Hello, Hot Flash: Conversations about menopause, women’s health and mindset for midlife women.

In this episode, host Stephanie Shaw speaks with Kelly Blanchard, certified master coach, about turning awareness into empowerment. Kelly shares her personal menopause story and how small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a lasting difference in energy, focus, and overall well-being. From recognizing symptoms early to embracing curiosity and self-care, this episode offers hope and practical strategies for midlife women ready to take back control. If you have hot flashes during a presentation. Sleepless nights before big days. That mid-afternoon fog that won’t lift no matter how much coffee you drink. These aren’t random — they’re signals your body is changing.  What You’ll Learn: How understanding your body’s signals can reduce fear and uncertainty Why small lifestyle changes like hydration and movement lead to lasting health improvements The mindset shifts that turn menopause into an opportunity for growth. Additional Resources: Looking for a community of like-minded women navigating menopause?  Join our community The Change - https://hellohotflash.com/the-change  Ready to launch your podcast: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking for speaking opportunities? Check out this free webinar. https://www.hellohotflash.com/sef-webinar-landing-page

Show Notes: Why do sugar cravings, weight gain, and fatigue hit so hard in midlife? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, Stephanie Shaw talks with nurse and functional nutrition counselor Katie Kirklin about how gut health and blood sugar balance impact hormones in perimenopause and menopause. What You’ll Learn: The role of the estrobolome in estrogen regulation. How blood sugar swings affect cravings and energy. Functional nutrition steps for lasting wellness. About Our Guest: https://hellohotflash.com/episodes/bristol-stool-chart-estrogen-dominance-menopause Additional Resources: Looking for a community of like-minded women navigating menopause?  Join our community The Change - https://hellohotflash.com/the-change  Podcast Production: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Speaking Engagement Finder: https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder Ep 179 https://www.hellohotflash.com/episodes/how-to-get-to-the-root-cause-of-your-menopause-symptoms?rq=andrea Bristol Stool - https://med.stanford.edu/pediatricsurgery/Conditions/BowelManagement/bristol-stool-form-scale.html

Show Notes  Struggling with fatigue, cravings, or energy crashes? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, Dr. Kourtney Simms shares how Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) helps women in perimenopause and menopause understand their bodies in real-time. Learn how fasting, hormones, and daily choices affect metabolism — and how to use data instead of guesswork to take control of your health. What You’ll Learn: The link between estrogen and insulin sensitivity. How personalized fasting supports metabolic health. Why CGM is a game-changer for midlife women. About Our Guest: https://hellohotflash.com/episodes/weight-loss-and-cgm-for-menopause Additional Resources: Looking for a community of like-minded women navigating menopause?  Join our community The Change - https://hellohotflash.com/the-change  Ready to launch your podcast: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Grow your business through speaking: https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

Show Notes Could your midlife fatigue, food sensitivities, or thyroid struggles be linked to something you’ve never considered—parasites? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, certified functional medicine practitioner Dyna Vink explains how parasites impact 25–35% of North Americans, why they go undetected, and what steps you can take to protect your health. What You’ll Learn: The surprising prevalence of parasites in North America. The connection between parasites, thyroid issues, and chronic fatigue. Holistic and functional medicine strategies to address parasitic infections. Additional Resources: • Ready to launch your podcast: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production • Looking to grow your business through speaking: https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder About Our Guest: https://hellohotflash.com/episodes/parasites-worsen-menopause-symptoms

Alcohol has long been tied to relaxation and social life — but what if that story isn’t true? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, Stephanie Shaw talks with Karolina Rzadkowolska, bestselling author of Euphoric, about the cultural myths surrounding alcohol, why so many midlife women are becoming “sober curious,” and what it looks like to redefine your relationship with drinking during perimenopause and menopause. Karolina shares how small changes — like questioning a weekend ritual — can lead to huge gains in energy, mood, sleep, and self-confidence. If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is still serving you in this stage of life, this episode offers both science and practical encouragement.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women—but most of us don’t realize just how much menopause impacts our risk. In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, Stephanie Shaw sits down with Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum to talk about preventative cardiology, why symptoms look different in women, and how we can take charge of our health before it’s too late. What You’ll Learn: How to recognize heart disease symptoms that often go overlooked in women Why menopause is a critical time to focus on heart health Lifestyle strategies to lower your risk and strengthen your heart today Additional Resources: Ready to launch your podcast: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking? Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, Christianity, and more. https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

In the latest episode of 'Hello Hot Flash,' host Stephanie Shaw delves into the topic of brain fog and menopause with the insightful Dr. Anne Dunev, a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, and certified homeopath. Menopausal women often grapple with challenges like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog due to hormonal and psychological changes. Dr. Dunev emphasizes the significance of maintaining hormonal balance, blood sugar levels, and gut health to alleviate these symptoms effectively. What You’ll Learn: Nutrient-dense foods that support cognitive health and reduce inflammation How stabilizing blood sugar can prevent mood swings and mental haze Holistic strategies for maintaining mental and hormonal balance Additional Resources: Ready to launch your podcast: https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking: https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

