If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, and you’re wondering if they could be the right fit for you at midlife, this is the episode to press play on. We brought on nurse practitioner and health optimization expert Amy Wrenn to demystify what GLP-1s actually are, how they work, who they’re for, and what you really need to know about taking them during perimenopause and menopause. Amy is passionate, informed, and totally relatable—she cuts through the hype to bring clarity to a topic that’s been wrapped in confusion and judgment.

In this conversation, we get real about our own experiences, bust some myths, talk side effects (yep, we go there), and explore the broader context of hormone therapy, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and the importance of doing what works for your individual body and life. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already on a GLP-1, this is a must-listen packed with valuable insights.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Welcoming Amy Wrenn and kicking off our deep dive into GLP-1s
[3:10] - What exactly are GLP-1s, and how do they work in your body?
[5:00] - Understanding insulin resistance, perimenopause, and why midlife changes everything
[6:57] - Real-life examples of "metabolic mayhem" that hits out of nowhere
[8:03] - Challenging the lazy stereotype: GLP-1s are not a quick fix
[10:08] - The far-reaching benefits: inflammation, PCOS, cognitive health, and more
[12:10] - Social media hype vs. safe medical prescribing—know the difference
[13:46] - Compounded medications vs. name-brand prescriptions: what to watch for
[17:33] - Who qualifies for GLP-1s, and what do providers look for?
[20:43] - It's not about skinny—it's about healthy: the real goal of treatment
[22:34] - Common side effects: what to expect and how to manage them
[25:25] - Nutrition matters: prioritizing protein, avoiding high-fat traps
[26:38] - Surprising benefits: reduced alcohol cravings, better food boundaries
[28:12] - Coming off GLP-1s: what it looks like, and when it’s okay to stay on
[31:48] - Does your body adapt over time? Amy explains habituation and dosing
[33:32] - The power trio: GLP-1s, HRT, and resistance training
[36:08] - Hormone therapy explained: symptom relief vs. long-term prevention
[40:51] - Why we’re not getting this info from our doctors—and how to change that
[42:24] - Where to follow Amy and keep learning more

Links & Resources

Follow Amy Wrenn, NP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/np_wrenn

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!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and inspiring Wendy Valentine, host of The Midlife Makeover Show and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Join us as we talk about how midlife doesn't have to mean crisis—it can mean awakening. Wendy shares her deeply personal story of rebuilding her life from the ground up, and the radical self-love and resilience that fueled her transformation. We dive into the emotional truths of midlife, from grief and divorce to rediscovering joy and authenticity. Wendy doesn't just inspire, she equips you with tangible tools, mindset shifts, and her powerful FREEDOM framework to help you move from stuck to empowered.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Welcoming Wendy Valentine and introducing her book, Women Waking Up

[2:32] - Wendy shares her rock-bottom moment and the events that triggered her transformation

[6:24] - Reframing "crashing out" as a path to growth and renewal

[8:25] - The lotus metaphor: finding beauty and strength in the mud of midlife

[13:09] - You don’t need a crisis to change: How midlife malaise can be a call to action [14:51] - The most common limiting beliefs Wendy hears from women in midlife

[17:37] - Stepping into the light: responsibility, courage, and becoming your own best friend [22:27] - Introducing the FREEDOM framework: 7 steps to rebuild and reclaim your life [27:27] - From "acting" like your future self to becoming her

[29:44] - Small changes with big ripple effects

[32:49] - Leaping into the unknown: Wendy’s journey into RV life and podcasting

[36:22] - Meditation, journaling, and daily habits that shift your brain and your life

[40:16] - Rewiring your beliefs through neuroplasticity and self-awareness

[43:25] - Trusting yourself and embracing midlife as your time

Links and Resources:

• Pre-order Wendy’s book Women Waking Up: https://www.wendyvalentine.com

· Wendy Valentine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/

• Wendy's Substack: https://wendyvalentine.substack.com

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!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

We're thrilled to bring you this powerful and myth-busting conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist, author of You Are Not Broken, and host of the top-rated podcast of the same name. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or flat-out frustrated by the information (or lack thereof) around perimenopause and menopause, this episode is for you. Dr. Casperson breaks down the science with clarity and humor, helping us all better understand what’s really going on with our hormones—and why we don’t have to just "tough it out." We cover everything from early symptoms like brain fog and poor sleep to the misunderstood role of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. We also talk about how we as women can become better advocates for our health in a system that often leaves us behind.

Episode Highlights:

[4:38] - Debunking the myth that menopause only happens in your 50s—and how "average" doesn't mean "too young."
[7:16] - Brain fog, sleep issues, and the importance of estrogen and testosterone for your mental clarity.
[16:50] - The real story behind testosterone—what it does, why it's not “just for libido,” and how women actually produce more of it than estrogen.
[21:33] - Pros, cons, and controversies of pellets vs. transdermal testosterone and how to advocate for safe, effective treatment.
[29:00] - Why age-based hormone treatment guidelines are outdated and how to start thinking preventively about your health.
[34:30] - Breast cancer survivors and hormones: navigating a complex and often misinformed landscape.
[38:59] - Common myths around risk and how to challenge medical gatekeeping with knowledge and confidence.
[42:44] - The fallout from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study and how misinformation persists decades later.
[44:08] - Where to actually find a menopause-savvy provider who knows the full menu of treatment options.

Links & Resources:

• Dr. Kelly Casperson's Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/
• Book: You Are Not Broken: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/
• Upcoming Book: Menopause Moment (September 2025): Pre-Order Now: preorder Kelly's new book about Perimenopause: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd
• Podcast: You Are Not Broken: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329
• Menopause Society Directory: https://menopause.org/

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!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.