In this episode, we break down why midlife women often struggle with boundaries, how early conditioning plays a role, and how to set strong yet flexible boundaries without guilt.

You’ll learn how to recognize your needs, communicate your boundaries confidently (especially at work), and navigate the uncomfortable rebound that comes with change.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of your own boundaries and practical steps to communicate them in a way that supports your energy, well-being, and relationships.

If you’re ready to reclaim your energy and stop feeling drained by everyone else’s demands, this episode is for you!

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

This week, I’m joined by Debbie Lash—yoga teacher, health coach, and psychedelic breath facilitator—who shares her powerful midlife transformation story.

Debbie walked away from a high-powered corporate career after a major wake-up call—hitting rock bottom. Her journey led her to deep healing through yoga and psychedelic breathwork, and ultimately, to a life of purpose and alignment.

"I started by getting a rash on my body, and that rash put me into bed. I had aches and pains, but I actually couldn't get out of bed for three weeks."

In this conversation, Debbie opens up about the challenges she’s faced, from adoption and abandonment wounds to the emotional complexity of reconnecting with her birth family. She shares how midlife, menopause, and breathwork have shaped her path, and what it really takes to navigate deep personal transformation.

We also explore the power of psychedelic breathwork—what makes it different, how it helps access the subconscious, and why it’s a profound tool for healing.

If you’re feeling stuck, on the edge of change, or simply curious about what’s possible in midlife, this episode is for you.

The Self-Care Affair – A one-day retreat in New Plymouth 📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025

https://events.humanitix.com/debbie-lash-presents-the-self-care-affair

About Debbie Lash

Debbie Lash is a seasoned Yoga Teacher, Health Coach, and certified Psychedelic Breath Facilitator, now living in the beautiful surroundings of Mallorca, Spain. She leads transformative retreats and workshops worldwide, creating an inviting space with her innate warmth and contagious energy, ensuring everyone feels seen and welcomed.

Having previously resided in Los Angeles for seven years, Debbie honed her skills by completing a 500-hour RYT Teacher Training with YogaWorks and earning certification as an IIN Health Coach. Her influence has extended beyond studio walls, reaching celebrities, surgeons, families, couples, and even enriching children's lives through a dedicated kids yoga program at her children’s school.

After overcoming her own challenges with gut health, Debbie empathetically understands the complexities of healing and specializes in a holistic approach to help others reclaim control over their health. Her guiding mantra, "You are just one decision away from change," reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals on their wellness journey.

https://www.debbielash.com/

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

This week, I'm inviting you to explore the transformative journey of menopause with my special guest Priscilla Te Hau. Priscilla is the founder of the Ruahine Menopause Empowerment Symposium taking place in Rotorua December 14, 2024.

As soon as I saw that the symposium was happening I knew I needed to learn more about this groundbreaking event and was thrilled that Priscilla agreed to kōrero with me about her journey through Ruahinetanga menopause and how this became the driving force behind creating the Ruahine Menopause Empowerment Symposium, which aims to reignite indigenous knowledge surrounding menopause.

We dive deep into the emotions and energies surrounding midlife, and we examine the urgent need for a framework supporting wāhine through midlife changes and how Priscilla is pioneering this shift with her symposium, which brings together experts to talk about everything from Te Ao Māori perspective of menopause and ageing, to specific rongoā for menopause symptoms.

Be sure to check out Priscilla’s symposium on December 14th and explore the resources available for our listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of midlife changes.

Click here to learn more about Priscilla’s symposium and register!

Wāhine referenced in this episode:

Ngahuia Murphy - https://www.ngahuiamurphy.com/intuitive-ritual

Dr Aroha Yates-Smith

Awhitia Mihaere

Te Raina Ferris

About Priscilla Te Hau:

Founding Director

Te Ohomauri Innovations

TOI Wāhine Empowerment

Priscilla holds a postgraduate qualification in Māori and Indigenous Leadership and is working towards completing the master’s degree in the same field. She also completed a Certificate in Indigenous Research, which, alongside her studies in social work and counseling, guided her towards her true passion: developing kaupapa Māori programs and cultural frameworks.

