The Complete Woman

What does it mean to stay connected to yourself when your body forces you to slow down?In this deeply moving episode of The Complete Woman, host Tori Poulter sits down with Alayne Wadsworth—professional dancer, creative director, and lifelong warrior--to explore how acceptance, self-trust, and consistency can rebuild confidence after adversity. Diagnosed with severe scoliosis in adolescence and having undergone multiple spinal surgeries, Alayne shares how she learned to adapt her rhythms, regulate her expectations, and reconnect with joy—even while living with chronic pain. Rather than striving for perfection, she reveals how surrender, patience, and self-compassion became her most powerful tools.Chapters00:00 — Listening to the Body: A Grounded Beginning02:34 — Scoliosis, Movement, and Early Body Signals05:20 — When Your Body Asks You to Slow Down08:22 — Dance, Identity, and Staying Connected to Joy10:59 — Surgery as a Reset, Not a Breakdown13:46 — Rebuilding Confidence After Physical Change16:24 — Pain, Perception, and Self-Compassion18:54 — Community Support and Healing Together21:47 — Small Wins, Consistency, and Sustainable Growth24:27 — Choosing Self-Acceptance Over Perfection27:05 — Moving Through Life’s Seasons with Grace30:10 — What It Means to Be a Complete WomanTori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

This episode gathers the most transformative mindset, hormone, and lifestyle shifts from a full season of conversations with therapists, coaches, and experts in women’s health.From understanding estrogen dominance and adrenal fatigue, to learning why so many women over 40 feel “disconnected,” Tori and Jordyn share gentle, doable practices that help your energy, mood, gut, and clarity return.Think: better sleep, emotional resilience, deeper intuition, and small habits that support hormone balance naturally.If you’ve been searching for a grounded, compassionate midlife roadmap… this one’s for you.Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage for Reflection00:51 Exploring Emotional Numbing06:54 The Psychology of Time09:47 Understanding Self-Worth and Perfectionism15:27 Embracing Flow and Intuition22:18 Nutrition and Hormonal Balance28:15 The Ripple Effect of Small Changes

Perimenopause doesn't just come with hormonal shifts, it's an expansive stage of life where we get to redefine our purpose.In this powerful conversation, Tori sits down with philanthropist and founder Shalaine Maxfield to explore the real heart of generosity: the healing it creates, the happiness it unlocks, and the opportunities it builds for women, families, and entire communities. Together, they unpack the personal stories behind the Maxfield Family Foundation, the origins of Saprea, and the courage required to create safe spaces for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.Shalaine shares how ambition meets opportunity in the world of nonprofit work, why giving isn’t just financial but rooted in teaching skills, offering mentorship, and starting exactly where you are. They discuss how community service changes our emotional landscape, often easing midlife stress, identity shifts, and the “Why am I so tired at 40?” feeling many women carry.If you’re a woman over 35 navigating big questions about purpose, community, impact, or how to feel like yourself again, this episode offers both grounded wisdom and gentle possibility. It’s philanthropy made personal. Healing made communal. And a reminder that you don’t have to overhaul your life to make a difference: you just have to begin.Press play to reconnect with the part of you that still believes in goodness, opportunity, and the power of small acts to change the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shelaine Maxfield03:02 The Impact of Business on Charity06:01 Ambition Meets Opportunity08:36 The Process of Family Philanthropy11:43 The Connection Between Generosity and Happiness14:51 Personal Stories of Generosity17:29 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Potential20:49 The Importance of Service and Giving23:24 Saprea: A Nonprofit for Healing26:31 Future Aspirations for Saprea29:25 The Role of Family in Philanthropy32:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing35:33 Reflections on a Decade of Saprea38:37 The Importance of Community and Support41:22 Final Thoughts on Generosity and ServiceShelaine Maxfield | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelaine.maxfield/Saprea: https://saprea.org/Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

Midlife beauty isn’t about reinvention—it’s about refinement. In this episode, Erica Taylor shares her most copied beauty tips, from where to place your blush to how to avoid makeup mistakes that “drop” the face. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re micro-adjustments that lift, open, and soften your natural beauty. Tune in for the techniques every woman over 35 should know—and the confidence that comes when you stop hiding and start highlighting.Chapters00:00 The Woman Behind the Brush02:45 The Power of Subtle Changes06:10 Common Mistakes That Age the Face09:25 The Emotional Side of Makeup13:30 Viral Beauty Tips and Why They Work18:45 Subtlety Over Shock: The Art of RefinementErica Taylor | Instagram: @ericataylor2347FB: https://www.facebook.com/ericataylorbeautyTori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

