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!

Feeling Stuck? Here’s How to Get Moving Again—No Matter Where You Are in Life. Do you ever find yourself saying, “It’s not that bad…”—even when you know deep down something needs to change? Whether it’s your health, your relationships, or the way you’re showing up in your own life, feeling stuck is something we all go through—especially in midlife.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, I’m joined by Yvette Salva—personal trainer, life coach, and survivor—who shares her inspiring journey from addiction and homelessness to health, recovery, and service. Together, we unpack the emotional roadblocks that keep us from making change, and the three simple (but not always easy) steps to finally get unstuck and move forward.

Yvette’s story is raw, real, and ridiculously empowering—and her wisdom is exactly what you need if you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure of your next step.

Yvette Salva is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of a private training studio helping women over 40 feel strong and confident. She focuses on mindset, nutrition, and fitness to show that midlife is not a crisis but a new season. Her message is simple: the best is yet to come.

In this episode:

• Yvette’s candid journey from addiction to long-term sobriety and healing
• Why the gut whisper never lies—and how to start trusting yours again
• The 3 essential steps to getting unstuck: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action
• How “It’s not that bad” thinking can quietly sabotage your goals
• The power of support, structure, and accountability in midlife transformation
• Why paying attention often starts with paying for commitment
• What it really takes to build a life you love—even after hitting rock bottom

Resources Mentioned:

Website: https://yvettesalvafitness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettesalvafitness

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 feeling like your body—and your life—aren’t quite your own anymore?
Maybe the weight gain, brain fog, sleepless nights, and emotional overwhelm have left you wondering, “Who even am I right now?” If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

In today’s deeply honest and empowering conversation, I’m joined by self-love and relationship coach Christina Ketchen to explore the concept of acceptance—not as giving up, but as a powerful path to freedom and healing during midlife transitions like menopause.

Whether you’re struggling with your changing body, identity, or just trying to stay grounded through it all, this episode will help you reconnect to your power and remember: you’re not alone.

Christina Ketchen is a Certified Life and Relationship Coach, HeartMath® Certified Practitioner, and graduate of the Hoffman Institute who has spent nearly a decade coaching both individuals and couples. With over 10,000 hours of experience, she helps people move beyond old patterns and get to know themselves from a grounded place of enoughness. Christina blends science, story, and heartfelt strategy to guide people toward emotional resilience, self-love, and healthier relationships.

In this episode:

• What acceptance really means—and what it doesn’t
• How to embrace the “ands” of midlife: “This is hard, and I’m moving forward”
• The surprising connection between nervous system regulation and emotional resilience
• Why saying your inner thoughts out loud can shift everything
• Christina’s near-death experience and how it transformed her relationship with change
• Two powerful tools you can use right now: Heart-Focused Breathing and Journaling
• How to reframe identity loss as an evolution into something new

Resources Mentioned:

· FREE RESOURCE: Christina’s Masterclass + Dreamscaping Tool
→ https://christinaketchen.com/masterclass/

• Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org
• HeartMath Tools + Coherence App: https://www.heartmath.com

Connect with Christina Ketchen:

• Website: https://christinaketchen.com
• Substack: https://christinaketchen.substack.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaketchen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncoveryourbestyou/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinaketchen/

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!

Ever feel like you’re losing yourself somewhere between hot flashes, brain fog, and trying to remember where you left your coffee (again)? You’re not alone—and this conversation is for you.

In this very special episode, Sara takes the guest seat as she’s interviewed on a local Annapolis-based podcast. What unfolds is a lively, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the very real experiences of women in perimenopause and menopause. From heart palpitations to sleep struggles to relationship shifts, nothing is off the table—and you’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a little more empowered.

This is Sara unfiltered, and it just might be the most fun episode yet.

In this episode:

• Why midlife often starts with “I just don’t give a f*ck” (and why that’s not a bad thing)
• The real reason behind heart palpitations and anxiety in perimenopause
• Debunking the myth that “everyone needs hormones” during menopause
• Why sleep issues are often the first red flag (and what to do about it)
• How brain fog affects your confidence—and what helps bring it back
• What Sara’s concierge program looks like from the inside
• The emotional truth about changing your lifestyle—and why it can get messy before it gets beautiful
• Plus: sex drive, wine habits, journaling breakthroughs, and why orange might be your midlife power color

Resources Mentioned:

Kelly Bell is the founder of The Bell House Catering, a boutique catering company in Annapolis, Maryland, known for fresh, seasonal menus and warm, welcoming service. Whether she’s crafting an intimate dinner party or a lively community event, Kelly brings heart, humor, and flavor to everything she touches.

Gretchen Moran is the creator of The Culinary Square, a dynamic culinary space and teaching kitchen in Annapolis focused on hands-on cooking classes, community-building events, and empowering people through food. Gretchen’s passion lies in connection—bringing people together around good food and great conversations.

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 crying over dog food commercials… or impulse-buying your fourth pair of reading glasses? Welcome to the wild ride of Cougar Puberty—yes, it’s a thing, and no, you’re not the only one living it. In this short but laughter-filled episode, we’re talking about the hormonal chaos of perimenopause and menopause… and why comparing it to puberty might just be the most accurate (and hilarious) take out there.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re reliving the emotional roller coaster of your teen years—minus the slumber parties and with a lot more night sweats—this episode will help you feel seen, heard, and not so alone.

In this episode:

• What “Cougar Puberty” actually means—and why it’s more real than you think
• The hormonal roller coaster you’re riding (and how it mirrors your teen years)
• How humor can lighten the heavy parts of perimenopause
• Why we love the “We Do Not Care Club”—and how to join guilt-free
• The delicate balance of not caring about the small stuff while still caring deeply for yourself
• Why finding the right practitioner can make all the difference
• A surprising reason for night sweats (hint: it’s not always hormones!)

Resources Mentioned:

Concierge program: www.meadowhillwellness.com/renewher

Coaching call link: https://calendly.com/sarapoldmae/midlife-strategy

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 Saying "Yes" When You Really Want to Say "No"? If your calendar is packed, your energy is drained, and you're constantly “should-ing” yourself through the week, you’re not alone. In this short but powerful episode, I’m talking about one of the most freeing things you can do in midlife: say no.

This isn’t just about boundaries—it’s about reclaiming your joy, your time, and your health. Saying no is the first step toward letting go of what no longer serves you… and making space for what does.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or just craving a little more peace, this episode is your permission slip to release the stressors and tune into what really matters.

In this episode:

• Why midlife is the perfect time to let go of what no longer serves you
• How saying "no" helps prevent burnout, overwhelm, and hormone imbalance
• The surprising connection between chronic stress and your inbox, your friendships, and your to-do list
• A simple journaling practice to identify what’s draining you
• The real meaning of mindfulness—and how it helps you move through change
• How to start making decisions from a place of clarity instead of autopilot
• Why support (and sometimes counseling) can help you reframe your life in a powerful way

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!