Elevated Wellness

Journalist and new author Stacey Lindsay was my very first guest on Elevated Wellness, more than 70 episodes ago, so having her back to celebrate her new book feels like coming full circle. We talk about why the 40s are not a decline but a turning point, and how this generation of women is rewriting the story out loud. Bio:  Stacey Lindsay is a multimedia journalist, editor, and writer focused on women's issues and culture. Known for her empathetic interviewing style, she has spoken with hundreds of public figures and everyday women for national outlets including Maria Shriver's The Sunday Paper and goop. Her debut book, Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go and Embracing Who We Are, published by Maria Shriver's Open Field imprint, blends expert insight, candid interviews, and her own journey to reframe midlife for a new generation of women. Stacey was also the very first guest on Elevated Wellness. In This Episode We Discuss: Coming full circle: Stacey was Jayne's first guest over 70 episodes ago Why society frames the 40s as a decline, and why Stacey sees them as an intersection The radical act of declaring who you are in your 40s The biggest surprise from interviewing women for her book: how much we all want to talk about the messy, complicated realities of our lives and bodies This is not your mother's 40s. She didn't have space to talk about it, so we need to be loud Why no one can warn you how or when perimenopause will show up for you Slowing down, letting go of powering through, and actually listening to your body Finding a doctor who looks at your whole health, not just one symptom Surrendering to the changes and finally putting yourself first How emotional stress shows up in the body, and why we miss it when we're used to being tough Releasing the ingrained stories about how we're supposed to look, act, and feel Social media as a powerful tool that can turn harmful when left unchecked Practicing kind self-talk, and meaning it The maturity of the 40s and the freedom of letting things go Setting boundaries around what no longer serves you to make room for what you want If you're in the thick of it right now, you are not alone. We are thinking of you Resources: "Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go and Embracing Who We Are" by Stacey Lindsay https://link.amazon/B06lO3mEl Website: https://www.staceylindsay.com/ Instagram: staceylindsay Substack: Stacey Lindsay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.lindsay.549 The Wellness Edit: https://jaynewilliams.com/the-wellness-edit/ Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynewilliams.com/  Instagram: @jayne_williamswellness  https://www.instagram.com/jayne_williamswellness/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynewilliamswellness/   

When someone speaks with passion, they are always worth listening to. That idea is the backbone of TEDx. Today I'm joined by Nick Rogers, curator of TEDx Orlando. This year's theme, The Space Between, is inspired by Central Florida's legacy of exploration and examines the moments of transition that shape us: between growth and identity, between ideas and action, and between where Orlando has been and where it is going next. Nick takes us behind the curtain on what it takes to build this event, choose and coach the speakers, and bring the audience on a memorable journey! Bio:  Nick Rogers is a public speaker and Chief Operating Officer at Story Circle, a live events and marketing company based in Central Florida. He previously served as a Member of the London Assembly and spent more than a decade working in Britain's rail industry. He is also an experienced event host and TEDx speaker, with interests spanning leadership, storytelling, history and transportation. In This Episode We Discuss How Nick and Liam launched their first TEDx event ten years ago in Kingston, England How TEDx is a fully volunteer passion project Orlando's energy: a city of doers working to define its identity What TEDx is, in short: an exchange of ideas How a full day of impactful speakers can shift your mindset The discipline of distilling your message into 18 minutes How to become a TEDx speaker and what the selection process looks like The coaching speakers receive and why prep time matters Curating the journey of the audience through the speaker lineup The differences with every TEDx event because they are independently operated The cortisol rush of being TEDx event Special musical guests Where: Linda W. Chapin Theater  Orange County Convention Center When: Saturday October 17th 11-6pm  Resources: TEDx Orlando Website: https://tedxorlando.live/ Search: TEDx orlando for more discount codes For 10% off use code: KEN10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedxorlando/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tedxorlandolive/ Website: https://nickrogershq.com/ Purchase Tickets to The Wellness Edit Event with Jayne Williams: https://jaynewilliams.com/the-wellness-edit/ Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynewilliams.com/  Instagram: @jayne_williamswellness  https://www.instagram.com/jayne_williamswellness/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynewilliamswellness/  

