behind the viral Instagram account @mediocremom76.Kara has made millions of women laugh about symptoms that would otherwise make us cry — from night sweats and brain fog to mood swings and hot flashes that could power a small village. But beyond the humour, she’s using her platform to educate, empower, and remind us that none of us are alone in this stage of life.In this episode, Kara shares how she started creating content about menopause, how comedy helps her (and all of us) cope with change, and why she believes laughter is one of the most powerful forms of self-care.If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of pretending everything’s fine — this conversation will make you feel seen, understood, and lighter. EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).Thank to you partners:@GoodLifeFitness - www.goodlifefitness.com@Avene - www.eau-thermale-avene.ca@LoveMy.Iris - www.lovemyiris.com Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

Menopause is often talked about as if it’s a universal experience — but the truth is, it’s not the same for every woman. Research shows that women of colour often experience menopause differently, with variations in symptoms, severity, and duration. Yet these differences are rarely acknowledged in medical care, leaving many women without the support they need.In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Omolayo Famuyide, one of the few menopause doctors and specialists who is also a woman of colour. Together, we explore why representation in medicine matters and how the medical system must evolve to provide inclusive and effective care for all women in midlife. In this episode, we cover:How symptoms of menopause can differ across ethnic backgrounds — from hot flashes to sleep issues to bone healthWhy severity and duration of menopause can vary, and what that means for treatmentThe blind spots many doctors still have when treating women of colourBarriers to accessing care and the role of systemic inequitiesHow cultural differences influence whether — and how — women seek medical helpEvidence-based treatments and what works best for different womenThis episode kicks off Menopause Awareness Month on the podcast, where I’ll be dedicating every conversation to breaking stigma, raising awareness, and giving women the knowledge they deserve about this vital stage of life. Tune in, share with a friend, and join us in making menopause care more inclusive.Find Dr. Famuyide on Instagram at @layocentre or @dr.famuyidemd, or on her website at layocentre.com.Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com.EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).Thank to you partners,@GoodLifeFitness, www.goodlifefitness.com@Avene, www.eau-thermale-avene.ca@LoveMy.Iris www.lovemyiris.com Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

What’s new in menopause care? In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa sits down with three board members of the Canadian Menopause Society (CMS) — Dr. Shafeena Premji, Dr. Alison Shea, and Dr. Denise Black — to unpack the Top 5 Takeaways from the CMS Biennial Scientific Conference.This conference brings together leading clinicians and researchers from across Canada and around the world to share the latest science and best practices in midlife and menopause health. Together, our expert guests highlight the most important breakthroughs and insights you need to know — from hormone therapy to lifestyle strategies — and how these can directly improve the way women experience midlife transitions.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Perimenopause Demystified – What’s really happening hormonally, how perimenopause is defined, and key insights from Dr. Denise Black’s talk.The Sleep Connection – Why sleep changes with age and reproductive stage, the links between sleep, mood, and vasomotor symptoms, and why disrupted sleep may be a more important driver of health concerns than hot flashes alone.Brain Fog vs. ADHD – Debunking myths, exploring differences, and whether testosterone or creatine may play a role in cognitive health.Lifestyle Strategies for a Healthy Menopause – Practical advice on nutrition, movement, and daily habits to support energy, mood, and long-term well-being.The Latest in Midlife Health Research – From breast density and its role in hormone therapy decisions to new targeted therapies for managing vasomotor symptoms when hormone therapy isn’t an option. About Our Guests:Dr. Shafeena Premji – Family physician and menopause expert passionate about empowering women with evidence-based care, based in Calgary, Alberta.Dr. Alison Shea – Obstetrician-gynecologist and researcher focused on reproductive aging and quality of life in midlife women based at the University of Manitoba.Dr. Denise Black – Gynecologist and menopause specialist with decades of leadership in guideline development and education, based in Hamilton, Ontario. About the Canadian Menopause Society:CMS is a multidisciplinary, non-profit organization committed to promoting knowledge, study, and expertise in all aspects of midlife and aging in women. Their mission is to improve quality of life through research, clinical care, and education in perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging. Resources & Links:Learn more about the Canadian Menopause Society: www.canadianmenopausesociety.org, IG: @canadianmenopausesocietyConnect with Melissa on Instagram: @melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmgConnect with the experts: @drshafeenapremji, Dr. Alison Shea @hormone.md.hamilton,Subscribe to Aging Powerfully for more episodes on thriving in midlife and beyond.EPISODE SUPPORTED BY: Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo: The Retreat (www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat).Thank to you partners,@GoodLifeFitness, www.goodlifefitness.com@Avene, www.eau-thermale-avene.ca@LoveMy.Iris www.lovemyiris.com Producer: Melissa Grelo. Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner. 

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.