When Allison Sarracino began losing her hair after childbirth, she thought she was losing her identity too. What unfolded instead was a spiritual and emotional awakening. Her alopecia diagnosis became a lesson in faith, surrender, and self-compassion. In this deeply honest conversation, Tori and Allison unpack what it means to redefine beauty from the inside out and how to find peace with a body that’s always changing.Chapters  02:51 Allison's Journey: Overcoming Adversity 06:05 The Impact of Alopecia on Identity 08:56 The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss 11:59 Acceptance and Surrender 14:59 Finding Strength in Vulnerability 17:56 Redefining Beauty and Confidence 20:59 The Role of Motherhood in Personal Growth 23:50 Helping Others Through Shared Experiences 27:06 The Importance of Community Support 30:02 Compassion Through Struggles 33:06 The Cycle of Life and Growth 36:00 Making It About Others 38:57 The Gift of Motherhood 41:55 Encouraging Women to Embrace Their Journey 44:54 The Power of Sharing Stories  Allison Sarracino | Instagram: @allisonsarr Website: https://komigo.me/allison/   Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

Everyone says you have to feel it to heal it. But we were never meant to heal in isolation.  In this episode of The Complete Woman, Chris Yadon joins Tori to explore how emotional numbing quietly shapes women’s health, and how authentic connection helps restore balance physically, mentally, and hormonally. Feeling like “you” again means fully feeling, instead of shoving it all down, scrolling on social media until it boils over and a minor inconvenience makes you cry.   With warmth and clarity, Tori and Chris discuss the rising prevelence of the numbing cycle, the loneliness epidemic, and the simple but radical act of letting yourself be seen.  It’s not just a conversation, it’s a call back to community.  Chapters 00:00  Chris’s Story 08:41 The Spectrum of Emotional Numbing 14:19  Reawakening Emotion and Empathy 18:39  The Benefits of Emotional Awareness 22:22 The Importance of Vulnerability 28:43  The Loneliness Epidemic and the Power of Connection 36:11  Closing Reflections; Feeling as Freedom  Chris Yadon| Website: https://www.chrisyadon.com/lander?oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2F LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-yadon-mpa-3533937    Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com

In this episode of The Complete Woman, holistic lifestyle coach Jacki Volden Russell invites us to see stress not as an enemy, but as a message from the body asking for care. Together with Tori, she explores how gentle shifts—like eating within 30 minutes of waking, morning sunlight, and magnesium support—can rewire our nervous system for calm. This is your reminder that healing doesn’t have to be hard. It starts with listening.  Cottage Cheese Waffles   1 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup egg whites or 4 eggs  2 tbsp milk  1 tbsp melted butter  1 cup flour  1 1/2 tsp baking soda   Blend wet ingredients until smooth.   In a separate bowl mix the flour and baking soda.   Fold the two mixtures together (it’s a fairly thick consistency). Fry on a skillet until thoroughly!   This makes 3 full sized waffles.  Full recipe: 955 calories  111g carbs  7g fats 66g protein   1 waffle:  318 calories 37g carbs  2.5g fat  22g protein  Chapters 02:48 Understanding Stress as a Signal 05:27 The Importance of Somatic Healing 08:09 Cortisol and Circadian Rhythms 11:11 Practical Tips for Managing Stress 14:13 Nutrition's Role in Stress Management 17:17 Creating Healthy Morning Routines 23:04 The Importance of Eating Regularly 24:04 Caffeine and Its Effects on Hormones 25:55 Transformative Changes Through Simple Habits 29:02 The Role of Magnesium in Health 33:06 Building a Morning Routine for Success 38:07 Understanding Emotional Responses and Tolerance 42:26 The Power of Small Changes 45:37 Creating an Evening Routine for Better Sleep 50:30 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth  Jacki Volden-Russell | IG: @jackivoldenrussellcoach FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindbodyconnectioncollective   Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

We all tell ourselves “we don’t have enough time” for the workout, or the next big idea.  But what if you could pull time out of thin air? Who would you be and, WHERE would you be in life? In this episode, Tori gives you her top 3 tips for managing your time and your energy with intention. It won’t tell you how to do more, but it will teach you to do what matters.   Chapters 00:00 Mastering Time and Priorities 11:01 Three Rules for Intentional Living 22:22 Evaluating the Psychology of Time Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

What keeps women from moving their bodies isn’t always time—it’s often embarrassment. In this episode, Luisa Curia, founder of Stronger with Luisa, unpacks how to move beyond guilt, perfectionism, and the “skinny” narrative to embrace strength as your true superpower. Her story of turning fitness into a lifeline—and then a global business—is proof that movement isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about survival, resilience, and joy.   Chapters   00:00 The Psychology of Women's Fitness Challenges 02:57 Chasing Strength Over Aesthetics 05:47 Honoring the Self: The Importance of Self-Care 08:48 Transformative Power of Fitness: A Personal Journey 11:56 Overcoming Embarrassment in Fitness 14:46 Building a Fitness Community Online 17:41 The Importance of Gratitude and Mindset 20:40 Finding Balance: Comfort vs. Challenge in Workouts 23:51 Strong vs. Skinny: Redefining Fitness Goals 26:34 The Scale: A Tool or a Trap? 27:09 Breaking the Cycle of Self-Punishment 28:50 Excuses and Time Management in Fitness 31:44 Finding Time for Exercise in Busy Lives 32:48 The Importance of Weight Training 35:56 Simple and Effective Home Workouts 36:37 Prioritizing Fitness Over Aesthetics 38:46 Addressing Embarrassment in Fitness 42:32 Transformative Effects of Consistent Exercise 43:46 Final Thoughts on Overcoming Barriers to Fitness  Luisa Curia | IG: @strongerwithluisa Free October Classes:  https://www.strongerwithluisa.com/ Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

Rachel Thornton believes perfectionism isn’t about excellence—it’s about confusing your identity with your output. In this episode, she and Tori explore how perfectionism manifests in motherhood, careers, relationships, and especially during midlife transitions. You’ll learn why perfectionism is so common for women, and how to reclaim your sense of self beyond the to-do list. Chapters  00:00 Understanding the Role of a Therapist 07:22 The Perils of Perfectionism 09:53 Perfectionism in Women: A Deeper Look 15:53 The Impact of Early Messaging on Body Image 22:08 Parenting and Perfectionism: Breaking the Cycle 24:25 Navigating Teenage Perfectionism 27:57 Striving for Excellence vs. Perfectionism 30:10 Reframing Identity and Actions 34:40 Midlife Reflections and Identity Shifts 48:32 Finding Peace Beyond Perfectionism  Rachel Thornton | IG: @rachelthorntonlcsw Website: https://www.reframetherapyutah.com/about   Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth   FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr   Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of cravings, shame, and “starting over on Monday,” this episode is for you. Amber Romaniuk joins The Complete Woman to explain the powerful role hormones play in emotional eating. Together we explore why midlife women are most affected—and what it takes to create lasting food freedom without restriction or burnout.  Chapters:  04:41 The Journey of Emotional Eating 12:44 Understanding Worthiness and Self-Love 17:38 The Cycle of Emotional Eating 24:08 Physical vs. Emotional Hunger 28:01 Common Triggers for Emotional Eating 30:01 Emotional Triggers and Eating Habits 31:59 The Impact of Hormones on Mood and Eating 39:22 The Need for Hormonal Education 42:55 Navigating Healthcare and Hormonal Health 46:29 Building Awareness and Healthy Habits 51:47 Community Support and Social Pressures 54:19 Transformative Success Stories  Amber Romaniuk | IG: @amberromaniuk FB: https://www.facebook.com/amber.romaniuk Website: https://amberapproved.ca/  Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth  FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr  Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

