In this episode of the Bouncing Back podcast, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Lauren Freedman—a menopause lifestyle coach, patient advocate, and host of the award-winning Uninvisible Pod.

Together, Melissa and Lauren dive deep into the "perfect storm" of chronic illness, neurodivergence, and perimenopause. They discuss why women are the "canaries in the coal mine" for broken societal systems, how to navigate workplace accommodations without fear, and the exact script you need to advocate for yourself when a doctor dismisses your symptoms. If you're a high-performing professional juggling a chronic condition or approaching perimenopause, this episode is packed with validating insights and actionable tools.

🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley

🎤 Featuring: Lauren Freedman, Chronic Coach

Lauren Freedman (NBC-HWC, CNC, CIHC) is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach specializing in chronic illness, neurodivergence, burnout, and hormonal transitions. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Patient Advocacy, she draws on her personal health journey to help clients navigate complex conditions like autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue. She also hosts the award-winning Uninvisible Pod®.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why neurodivergent women often experience perimenopause symptoms earlier and more severely.

✔️ Why the explosion of autoimmune diseases is a physical revolt against systemic stress.

✔️ How to understand your rights under the ADA and navigate workplace accommodations.

✔️ Why you shouldn't wait until you're 45 to establish a health and hormone baseline.

✔️ Exactly what to say to a medical provider who refuses to run the tests you ask for.

📇 Connect with Lauren Freedman:

🌎 Website → https://www.uninvisiblecoaching.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/uninvisiblepod

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chroniccoachlauren

🎙 FOLLOW MELISSA & BOUNCING BACK:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/

📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa

📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwith

🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!