In this powerful episode of Hello Hot Flash, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Jessica Drummond, founder of the Integrative Women’s Health Institute, to explore what it really takes to heal chronic health issues in midlife. From gut imbalances to chronic pain, long COVID and hormonal shifts, Dr. Drummond shares her insights on how to move beyond surface-level symptom relief and create true, long-lasting healing. You’ll Learn: How estrogen impacts your nervous system, metabolism, and cognitive function in menopause Why root-cause healing is more effective than chasing symptoms Practical strategies for balancing stress, nourishing the microbiome, and finding joy Additional Resources:  Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, faith-based, and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder  

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, host Stephanie Shaw sits down with Dr. Sharon Berquist, a renowned stress management expert and Ph.D. in psychology, to uncover the powerful ways midlife women can use stress to improve their health and overall well-being. What You’ll Learn: • The difference between chronic stress and beneficial (“hormetic”) stress and why it matters in midlife • How high-intensity exercise and mental challenges can activate cellular repair and enhance resilience • Why self-expression is essential for reducing unhealthy stress and supporting long-term health Additional Resources: Ready to launch your podcast – https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Grow your business through speaking: https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

Menopause is a natural part of life — but when it shows up in the workplace, it can create very real challenges that most organizations are simply not prepared to address. Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, hot flashes, and brain fog don’t stay at home when women walk into the office… and when these go unacknowledged, they can affect productivity, morale, retention, and leadership development. In this episode of Hello, Hot Flash, Stephanie is joined by April Haberman, CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, to talk about why it’s time to shift the narrative from “menopause is a personal issue” to “menopause is a workplace reality.” April explains how even well-intentioned employers overlook this stage of life, and how that oversight creates economic consequences for both employees and organizations. She shares real-world examples — including CVS Health becoming the first U.S. company to earn Menopause-Friendly Accreditation — that illustrate what it looks like when an organization gets it right. From establishing clear policies and accommodations to fostering a culture of open conversation, this episode explores practical ways companies can support midlife women and ensure they remain confident, productive, and empowered at work.   Three Things You’ll Learn: How menopause symptoms can impact productivity, attendance, and leadership retention in the workplace Why forward-thinking organizations are investing in menopause policies and accreditation Practical strategies you can present to HR to create supportive environments About Our Guest: April Haberman is the Co-Founder and CEO of MiDOViA, a passionate advocate and expert in women’s wellness, specializing in menstrual health, menopause, and sexual reproductive health. With over a decade of experience in global women’s health, April has an extensive background in business development, nonprofit leadership, and social enterprise creation. She has worked extensively in Africa, spearheading initiatives in menstrual health and setting up social ventures that drive sustainable impact. Her expertise spans administration, public speaking, training and development, fundraising, event planning, and curriculum development. April is a member of the Women in Global Health Seattle Advisory Panel and a committee member of the ISO Technical Advisory Group. She also holds a Wellness Health Coaching certification from the Integrative Women's Health Institute. Website: www.menopausefriendlyus.com Website: www.midovia.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mymidovia LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mymidovia   Additional Resources : Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, faith-based, and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, we explore how cycle tracking—yes, even during perimenopause—can help you better understand your body, improve your mental health, and support hormonal balance. Guests Laura Federico and Morgan Miller, co-authors of The Cycle Book, explain how tuning into your cycle phases can reveal early signs of hormonal imbalance and help you make smarter choices about nutrition, energy management, and emotional well-being. You’ll learn: How cycle syncing can improve decision-making, productivity, and energy Why tracking patterns like sleep and temperature matters in midlife The surprising connection between hormonal shifts, anxiety, and depression Whether your periods are regular, irregular, or gone altogether, this conversation offers a fresh approach to navigating midlife with more awareness, ease, and confidence.   About Our Guest:  Laura Federico is a psychotherapist and AASECT-certified sex and relationship therapist in private practice. https://www.laurafedericotherapy.com/thecyclebook Morgan Miller is a certified professional midwife, lactation consultant, activist, and birth center founder in private practice.   Additional Resources: The Cycle Book - https://www.laurafedericotherapy.com/thecyclebook Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, Christianity, and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder  

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, we explore what inclusive, whole-person menopause care really looks like. You’ll learn how to identify care that goes beyond quick fixes and actually supports your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We cover why common symptoms like migraines, brain fog, and mood swings aren’t always “just hormones”—and why it's important to dig deeper. Dr. Taniqua Miller joins us to discuss the real barriers many women face in getting quality menopause care—especially women of color and those with disabilities—and how to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed or unheard. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause or well into postmenopause, this episode will help you: Recognize the signs of high-quality, patient-centered care Ask better questions during doctor visits Build a menopause support plan that actually works for you

Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or just stretched too thin? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, former nun turned mindfulness coach Denise Pyles shares how just a few mindful minutes a day (we’re talking less than seven) can help you reset, feel grounded, and show up as your best self. If you’re a midlife woman managing career, health shifts, family, and hormones — this episode is for you. You’ll learn:   How to build “micro-moments” of calm into a busy day Why ditching perfection gives you more peace The surprising link between stillness and resilience About Our Guest: With over 35,000 hours of mindfulness practice and background as a former nun, Denise brings depth and insight into the world of mindfulness. Specializing in creating practical micro-mindfulness techniques, she serves as a guide for professionals in high-stress, high-performance fields like tech. Denise has crafted a unique approach that blends deep-rooted mindfulness practices with real-world applicability, offering valuable tools for managing stress, improving productivity, and cultivating resilience amidst the pressures of fast-paced careers and life transitions. https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisepyles/   Additional Resources: Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, Christianity and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

Feeling foggy, anxious, or just not like yourself? Herbalist and author Rachelle Robinett joins Stephanie to explore how plant medicine supports stress relief, hormone balance, and overall midlife wellness. Learn simple ways to integrate herbalism into your everyday life and why it’s a powerful tool for women navigating menopause. What You’ll Learn: Herbs that calm anxiety and support brain health The vital role of liver health in hormone balance How modern medicine is rooted in herbal practices Please subscribe + leave a review to help more women find their way to wellness. About Our Guest: Rachelle Robinett, RH (AHG), is a writer, herbalist, educator, and life-long naturalist. She’s the founder of multidisciplinary companies dedicated to the art and science of natural wellness. Combining traditional medicine and current health insights with an understanding of individual behavior modification, Rachelle has provided accessible plant-based healing to countless people. She’s based in New York and Costa Rica. Website: https://www.ursupernatural.com/ Additional Resources : Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, Christianity and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder Rachelle's book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/753977/naturally-by-rachelle-robinett-rh-ahg/  

Autoimmune diseases often go undetected, especially in women over 40. In this episode, Dr. Bonnie Feldman and Stephanie Shaw unpack how hormones, stress, genetics, and even your relationships may be impacting your health. Learn how to connect the dots, speak up for your needs, and take a holistic approach to healing. What You’ll Learn: How to recognize early autoimmune symptoms How hormones and stress influence autoimmune responses Steps to advocate for your health and get real answers Please subscribe + leave a review to help more women find their way to wellness. About Our Guest: Dr. Bonnie Feldman is an entrepreneur, health practitioner, researcher, financial analyst, digital health advisor, and autoimmune patient and advocate. Since 2010, Dr. Feldman’s mission has been to integrate digital tech, virtual-first care, and lifestyle interventions with conventional care to improve outcomes for autoimmune patients. She has spent the past decade raising awareness of the largely underserved and growing autoimmune market opportunity for private investment. Her decades of experience as an autoimmune patient – in addition to her 10 grandchildren at high genetic risk for autoimmune disease – has fueled Bonnie’s passion for prevention, earlier diagnosis and improved care for all autoimmune patients.  Dr. Bonnie has built and managed two dental practices and served as an executive with early-stage biotech startups. She also boasts a rich financial background as a Wall Street equity research analyst, strategic advisor and investment consultant.  Website:https://drbonnie360.com/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drbonnie360 Additional Resources : Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Looking to grow your business through speaking.  Check out our list of 900+ speaking engagements - both podcasts and conferences covering a host of niches - health, wellness, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, Christianity and more.  https://www.hellohotflash.com/speaking-engagement-finder

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, host Stephanie Shaw sits down with nutrition expert Dawn Navaratnasingam to break down what midlife women really need to know about food, without the noise, confusion, or overwhelm. As hormones shift during midlife, everything from your energy levels to your digestion can start to feel… different. What worked for your body five or ten years ago may no longer serve you now. That’s why understanding your nutritional needs in this new season of life is key—not just for weight or appearance, but for your overall health, strength, and vitality. Together, they dive into: Why protein is essential—not just for muscle maintenance, but for hormone production, stable moods, and bone health How plant-based diets can fully support your nutritional needs—and how to combine foods to ensure you're getting complete proteins  The Power Plate Formula—a simple, visual approach to meal planning that helps you support brain, heart, and hormonal health with every bite If you're tired of feeling fatigued, moody, or unsure of how to fuel your body now that you're in your 40s or 50s, this episode offers science-backed tips and realistic strategies that meet you where you are.