Why does weight gain sneak up on women during perimenopause—even when your habits haven’t changed? In this episode of The Complete Woman, wellness expert Jesse Allen explains the powerful link between estrogen and insulin, and how these hormones shape metabolism, cravings, and energy. You’ll learn why your old routines may not be working anymore and the science-backed steps that do work for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. This conversation is both hopeful and practical, offering strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies that support your body through hormonal transitions.  Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com  Chapters 00:00 Understanding Unexplained Weight Gain in Women 01:56 The Role of Insulin and Estrogen 09:07 Metabolic Processes and Weight Storage 19:05 Hormonal Changes and Insulin Resistance 25:27 Strategies for Managing Weight and Health 33:48 Eating Habits: Grazing vs. Intermittent Fasting 

The stories we never speak don’t disappear—they settle into our bodies as fatigue, anxiety, and imbalance. Breathwork is the bridge between past wounds and present freedom. In this episode, Ashley Maas opens up about her journey of healing generational trauma and guiding women toward wholeness through breath and sound. If you’ve been waiting for a reset, this conversation will show you where it begins: in your body, one breath at a time. Chapters  00:00 Meet Ashley Maas 4:16 Breathwork 101 08:35 The Breath as Medicine 21:37 Working Through Wounds with Breath 29:17 The Body Keeps Score 33:26 The Beginners Guide to Healing  40:44 Learning to Sit With Ourselves   Ashley Maas | @theashleymaas @riseupexperiences https://riseupexperiences.squarespace.com/links?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac_yVKS8-sTB33_IzKrWNyLuDpqmmAGVV4UV2mrGpV81Cqs5qZ4L5_IQpVF0Q_aem_20vZBxCyIs8MLRvFMnePHg  Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth  FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr  Shop Shala: www.Shala.com  

We’ve been taught to force our way through life. Deb Erickson teaches another way. With candor and courage, she shares how surviving trauma, embracing her neurodivergence, and letting go of perfectionism opened the door to a life of resonance and flow. This episode invites women to see midlife not as decline, but as the moment to soften, listen, and finally align with their soul’s work. If you’ve been waiting for the right time, let this be it.  Chapters  00:00 Meet Deb Erickson--New Work, Same Calling 01:00 The Mind and the Heart as Co-Creators  03:14  Seeing Obstacles as Teachers 05:56  The Subtle Difference Between Religion and Spirit 09:15 Listening for the Soul’s Song 12:00 Living with a Steady Heart 15:08  The Courage to Quiet the Noise of Comparison 17:54 The Sound Engineer of the Mind 20:47 Meeting Our Emotions with Awareness 23:57 Flow, Not Force-- Complete Without Striving   Deb Erickson | deb@deberickson.com                         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/icaninstitute   Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com 

Have your personal goals been gathering dust? This episode is here to help you stop coasting, and come back to the tools that support the true you. Join us as we reflect on the most powerful moments of the season from Dr. Sandra Dalton, Jodi Wellman, Marissa Lore, and other wonderful guests who’ve faced the midlife crossroads and chosen possibility. If you’ve slowed your progress on past episodes, this is your invitation to recommit to your own revival.  Chapters 00:00 The First Chapter of Completeness  01:48 Embracing Wisdom to Unlearn Old Wounds  06:54 Nourishment and Intuitive Eating  09:15 Quieting the Inner Critic  10:46 Writing Your Own Wellness Story  12:16 The Myth of Multitasking and The Power of Presence  15:55 Creating Space for Self-Honoring Progress  19:05 Getting Good Sleep 24:21 The Incredible Impact of Gratitude  28:25 We Heal from Sisterhood, Not Shame  35:58 Undoing the Taboo-ing of Menopause  41:02 Contemplating ‘The Complete Woman’ Jordyn Bates | IG: @hellofellowtravllersTori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

Life's next chapter is asking for more than survival. It's asking for patience. It's asking you to be kind to yourself.In this conversation, Kara Lewis Newton opens up about raising adult children, rediscovering her purpose, and redefining success on her own terms. Together, we explore how courage is less about grand gestures and more about choosing honesty, alignment, and community. This episode is your reminder that your calling isn’t behind you—it’s unfolding right now.Chapters 02:03 Practicing Patience Through Parenting Changes 10:35 Letting Go Without Losing the Love20:07 Relearning How to Relate 28:11 Finding Home Within33:05 Feeling Complete Kara Lewis Newton | IG: @karalewisnewtonWebsite: https://karalewisnewton.com/Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

