In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Tracy McCarthy, a brilliant functional medicine physician and psychiatrist, to talk about what it really takes to heal—especially in midlife. We explored how functional medicine goes beyond symptom management and instead focuses on the root causes of chronic conditions like anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Tracy's perspective on how nutrition, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle play into our mental and physical well-being is deeply empowering.

As someone who works with women navigating health and identity shifts in midlife, I found this conversation to be a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Dr. McCarthy shares how small, consistent changes can lead to massive improvements and how partnering with your body (not fighting it) is the key to long-term health. If you're curious about functional medicine, overwhelmed by your symptoms, or simply want to feel better in your body—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with Dr. Tracy McCarthy and the power of functional medicine.
[1:25] - Tracy shares her journey from psychiatry to root-cause healing.
[6:13] - The common symptoms Tracy sees in midlife women.
[8:04] - What the functional medicine intake and testing process looks like.
[12:06] - The importance of patient participation in healing.
[13:20] - Understanding the role of inflammation in chronic illness.
[16:56] - A powerful case study that brought it all together.
[21:27] - Gut health: the surprising link to mood and brain function.
[25:12] - The mystery behind why autoimmune issues hit women harder.
[34:14] - Prevention and aging: how much power we do have.
[38:22] - What’s really driving the health crisis in America.
[41:30] - Supplements that midlife women should consider adding.
[47:03] - Dr. McCarthy’s course and how to start your own healing journey.
[48:06] - My personal takeaway: healing starts with the first step.

Resources:

• Dr. Tracy McCarthy’s Website: www.drtracymccarthy.com
• Free Guide: Top 10 Overlooked Causes of Brain Fog, Depression & Anxiety – https://www.drtracymccarthy.com/top10
• Dr. McCarthy on Instagram: @drtracymccarthy
• Functional Medicine Resources: Institute for Functional Medicine
• Dr. McCarthy’s Online Program: The Natural Mood Sol

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.

In this deeply honest episode, we sit down with Nora Neiterman, creative director, brand strategist, and founder of Unsweetened New York, to talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of yourself. Nora shares how building a powerful, authentic brand while juggling motherhood, caregiving, and perfectionism eventually pushed her into full-blown burnout, and why ignoring the warning signs is so common for women in midlife.

Together, we explore the hidden toll of living in constant overdrive and why healing doesn’t start by doing more, but by slowing down. Nora opens up about perimenopause, grief, nervous system work, psychedelic therapy, and the surprising ways her creativity returned once she finally listened to her body. If you’re feeling exhausted, disconnected, or quietly wondering how long you can keep going like this, this conversation will land.

Episode Highlights:

[2:01] – From fashion school to building Unsweetened New York
[4:00] – The moment that sparked the brand and why authenticity resonated so deeply
[7:35] – Why women connected so powerfully to unapologetic messaging
[9:31] – Advice for women with an idea who feel “too busy” or “too late”
[12:28] – Why midlife is actually the prime time to pivot and build something new
[14:24] – When passion turns into pressure and the freight train won’t slow down
[17:56] – Early warning signs of burnout that are easy to ignore
[19:52] – Sleep deprivation, stimulants, and living in constant overdrive
[22:08] – Perfectionism, resentment, and struggling to ask for help
[25:46] – Perimenopause, grief, and the slow approach of the wall
[31:21] – Starting over with micro-steps instead of more “stacking”
[33:15] – Psychedelic therapy, intention setting, and unexpected healing
[35:52] – Letting go of alcohol, stimulants, and old coping mechanisms
[38:56] – Reconnecting with creativity by learning how to feel again
[39:58] – Final reflections on authenticity, healing, and choosing yourself

Links & Resources:

Unsweetened New York Website: www.unsweetenednewyork.com

Unsweetened NY on Instagram: @unsweetenednewyork
Nora on Instagram: @noraneiterman

If today’s conversation resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share Insights from the Couch with others. Your support helps us reach more women and continue having these honest, meaningful conversations.

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.

The holidays are here, and if you’re already feeling that mix of excitement, pressure, and low-key dread, you’re in good company. In this episode, we dig into why holiday burnout hits women so disproportionately hard, how old expectations keep sneaking in, and what we can actually do to reclaim joy, presence, and a sense of sanity this season. From perfectionism and invisible labor to new traditions and deliciously low-effort holiday moments, we’re getting honest about what has to shift.

Together, we explore the inner work, the practical strategies, and the gentle permission slips that help us show up for the holidays in a way that feels good—without losing ourselves or burning out in the process. If you've ever felt torn between wanting magic and wanting a nap, this is your episode.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] – Kicking off the convo: why holiday burnout hits women hardest
[1:54] – Laura reflects on past years of over-functioning through the holidays
[3:08] – The pressure of “perfect” holidays and the invisible mental load
[4:52] – The struggle of asking for help and shedding generational conditioning
[6:11] – Family-of-origin expectations and the identity tied to holiday perfection
[9:03] – The emotional payoff vs. resentment check-in
[10:08] – Letting go of perfect, simplifying, and knowing your “why”
[12:22] – Delegation, releasing control, and tolerating the discomfort
[14:11] – When your aesthetics get in the way of shared experiences
[15:40] – Creating new rituals and letting go of traditions that no longer fit
[18:18] – Low-effort connection and shared experiences that truly matter
[20:03] – Embracing flexibility and shifting holiday dates without guilt
[21:44] – Managing blended family holidays and redefining “the day”
[22:22] – Avoiding consumer overwhelm and choosing experiences over stuff
[23:52] – Gift ideas that foster connection (and zero clutter)
[25:18] – Silent Book Clubs, parallel play, and refreshing social rituals
[26:55] – Reclaiming meaningful ritual with creativity and openness
[27:55] – The power of daily gratitude and shifting the emotional tone
[28:15] – Preparing for others’ disappointment when you take things down a notch
[28:40] – Emotional maturity, boundaries, and choosing what truly matters
[30:01] – Final reminders for a holiday season rooted in joy, not pressure

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 [Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.