Menopause can feel like the end of something—but what if it's really the beginning of a new way to live, think, and grow? In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, we explore how women can embrace midlife as a time of authenticity, transformation, and deep self-care. We talk about how to navigate menopause with accurate education, where to find trusted resources, and how to shift your mindset so you don’t just cope—you thrive. What You'll Learn: How to access accurate, empowering menopause education (and why that matters) The mindset shift that helps midlife women unlock personal growth and energy Why menopause isn’t a reason to quit your job—but a reason to redefine your role About Our Guest:  As a nutritionist and women’s health coach, Annie founded VEEV Health & Wellness to support the needs of smart and successful women at midlife, giving them the confidence to do what they want to do, with the energy that they need. An endurance athlete with 12 marathons and 3 Ironman® triathlons under her belt, Annie lives what she preaches. A prior 25+ year career as a brand consultant working with executives of Fortune 500 companies gave her a solid background to serve the wellness needs of those living busy lives. She is a regular speaker to the media, corporations, and lifestyle organizations on various topics of health. https://www.instagram.com/veev_wellness/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniegaudreault/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLyipMEhgM47vMouyKjN3A https://www.pinterest.ca/anniegaudreaultveev/ https://www.facebook.com/home.php https://veev.ca/ Additional Resources : Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Listen to the Limited Series - Christian Women And Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-women-and-menopause/id1742579345

Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I’ve experienced the exhaustion, the thinning hair, the mood swings—and the confusion that comes when you feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with menopause and the lessons I’ve learned along the way—especially when it comes to mental health. For too long, I thought what I was feeling was “just part of getting older” or that I simply needed to push through. I now know how important it is to recognize these symptoms for what they are, and to get real support—mentally, physically, and emotionally. We’ll talk about why it’s essential to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers, explore holistic approaches that have helped me feel more grounded, and why celebrating small daily wins can make a big difference. If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and wondering if what you’re feeling is normal—you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what it means to care for yourself in this season of life, with compassion and clarity.   Related Episodes 215 - Brain Fog Tackled In Under 10 Minutes https://hellohotflash.podbean.com/e/episode215/ Additional Resources Like to watch your podcast episodes?  Well, so do I!  Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.   Listen to my limited series podcast "Christian Women and Menopause" for Bible-based strategies on dealing with menopause symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you’ve tried every diet and still feel stuck, this episode is for you. Stephanie breaks down the 7 most common midlife weight loss mistakes — and what to do instead. These insights will help you build a sustainable, enjoyable routine that actually supports your metabolism. What You’ll Learn: Why “all-or-nothing” thinking sets you up to fail How ditching entire food groups can sabotage your hormones The smarter way to plan meals (and still keep it spicy)   If you love the podcast, please leave us a review!  It helps more people find useful information for their challenging times:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-hot-flash-conversations-about-menopause-womens/id1535385528   Here's How To Leave a Review: For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device: Open the Apple Podcast App on your device. Click on the “search” icon Type into the search bar “Hello Hot Flash” and click on the show Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews.” Click on “Write a Review” and leave me your thoughts and comments! Thank you  

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, I sit down with Leslie Gordon Christie, a renowned mindset and personal development coach, and founder of Buff Nation: 40+ and Fabulous. Leslie is on a mission to help women over 40 break free from limiting beliefs, reclaim their energy, and step into the strongest version of themselves—mentally, emotionally, and physically. We explore how subconscious beliefs can quietly hold you back in your health, relationships, and especially your career—and how a mindset shift can be the key to thriving in midlife.   What You’ll Learn: How limiting beliefs silently sabotage your health and career The connection between mindset, menopause, and motivation A 5-step process to reprogram your thinking and reclaim your confidence Practical techniques like visualization, affirmations, and daily gratitude Why focusing on what you want to create is more powerful than what you want to fix   About Our Guest: Leslie Gordon Christie is a mindset and personal development coach who helps professional women shift their thinking to step into their best selves. She is the creator of BUFFnation (Beautiful, Unique, Fearless, Females), an online community empowering women 40+ through personal development, fitness, and nutrition. With over two decades of experience in health, wellness, and personal development, Leslie is a Certified Proctor Gallagher Consultant, Culinary Nutrition Specialist, and certified personal trainer. Her coaching dives deep into core beliefs, helping clients reframe perspectives, build resilience, and achieve personal and professional growth. Before launching her business, Leslie was a CTV anchor and reporter, associate editor at *Oxygen* magazine, and a freelance health journalist. Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, she grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and holds a degree from Carleton University. She lives in Conestogo, Ontario, with her husband, Kyle, their two sons, Carter and Allister, and their Labradoodle, Ace. Website: https://www.wearebuffnation.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebuffmom Additional Resources : Ready to launch your podcast:  https://hellohotflash.com/podcast-production Listen to the Limited Series - Christian Women And Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-women-and-menopause/id1742579345