Throughout her career, Priscilla has been dedicated to creating culturally aligned support systems. Notable achievements include developing a women’s program at Emerge Aotearoa and designing a Māori model of practice that reflects the organisation’s values and processes. While at Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue, Priscilla developed the framework and processes for The Whare Manaaki program, which now underpins the supported housing pathways delivered by Lifewise.

Her work Is driven by a commitment to empowering wāhine and whānau through culturally grounded and community-focused initiatives.

Ruahine Menopause Facebook Group

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

This week, I'm delving into the impactful journey of Laura Valvasori, a business and well-being mentor who made the decision to transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle.

But what do we do when a glass of wine is so ingrained in our culture and habits around socialising, relaxing and even connection? Laura's strategies set the path for maintaining friendships while transforming your relationship with alcohol.

What I loved about Laura's perspective is that she guides women to understand why they might choose to live alcohol-free clearly, creates the structures to try this on for a time, and then make a choice based on your experience and findings - this is so different to while knuckling going alcohol-free for 30 days for example - and I believe is the secret to her success.

In our discussion, Laura shares her initial feelings of loneliness when she first quit drinking and how she used non-alcoholic alternatives to stay engaged during social gatherings.

We explore the physical symptoms and misalignment in her life that led to her decision and how she continued to have an active social life without feeling deprived.

Join me as we unpack the conversation around giving up alcohol and the pivotal moments that led Laura to create her program, "Still Me, But Alcohol Free." We delve into the emotional and physical shifts experienced after going alcohol-free and the importance of documenting alcohol-free experiences to reinforce new beliefs about fun and socializing without alcohol.

Laura's insights provide valuable support for women navigating midlife, menopause, and the decision to shift to an alcohol-free life, offering a strong foundation for behavior change.

Join us as we explore Laura's journey, providing invaluable insight and guidance for women seeking to create a change in their relationship with alcohol.

About Laura Valvasori: Laura Valvasori is a Business & Well-Being Mentor, the Author of Good to Grow: Cultivate Your Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur, a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, and the creator of the Still Me, But Alcohol-Free program.

Like many women, in her early forties, Laura started feeling like alcohol was no longer agreeing with her body and drinking was starting to feel out of alignment with her otherwise healthy lifestyle. After hitting a breaking point, she decided to "try on" going alcohol-free in a quest to feel better. Today, over 3 years later, she lives happily alcohol-free. She is now passionate about sharing what she's learned to guide other women through the journey of shifting to an alcohol-free life.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Still Me, But Alcohol-Free is a 6-week program, designed for mid-life women, to guide you through "trying on" going alcohol-free with the right mindset, tools, and support to help you be successful. The program is available in a self-guided format or group program with the next group program starting September 23rd, 2024. Find out more at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/still-me-alcohol-free

FREE RESOURCES: Sign up for Laura’s FREE 40-minute on-demand MentorClass “Five Hacks to a Happier Happy Hour Alcohol-Free” you'll learn strategies to help you "try on" socializing alcohol-free, while still having fun!

Free sign-up to watch: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/five-hacks-mentorclass-on-demand

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

In my early adulthood, I became really good at tolerating stress and distress—a skill that served me well at the time. But what if that excessive tolerance is now draining your vitality, joy, and life satisfaction? We all have blind spots, that is the nature of being human, and in this episode I open up about my personal journey through perimenopause and midlife, sharing my own blind spots and how I came to see things with fresh eyes. We explore the fine line between healthy distress tolerance and what I call "maladaptive tolerance," where psychological endurance starts to hold you back. We discuss the difference between resilience and chronic distress tolerance, and how it might be keeping you stuck, limiting your ability to make meaningful changes in your life. We also examine where you might tolerate too much, missing opportunities for greater vitality and passion. This episode is all about regulating your tolerance to distress and bringing it back into the zone of vitality. Ready for an eye-opening conversation? Let’s dive into the episode, and let me know what you think! I'd love to hear if you have a similar experience.

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Kendall North, a holistic dietitian who is reshaping the way women approach their health and well-being during midlife. Kendall is a leading NZ registered dietitian, integrating her extensive professional background; spanning health, nutrition, dietetics, fitness, education, & culinary specialities.