Your subconscious beliefs will make or break your long term success (and your sense of self worth.)  Luckily, you have more control than you might think. This week, Victoria Dumé joins Tori Poulter on The Complete Woman to explore the connection between gratitude, self esteem, and living the life of your dreams. If you’re ready to shake off the self doubt and step into your most magnetic season, this conversation is for you.  With experience as a wellness expert and coach, Victoria shares powerful strategies to fuel your energy, reset your nervous sytem, and protect your time like it’s your most valuable currency. You’ll learn how to set “sexy boundaries,” build a community that nourishes you, and align your daily habits with the business and life you’re building.  This episode is your reminder that “Every ‘no’ to what drains you is a ‘yes’ to the life you’ve been dreaming of.” Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:15 The truth about hormone health for women over 30 12:30 Sexy boundaries: what they are and why they matter 21:50 The burnout antidote for ambitious women 33:40 How to align your energy with your business goals 42:15 Community without self-betrayal 49:00 Daily rituals for magnetic mornings  Victoria Dumé | IG: @your_gratitudecoach PowHER Retreats: https://www.bringthegratitude.com/home  Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com

Sam Ballard doesn’t just survive her days—she savors them.In this joyful and heartfelt episode, Sam shares her five “glimmers” that shape her wide-open, full-hearted life—from sacred routines to spontaneous adventures. Whether you’re craving structure or soul, this conversation is your permission slip to show up fully, even in the mess. A must-listen for anyone yearning to feel more alive in midlife.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Living Wide and Deep02:51 Sam's Unique Background and Upbringing06:00 The Five Glimmers for a Joyful Life08:53 Embracing Senses and Gratitude12:04 The Importance of Structure14:45 Building Connections and Relationships17:51 Celebrating Life's Moments20:57 Creating Meaningful Experiences23:41 Choosing Joy and Overcoming ChallengesSam Ballard| IG: @sammy2mebFB: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaballardTori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealthFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdrShop Shala: www.Shala.com

They handed you the baby, but no one handed you the manual for your body. In this episode, Dr. Prudence Hall shares what happens when estrogen plummets after birth, why some women spiral into postpartum depression—and how simple interventions can restore clarity, joy, and vitality. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a masterclass in science-based self care. With over 40,000 women treated, her wisdom is not only clinical, but also compassionate, and fiercely woman-centered. You’ll walk away understanding why estrogen drops matter, why antidepressants aren't the only answer, and how personalized hormone support can change everything. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Dr. Prudence Hall 03:01 The Importance of Integrative Medicine 05:51 Understanding Hormones and Women's Health 08:44 The Journey to Bioidentical Hormones 11:57 The Complexity of Hormonal Imbalance 14:47 Addressing Depression and Hormonal Health 17:41 The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Women's Health 20:49 Hormones and Pregnancy 23:41 Postpartum Depression and Hormonal Fluctuations 26:34 The Psychological Impact of Motherhood 29:38 Questions for New Mothers 32:44 The Impact of Age on Pregnancy and Hormones 35:43 Optimizing Hormones for Pregnancy 38:44 The Aftermath: Recovery and Empowerment 41:31 The Journey to Self-Discovery 44:30 Final Thoughts and Advice 

What if your second act starts in sweatpants, scrolling Pinterest—and one $99 risk changes everything? In this radiant, real-talk episode, influencer and beauty entrepreneur Raya Coleman (aka @RayaHope) peels back the filter on what it actually takes to reclaim your identity, build a brand from the inside out, and glow through the messiness of midlife. You’ll hear how Raya went from feeling unable to express herself in early life, to becoming a self-made social media mogul—navigating hormone shifts, confidence dips, and the comparison trap of social media with a blend of grit, grace, and gratitude. Chapters 00:00 Meet Raya Coleman  5:22 Stepping Into the Spotlight  15:20 Gratitude as A Growth Strategy 23:47 How Building a Business Strengthens Families  24:40 What Happens When a Woman Leads  33:45 Having Grace for Haters  40:09 Relatability on Social Media 45:05 Self-Care Speed Round: Beauty, Skincare and Travel Tips 48:15 What it Means to Be Complete  Raya Coleman| IG: @rayahope Website: https://www.rayahope.com/ Tori Poulter | IG: @shala_hormonehealth FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shala-Hormone-Health/61564605156249/?_rdr Shop Shala: www.Shala.com