Today’s episode feels like catching up with a friend—but one who challenges you to stop playing small.

I’m joined again by Susan Guidi, who first appeared back in Episode 45. A lot has changed since then—and this chapter might be her most powerful yet.

Susan started over as a single mom, built a business from scratch, discovered stand-up comedy, lost 45 pounds at 63, and stepped on a bodybuilding stage at 65. Most recently, she navigated a hip replacement and came out stronger—with a completely new perspective on resilience, recovery, and what it really means to keep showing up for yourself as you age.

This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply real.

We talk about:

• Why it’s never “too late” to reinvent yourself
• The mindset shift that changes everything in midlife
• What recovery, strength, and resilience actually look like after surgery
• The truth about aging, identity, and starting over
• Why lifestyle—nutrition, strength training, sleep—still comes first
• And Susan’s powerful concept: “the dress of possibility”

What if nothing is actually “too late”… and you’ve just been playing it safe? Still waiting for the “right time”? This is your wake-up call.

You can find my friend Susan Guidi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kikimousegetsfit/

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If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

If midlife wellness feels overwhelming, you’re not imagining it.

Everyone has an opinion. Every scroll brings a new protocol. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Lift heavier. Do less. Fix your hormones. Try this supplement.

And most women? They’re trying to do all of it—and still not feeling better.

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Raquel Cartagena and Kristin Brucker, hosts of the Functional Moms Podcast, to cut through the noise and have an honest conversation about what it really takes to feel good in midlife.

This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s real, nuanced, and at times uncomfortable—because the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

We cover:

• Why midlife health feels so confusing and overwhelming
• The biggest missing piece for women over 40 (and it’s not another diet)
• Functional medicine vs. traditional health approaches
• The reality behind GLP-1s—benefits, concerns, and real-world experiences
• Blood sugar, CGMs, and why “healthy foods” don’t always work for your body
• Fiber, protein, and the habits that actually move the needle
• Alcohol in midlife—and the trade-offs most women ignore
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): what to consider and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
• Supplements: what actually matters vs. what’s just noise
• Longevity strategies to stay strong, capable, and independent

This episode is about taking your power back—learning to filter the noise, understand your body, and build a lifestyle that actually works for you.

Functional Moms - https://functionalmoms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/

Save 25 percent off every supplement order courtesy of the Functional Moms:

Functional Moms Fullscript Store

Michelle Doel and Alicia Harding

Metabolism Mastery Class with CGM

https://www.instagram.com/metabolism_mastery_coaches/

https://metabolism-mastery.com/

_________________________________________
If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

This is Episode 200—and one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had with you.

After four years, nearly 200 episodes, and a podcast that grew into the top 1.5% globally, I’m pressing pause on Asking for a Friend.

This wasn’t a quick or easy decision. This podcast has been more than a platform—it’s been part of my identity. It’s been a space where we’ve had honest conversations about midlife, health, hormones, relationships, and the things women often keep to themselves.

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what this journey has meant, what I’ve learned from you, and why I’m choosing to step into a new chapter.

We talk about:

• Why midlife conversations matter more than ever—and how far we’ve come
• The power of speaking up about your health and advocating for yourself
• What I’ve learned after coaching and connecting with hundreds of women
• A major shift in my approach to nutrition, metabolism, and intermittent fasting
• Why strength—not skinny—is the goal as we age
• The reality of building something meaningful… and knowing when it’s time to pivot

I also share what’s next for me, including a new venture with my husband in the nutrition space, and why I’m choosing to be more intentional with my time and energy moving forward.

This isn’t necessarily goodbye—but it is a pause.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s this:
You don’t settle. Not with your health, not with your body, and not with your life.

We still have a few more shows to come, so stick around!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Truly.

_________________________________________
If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

Like to connect? Email me at askingforafriendpodcast1@gmail.com

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.