We delved into the societal pressures on weight control, especially during perimenopause, and the importance of addressing the underlying emotional and nutritional needs rather than solely focusing on weight loss efforts. Kendall emphasized the need for a mindset shift from weight loss to overall well-being and gratitude for our bodies.

Kendall's insights on the interconnectedness of physical well-being, nutrition, and energy levels truly resonated with me, sparking a deep conversation about the impact of undernourishment due to years of dieting and restrictive interventions.

Kendall and I shared personal experiences and discussed the need to listen to our bodies, embrace self-compassion, and nurture a positive relationship with our bodies, regardless of physical appearance. It was a heartfelt discussion that emphasized the liberation and empowerment that comes with embracing our authentic selves during midlife.

Kendall delved into the consequences of poor nutrition and the challenges of cognitive distortions around food and weight loss. It was a powerful reminder of the significance of nourishing our bodies for long-term well-being and the journey towards liberation from societal expectations.

Our conversation left me feeling open and connected to gratitude for my physical body, so grab your headphones and be inspired by Kendall's advanced perspective on weight, diet and nutrition.

About Kendall North Holistic Dietician:

Kendall is a leading NZ registered dietitian, integrating her extensive professional background; spanning health, nutrition, dietetics, fitness, education, & culinary specialities.

Now a specialist behaviour change coach, educator, & presenter in the health & nutrition field, her passion for helping people has never been greater. Her diverse expertise in nutrition encompasses food, eating, the body & behaviour. Kendall utilises clinical assessment & education combined with behavioural & mindset coaching to assist her clients as she understands even when people know what healthy eating looks like, they struggle to do it consistently & happily within their complex personal situations.

Kendall continues working with a huge variety of clientele; from the clinically unwell, who seek better health outcomes, women changing their relationship to food & their bodies, through to the athlete striving to maximise training & performance goals.

www.deeplynourished.co.nz

Follow Kendall on Instagram: @deeply.nourished.dietitian

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Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

The Importance of Having Hard Conversations: "And often that's with people that are external to us, but it also works on an internal level as well. We very often are in avoidance of our own hard conversations to have with ourselves because avoidance feels easier."

This week, we delved into the complexities of navigating midlife and learned about the profound impact of hard conversations on getting unstuck.

I shared three powerful breakthrough strategies for overcoming that feeling of being stuck. From understanding what's in our control and practicing radical acceptance to the rocking chair test and the importance of sharing the load, these tools offer practical ways to break free from stagnation and move forward.

Join me as we explore these transformative breakthroughs and discover how they can empower you to navigate the challenges of midlife with confidence and courage.

For more in-depth exploration and guidance on these breakthrough strategies, don't miss out on the Midlife Upgrade course. It's an opportunity to go even deeper and discover a roadmap for psychological freedom in midlife. Visit my website for all the details and join me on this transformative journey. I can't wait to have you aboard. Much love, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course: https://meegancare.co.nz/course/

Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

"I am disconnected from my inner knowing." This is a far-too-common experience for us, so this week on the podcast, we delve into the deep journey of reconnecting with our inner wisdom and gut instinct during midlife and menopause.

I share personal experiences and insights, we examine how the historical suppression of women's intuition has impacted our modern-day connection with inner knowing.

Amid the hormonal flux and psychological changes of perimenopause, many women feel a disconnection from their intuition, leading to dissatisfaction and uncertainty about their path and life choices.

However, this stage also holds immense potential for rekindling our relationship with our inner wisdom, leading to profound shifts in perspectives and life choices.

I also offer a journaling prompt to help you embark on the journey of self-inquiry and rediscovery of your innate knowing.

Journal Prompts:

Reflect on a time when you felt strong gut instinct or inner knowing about a decision or situation. And then write about how you responded to that feeling. And what was the outcome? What can this experience teach you about trusting your intuition more now in your current stage of life.

Join me in exploring the transformative potential of tapping into our gut instinct and inner knowing during midlife, paving the way for greater self-trust and clarity.

Got questions or insights to share from your own menopause journey? Reach out to me and let's continue this conversation. Visit my website to learn more about the episode and join my midlife community.

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Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course: https://meegancare.co.nz/course/

Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.