Can chronic stress trigger perimenopause symptoms? Angie Hawkins says yes—and she’s lived it. If you’ve ever felt like the stress of holding everything together might actually be breaking your body down, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Angie Hawkins—Inner Glow Coach, author, and fierce advocate for authentic self-love—to talk about the profound connection between stress, emotional suppression, and perimenopause.

Angie vulnerably shares her personal journey from emotional rock bottom to healing—from pushing herself to prove her worth, to quitting a toxic job and watching her perimenopause symptoms vanish within weeks. Together, we explore what it really means to listen to your body, honor your emotional needs, and rediscover joy in midlife.

Whether you're feeling disconnected, burned out, or just a little unsure of what brings you joy anymore—this conversation will meet you where you are.

In this episode:

· Angie’s story of stress-induced burnout, Hashimoto’s, and early perimenopause symptoms

· How unresolved emotional trauma can manifest in the body

· The surprising disappearance of her perimenopause symptoms after quitting her job

· Why many midlife women can’t answer the question, “What brings you joy?”

· How play, mindfulness, and wonder are powerful antidotes to chronic stress

· The truth about spiritual healing modalities—not every tool is for everyone

· How Angie helps women stop chasing love and start glowing from within

Resources Mentioned:

· FREE Inner Glow Guide: Start your journey from not-enough to radiant confidence
Download here

· Running in Slippers – Angie’s powerful memoir on emotional healing and self-love
Get the book

· Website: https://www.runninginslippers.com

· Instagram: @angiehawkins808

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Are you taking care of your heart—but still feeling like something’s missing?

So many midlife women focus on breast health or hormone balance, yet don’t realize that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. And the truth? It's not just about cholesterol. In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Angie Gallagher, cardiac rehab expert turned functional medicine coach, to talk about the real root causes of heart disease—and what you can do to prevent it.

Whether you’re already prioritizing your health or feeling totally overwhelmed, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and ready to take action in a way that aligns with your life (and your nervous system!).

In this episode:

• Why heart disease in women is not just about cholesterol
• The roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nervous system imbalance in heart health
• Why stress alone can trigger heart attacks—and how to recognize hidden stress
• How to build a realistic, joyful exercise routine that supports heart health
• The surprising impact of food sensitivities on your energy, brain fog, and heart rate variability
• What "getting your macros right" really means for metabolism in midlife
• Simple ways to regulate your nervous system without adding more to your to-do list

Angie Gallagher is a clinical exercise physiologist, Functional Medicine Wellness Coach and Certified Heartmath Practitioner. For 25 years she worked in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and learned what doesn't work to truly reduce cardiac risk. She now enjoys using her passion for functional medicine in her own wellness coaching business where she does both group and one on one wellness coaching to help people achieve their most optimal health from the inside out. She has learned that the gut is the gateway to health and disease. She has helped people improve physical and mental health through healing the gut and optimizing metabolism. She’s passionate about lifestyle medicine and exemplifies this in her own life through creative healthy cooking, trail running, cycling, yoga, meditation and community.

Resources Mentioned:

Angie’s Email: angie@heartwellnesscoaching.com

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/heartwellnesscoaching

https://www.tiktok.com/@heartwellnesscoach

https://www.instagram.com/heartwellnesscoach

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCk-sjqEPBO-LP01byq0hW0A/videos

Link to Freebie

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

Is Your Sex Life Struggling in Midlife? You’re Not Alone. Have you ever thought, “Is this it?” when it comes to sex in midlife? Maybe intimacy feels awkward, your libido has disappeared, or it just… hurts. If so, you’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. In this honest and eye-opening conversation, I’m joined by certified sex educator and coach Karen Bigman to talk about the real changes that happen in our sex lives during perimenopause and menopause—and what you can actually do about it.

Whether you're in a long-term relationship that’s lost its spark or rediscovering your own pleasure solo, this episode will give you validation, encouragement, and practical ideas to reconnect with your sexuality—without pressure or shame.

Karen Bigman is the dynamic host of the podcast, Taboo to Truth: Life and Sex After 50. With a passion for empowering women and men, Karen is on a mission to break down barriers and liberate us to engage in open conversation about midlife sexuality. Karen’s personal journey of divorce, dating, and menopause inspired her to become a Certified
Sexuality Educator and Certified Menopause Coach. She launched her podcast as a safe
space to explore topics that are often thought about, yet rarely spoken about. Through candid, and often raw conversations, Karen helps her audience navigate an overlooked aspect of aging by offering education, support, and a dash of humor, to more easily embrace sexuality.

In this episode:

• Why sex changes during perimenopause and menopause (and what’s totally normal)
• The top three reasons your libido might be MIA
• What to do if sex has become painful, awkward, or emotionally disconnected
• Why communication is everything—and how to actually start the conversation
• How midlife men experience sexual changes (and what they wish you knew)
• The truth about responsive vs. spontaneous desire—and how to bridge the gap
• Creative ways to bring back intimacy (hello, “sex snacks” and six-second kisses!)

Resources Mentioned:

Karen Bigman’s Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taboototruth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbigman/

Link to Freebie: https://www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!