Something is shifting in the conversation around women's health — and it feels like an awakening. For too long, perimenopause and menopause were dismissed, undertreated, and poorly understood, leaving millions of women to navigate one of the most significant biological transitions of their lives without adequate information or support. That is changing. Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner, internationally recognized wellness expert, and author of the new book The Menopause Gut, joins Jayne on Elevated Wellness to help women understand exactly what is happening in their bodies — and what they can do about it. This conversation is equal parts science and permission slip. You are not stuck. You are not broken. And you are absolutely not alone. ABOUT CYNTHIA THURLOW Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author, and international speaker whose second TEDx talk, Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique, has amassed over 15 million views. With more than 25 years of experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized authority on perimenopause, menopause, and intermittent fasting. She has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her mission is to empower women to live their most optimal lives through perimenopause and beyond. IN THIS EPISODE Cynthia shares the personal turning point that set her on this path — a vacation with her husband where they ate the same food, but she alone experienced severe food poisoning. That experience, layered on top of her own perimenopause journey, ignited a deep dive into the dynamic physiological changes women face during this life stage and how profoundly they are connected to gut health. Out of that research and lived experience came her new book, The Menopause Gut. Throughout this conversation, Cynthia and Jayne explore the gut as an ecosystem — one that is intimately connected to every other system in the body and that becomes especially vulnerable and changeable during the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause. The discussion moves through the science and the practical, from methylation and histamine reactivity to bloodwork, stool testing, and how to advocate for yourself in a clinical setting. KEY TOPICS COVERED The Personal Catalyst (5:45) A food poisoning episode on vacation became a love letter to her own curiosity. Cynthia describes how that experience, combined with perimenopause, sent her searching for answers and ultimately shaped the foundation of her book. The Litmus Test (7:35) Perimenopause became a litmus test for everything — revealing what was working in her health, her habits, and her life, and what was no longer serving her. She adopted a powerful personal standard: if it was not a full yes, it became a clear no. What Thriving Actually Looks Like (11:50) Thriving in this season of life looks different for every woman. Cynthia reframes perimenopause not as a decline but as a genuine opportunity to discover with clarity what works specifically for you — your body, your biology, your life. The Hormone Symphony (17:20) Hormones do not operate in isolation — they function as a symphony. Cynthia explains how to recognize when that symphony is off, what it sounds like physiologically, and what levers women can pull to bring it back into harmony. She also introduces methylation — what it is, why it matters during perimenopause, and how it affects hormone metabolism and overall health. Start With the Basics (22:50) Before diving into advanced interventions, Cynthia emphasizes that the foundation must be solid. Food quality, sleep, movement, and stress management are not secondary considerations — they are the starting point for everything that follows. The Individual Approach (24:45) There is no universal protocol for perimenopause. Working with knowledgeable, proficient providers who understand the individuality of this transition is essential. Cynthia recommends beginning with comprehensive bloodwork and stool testing to establish a true baseline and advocates strongly for patients to ask questions, push back when needed, and ensure that every test ordered has a clear purpose and a provider capable of offering accurate interpretation. Histamine Reactivity (33:00) This phase of life can bring new or worsening histamine reactions that many women do not connect to their hormonal shifts. Cynthia discusses the awareness and practical strategies available to manage this often-overlooked symptom. Red Flags (37:42) Knowing which symptoms to take seriously and when to push for deeper investigation is a critical skill. Cynthia walks through the red flags that warrant attention and should not be attributed simply to aging or stress. The Gut Clock (44:35) What worked for your gut in your twenties and thirties is not the same calibration your body needs in your forties and fifties. The hormonal environment changes the gut environment, and understanding that timeline is key to working with your body rather than against it. De-Stress to Reset (45:37) Chronic stress is one of the most underestimated disruptors of gut health and hormonal balance. Cynthia discusses the physiological connection between the stress response and gut function, and practical ways to interrupt that cycle. The Malleable Gut (48:48) One of the most encouraging truths in this conversation: the gut is remarkably adaptable. Wherever you are starting from, healing and improvement are possible. You do not need a perfect starting point — you just need a starting point. Finding Your Voice (49:55) Cynthia closes with a call to intention. Age on your own terms. Find your voice in the healthcare system and in your own life. Live with purpose. This chapter of life, approached with the right knowledge and the right support, can be one of the most powerful yet. Resources: Website:https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ Instagram:@cynthia_thurlow_ Facebook: cynthia.thurlow The Menopause Gut  by: Cynthia Thurlow For 15% off at Beast Blenders follow this link: https://thebeast.com/?aspr_ref=JAYNEW&transaction_id=10235ffb3967985d8b6eabf9d03123  Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynewilliams.com/  Instagram: @jayne_williamswellness  https://www.instagram.com/jayne_williamswellness/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynewilliamswellness/   

