Send us a text What if the number on the scale wasn’t the most important measure of your health? In this episode, I share a powerful conversation from inside the very first round of my Midlife Reset program. As we near the end of our 12 weeks together, the women took it upon themselves to reflect on why they joined and what they’ve gained. Their words moved me deeply — and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. You’ll hear themes that so many of us in midlife can relate to...
Send us a text Have you ever found yourself in midlife looking around and thinking… is this really it? In this episode of Opt to Thrive, I share a story many of us will find uncomfortably familiar — a woman who worked tirelessly for her family, on the property, in her job, and in her home, only to arrive in midlife feeling resentful, unseen, and unappreciated. Her story opens up a bigger conversation about what was modeled for us growing up, how those patterns can follow us into our own relat...
Send us a text In this episode of Opt to Thrive, I’m taking you behind the scenes as I prepare for my very first 6-Day Midlife Reset Challenge. It’s exciting, a little terrifying, and full of moving parts — but it’s also the perfect opportunity to talk about something I know so many midlife women struggle with: momentum. How do we actually get the ball rolling when it comes to making changes in our body composition, energy, and health? And more importantly — how do we keep it going once life ...
Send us a text Today we’re diving into a thought error that causes so many of us unnecessary stress and suffering: mind reading. On the one hand, being able to pick up on social cues is an important life skill. None of us wants to be that person who completely misses when someone is trying to wrap up a conversation or isn’t in the mood to hear about our dog because they’ve just lost theirs. But there’s a fine line between reading cues and sliding into mind reading — and that’s where things ge...
Send us a text This week on Opt to Thrive I’m joined by a guest I've been wanting to interview since starting the podcast — Professor Susan Davis, the world’s leading expert on testosterone therapy for women and a globally recognised authority on women’s hormones. Professor Davis is a Consultant Endocrinologist, Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic at Alfred Hospital, and Director of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program. With over 435 peer-reviewed publications, international...
Send us a text Have you ever shared something painful, only to have the other person jump straight into problem-solving—or worse, point out the silver lining? Sometimes, when we’re hurting, the last thing we want is a “fix.” What we really need is connection. In this episode, I open up about my own struggle with learning how to hold space for others. As a doctor and a natural problem-solver, my first instinct has always been to offer solutions. But outside of my professional role, that isn’t ...
Send us a text In this episode, we get back to gut health basics — From the microbiome to what fibre actually is, the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre, and why it matters for regularity, weight management, bone health, cancer prevention, and more. We’ll also cover: How much fibre you really need in midlifeMy go-to fibre-rich foods that are calorie-efficientThe link between fibre, your gut microbiome, and overall healthPrebiotics vs probiotics The surprising connection betwe...
Send us a text Today on Opt to Thrive, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most common (and sneaky!) mental habits holding midlife women back — worry. Not the kind that signals an anxiety disorder — but the everyday low-level worry that shows up in overthinking, second-guessing, decision delay, and imagining worst-case scenarios. You might believe that worry helps you stay on top of things — but what if it’s actually sabotaging your ability to solve problems, make confident choices, ...
Send us a text Today Dr Sims sits down for a fun conversation with local fitness professional Abbey Atkins. They talk about everything from gymtimidation to motivation and mindset when it comes to organizing a fitness routine. Why more and more women are lifting weights after 40 (and why it matters)How to shift your focus from the number on the scale to how you feelThe science-backed benefits of strength training for longevity, bone health, and metabolismMindset traps that hold women ba...
Send us a text Sick of falling off the wagon — again? This episode is for you. That old “wagon” everyone keeps falling off of? It’s not helping you. In fact, it’s keeping you stuck in the same frustrating cycle. In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr. Corina Sims takes a sledgehammer to one of the most persistent mindset traps holding midlife women back: all-or-nothing thinking. You’ll learn why this black-and-white way of thinking sabotages your health goals — and how to replace it with someth...
Send us a text Are you worried about dementia? You’re not alone — especially in midlife, when sleep issues and brain fog can make us feel like our minds aren’t what they used to be. In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr. Corina Sims breaks down everything you need to know about dementia: what it is, how it starts, how it’s diagnosed, and — importantly — what you can do to reduce your risk. From the difference between brain fog and dementia to the myths around genetic testing, we’re covering th...
Send us a text In this weeks mindful moment, Dr. Corina shares a powerful story about a recent conversation with a friend who seemed to have everything — the dream home, the partner, the businesses, the lifestyle — and yet found themselves caught in an invisible trap: a prison of their own mind. What started as a casual catch-up turned into a moment of raw honesty about what happens when we spend our lives chasing “the next thing” — and how that constant striving can rob us of the peace, joy,...
Send us a text Have you ever dreamed of travelling solo but felt unsure where to start? Whether it’s fear, logistics, or simply not having someone to go with, this episode is for the midlife woman craving adventure — but stuck in doubt. ✈️🌍 In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Deanna, a passionate solo traveller I met on the Camino de Santiago. She shares her personal story of transformation on the trail, the mindset shift that made her fall in love with solo travel, and why it’s nev...
Send us a text In this deeply personal and informative episode, Dr. Sims explores one of the most common and emotionally charged challenges midlife women face—yo-yo dieting and weight gain. Drawing from her own journey, clinical experience, and the latest science, Corina unpacks why the strategies that once worked may now be making things worse, how dieting fits into the broader context of disordered eating, and what it really takes to create sustainable change in your midlife body. She also ...
Send us a text In this short and grounding episode of Opt to Thrive, we explore the power of presence—how slowing down and tuning in can shift your entire experience, especially in the midst of the busy lives of midlife women. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now and A New Earth, I reflect on a timeless Zen story about two monks, a muddy road, and the emotional weight we often carry long after the moment has passed. In this episode, you’ll: 🌱 Discover how being fully in the now can ea...
Send us a text Is self-care really selfish? Or is it the essential tool to help us navigate midlife with strength, clarity, and purpose? In this honest and empowering episode, Dr. Corina shares a powerful mountain analogy to describe the journey of midlife — from the effortless climb of our younger years to the rocky descent we face as our bodies begin to demand more care, attention, and intention. You’ll hear relatable stories from Dr. Corina’s own experience as a GP and coach, including the...
Send us a text What if the biggest thing holding you back… isn’t time, money, or energy — but a belief. Maybe an outdated unchallenged belief that is no longer serving you? In this short but powerful episode, we dive into the invisible script that might be shaping your choices in midlife: limiting beliefs. We explore: Why so many women stop trying before they’ve truly tested their strengthThe subtle beliefs that feel like “truth” but are really old habitsHow to recognize the mental stake you ...
Send us a text In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr. Corina Sims sits down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a leading muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a deep understanding of female physiology, exercise, and nutrition. Together, they tackle the critical but often misunderstood topic of muscle health during menopause. From navigating misinformation in the media to understanding the real science behind muscle loss, hormonal shifts, and strength training in midlife, this...
Send us a text This week on the podcast, I'm sharing a story that starts with a quiet Easter Sunday by the campfire... and ends with me doing something that surprised everyone—including me! At 54, I found myself at the top of a hill, questioning whether I should really be hurtling toward a homemade bike ramp, cheered on by kids and watched by skeptical adults. But after a bit of internal risk assessment—and despite my husband definitely thinking I shouldn’t go through with it—I decided ...
Send us a text In this episode of Opt to Thrive we explore a condition that can be sometimes mistaken for normal menopausal symptoms—but shouldn’t be ignored. Dr. Sims shines a spotlight on Lichen Sclerosus (LS), a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the vulva and can have serious, even life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Prompted by the overwhelming response to recent viral social media posts (with nearly 2 million views!), this conversation explores why LS remains so ...