Wellness with intention is always my favorite kind,  especially when it's born from motherhood, advocacy, and a refusal to accept the status quo. In this week's episode, I sit down with Arielle Moody, founder of Mama Sol, whose journey into clean sunscreen began during one of the most vulnerable and transformative seasons of her life: pregnancy. After discovering how many potentially harmful ingredients were hiding in everyday skincare products, Arielle set out on a deeply personal mission to create a sunscreen she felt safe using while carrying her unborn child. What she found along the way was a major gap in the market: mineral sunscreens that felt heavy, left a white cast, and were anything but luxurious. Drawing on her extensive background in beauty product development, from training for major cosmetic brands to leading formulation and packaging innovation, Arielle combined science, safety, and sensory experience to create a sunscreen that protects, nourishes, and elevates daily skincare into a wellness ritual. This conversation goes far beyond SPF. We explore skin health as a metabolic and inflammatory conversation, the concept of "inflammaging," and why daily sun protection is one of the most overlooked longevity tools. If you've ever questioned what's really in your skincare, wondered how to choose safer products during pregnancy, or wanted sun protection that feels like a spa treatment rather than a chore — this episode is for you. Bio:  While pregnant with her first child, shocked by how many toxic ingredients were lurking in everyday products, and after trying dozens of natural mineral sunscreens, Arielle was determined to create one that 1) didn't make her immediately want to wash her face, and 2) didn't leave a white cast on her skin. Oh, and it needed to be something she looked forward to using daily. No biggie. As Mama Sol's product development whisperer, Arielle has been immersed in the beauty industry her entire adult life. Starting as a beauty sales trainer for Smashbox, Dr. Perricone, and Bite Beauty, then rising to become the head of product development for Skinn Cosmetics and, most recently, the head of sales for a leading cosmetics packaging and formulation company, she's always known one thing—that she would one day create her own product, something truly different that had never been seen before. In This Episode, We Discuss: The connection between sun exposure, skin inflammation, and "inflammaging" How pregnancy sparked Arielle's mission to create a non-toxic sunscreen The hidden ingredients in conventional sun care products Why mineral sunscreen often fails — and how Mama Sol changed that Creating a product that feels luxurious enough for daily use The story behind the name "Mama Sol" Climate-conscious formulation and packaging efforts Common misconceptions about sunscreen safety and effectiveness The cumulative skin damage most people don't realize is happening How to incorporate sun protection seamlessly into your wellness routine Arielle's personal skincare and daily wellness rituals Resources: Website: MamaSol YOUR BEST FREEBIE - For anyone listening, you can use ELEVATEDMAMA15 at shopmamasol.com to receive 15% your first purchase (free shipping is included)! Instagram: @shopmamasol Twitter: @shopmamasol Facebook: Mama Sol Soursop Nutrition: Use this link:  https://www.soursopnutrition.com/jayne for 20% discount off $50 or more Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynewilliams.com/  Instagram: @jayne_williamswellness  https://www.instagram.com/jayne_williamswellness/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynewilliamswellness/   

Micro-algae created oxygen on Earth—and without it, life as we know it wouldn't exist. But what if this ancient organism is also one of the most powerful, overlooked tools for modern wellness? In this episode, I'm joined by Jo Colan, co-founder of Zivo Life, to explore the origin story of micro-algae and its profound role in human health. From survival biology and nutrient density to sustainability and ritual, we unpack why micro-algae functions as a true whole-food multivitamin rather than a supplement. Jo shares how a pivotal seminar in 2020 altered the trajectory of her life, leading her from high-level media and brand storytelling into the world of algae-based wellness. We dive into Zivo Life's meticulous, hands-on cultivation process, rigorous quality testing, and the ceremonial traditions that honor the land and water where this living superfood is grown. This conversation bridges ancient life science with modern wellness, offering a new lens on nourishment, sustainability, and creating daily rituals that support both personal health and planetary well-being. Bio:  Jo Colan is a holistic health coach and co-founder of Zivolife, bringing a proprietary, patented microalgae species to market for the first time for its distinctive nutrient profile and health benefits. An Institute for Integrative Nutrition graduate and FirstLine Therapy–certified, she worked alongside MDs in NYC implementing nutrition programs. Jo also has a media background with MTV, Discovery, and BBC, helping her bridge science, storytelling, and consumer wellness. In This Episode We Discuss: How micro-algae created oxygen and made life on Earth possible Why algae is considered one of the most resilient species on the planet Micro-algae as a true whole-food multivitamin The difference between synthetic supplements and living nutrition Zivo Life's hands-on cultivation and quality control process Sustainability from growth to packaging Honoring nature through ceremonial traditions Creating a daily wellness ritual that gives back to yourself Resources: Website: www.Zivo.life Instagram: @zivo.life LinkedIn: jocolan For 20% off your first order of Zivo use code: https://zivo.life/?ref=jdoe  or use coupon code JAYNEWILLIAMS at checkout For 15 percent off at Beast Blender use this link: https://thebeast.com/?ref=JAYNEW&transaction_id=102c3686ad9917625d0422fcf71be6 Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynewilliams.com/  Instagram: @jayne_williamswellness  https://www.instagram.com/jayne_williamswellness/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynewilliamswellness/