Senator Lori Urso of Rhode Island takes us behind the scenes of America's first-ever workplace menopause legislation in this powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and breaking barriers. Drawing from her personal journey through menopause that nearly derailed her career, Senator Erso reveals how she transformed her struggles into groundbreaking policy change that's now serving as a model for other states.

The conversation moves seamlessly between deeply personal revelations and strategic policy insights. Senator Urso candidly shares how seven years of unmanaged menopause symptoms led her to actually resign from her position before finally finding proper treatment. "I almost quit my job," she reveals, highlighting the real-world consequences when menopausal women lack proper support. This vulnerability becomes the foundation for understanding why workplace accommodations aren't just compassionate—they're economically essential.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical roadmap Senator Urso provides for creating change. Rather than crafting entirely new legislation, she strategically amended existing fair employment practices law to include menopause protections alongside pregnancy and breastfeeding accommodations. This smart approach positions menopause as a normal life transition rather than a disability and offers a template that other states can easily adopt.

Beyond the legislation itself, Senator Urso addresses the cultural shifts needed to truly support women in midlife. "We have to stop the narrative of 'she's crazy,'" she emphasizes, calling for greater compassion and understanding between women. Her wisdom on leadership—from trusting your instincts to considering others' perspectives in negotiations—provides valuable guidance for women navigating their own leadership journeys through the menopause transition and beyond.

Tune in to discover how this landmark legislation is sparking conversations nationwide and learn why supporting women through menopause isn't just the right thing to do—it's smart business practice in our evolving workforce. Whether you're experiencing menopause, supporting someone who is, or making workplace policy, this episode offers essential insights on creating more inclusive, productive environments for all.

Senator Lori Urso is a Democrat representing District 8 (Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate. She was elected in November 2024.

Senator Urso serves as secretary of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, and serves as a member of both the Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture, and the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies.

Senator Urso brings a record of leadership and accomplishment in local government and the nonprofit sector. Since 2014, she has served as president and CEO of the Old Slater Mill Association, helping to preserve a valued national landmark. She operates the Slater Industrial Archives, a repository for Pawtucket history, where she facilitates historic research on the history of the textile industry in Rhode Island.

Among numerous community service activities, Senator Urso served on the Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board from 2015 to 2025, and has been a founding co-chair of Pawtucket International Women's Day since 2015. She served nine years on the board of the Pawtucket Foundation, and two terms on Pawtucket’s Charter Review Commission. She currently serves on the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission.

Previously, Senator Urso worked in river and watershed conversation in Rhode Island, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 in 2008.

Senator Urso holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. She was a 2013 Rhode Island Foundation Leadership Fellow, and she served as a me

Have you ever found yourself staring into the mirror wondering "Who am I now?" Michele Heffron, transformational life and divorce coach, joins us for a profound conversation about the identity shifts that occur during midlife transitions.

Michele shares how menopause often becomes a catalyst for deeper questioning about relationships, purpose, and fulfillment. "We get to this certain point in time and there's all these shifts taking place not only in our bodies but in who and how we're showing up in the world," she explains. This awakening frequently coincides with major life decisions around relationships, empty nesting, and career paths.

Fear emerges as the primary barrier preventing women from making necessary changes. Financial insecurity, loneliness, and social judgment create powerful resistance. Michele's perspective challenges conventional wisdom: "Life is not short, life is long, and if you are miserable or unhappy, it's a long time to be unhappy." This reframing gives women permission to prioritize their remaining years rather than endure continued dissatisfaction.

The path to rediscovery requires consistent, small efforts. Michele recommends starting with what you don't want, then inverting those points to clarify what you do want. Daily practices like journaling, meditation, and intentional stillness help women reconnect with their authentic selves after years of external focus. "If we don't start safeguarding our own time, we're going to fill it with things that are more important than ourselves—and what could be more important than ourselves?"

Living an aligned life means finding balance between different energies within yourself rather than swinging between compliance and defiance. This alignment allows women to make choices based on their own needs rather than constantly accommodating others' expectations. As Michele reminds us, "We have the right to be, do and have anything we want and desire."

Ready to stop arguing for your limitations? Listen now to gain practical wisdom for navigating midlife transitions with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to the MiDOViA Menopause Podcast for more conversations that help you reclaim your power during this transformative life stage.

Michèle Heffron is a ICF certified transformational life, relationship and divorce coach who supports individuals through some of life’s most defining moments. From navigating the complexities of divorce to rediscovering identity after long-term partnerships, empty nesting, or career shifts, Michèle offers compassionate, strategic guidance through every phase of relationship transition.

Website: www.micheleheffron.com

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Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Testosterone isn't just a male hormone—it's a vital life force that gradually declines with age, affecting everything from muscle mass to mood. This eye-opening conversation with Lisa Lounsbury, founder of New Day Wellness, explores the reality of male menopause (andropause) and its profound impact on men's health and relationships.

Unlike female menopause, andropause sneaks in gradually, making it easy to mistake hormonal changes for normal aging. "Men might confuse this loss of hormone with regular aging," Lounsbury explains, "but there is a difference, and we need to educate men so we can have cross-lateral empathy as we transition into aging."

The episode unpacks the five key symptoms men should watch for: mood swings, sleep disturbances, loss of muscle mass, decreased libido, and fatigue. When these symptoms compound, they signal more than just getting older—they represent a biological shift that deserves attention. Lounsbury shares her personal experience testing testosterone levels with her husband, revealing how blood work confirmed what lifestyle changes had suggested.

For men navigating these changes, the message is clear—you don't have to suffer or accept decline as inevitable. Through intentional movement, thoughtful nutrition, and open communication, men can maintain vitality well into their later years. As Lounsbury puts it, "There's so much life to live in your 50s, 60s, and 70s," and watching someone who's given up compared to someone thriving reveals the power of these choices.

Perhaps most importantly, the episode highlights how hormonal changes affect relationships when both partners are experiencing their own versions of menopause. The solution? "When we're open with the biology of what's happening with our bodies, we realize it's not a choice—we're not waking up choosing to be miserable," Lounsbury says. This understanding creates space for empathy, vulnerability, and deeper connection.

Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical wisdom for turning a challenging transition into an opportunity for greater health and connection. Listen, learn, and discover why curiosity rather than judgment leads to better aging for everyone.

Lisa Lounsbury is a globally respected Resilience and Well-Being Expert,
Certified Lifestyle, Wellness & Menopause Coach, National Mental Health
Trainer, International Speaker and Founder of New Day Wellness Inc., with
over 30 years of experience empowering leaders and teams to make wellness
a non-negotiable. From competing in a triathlon at the 1992 Pre-Olympic
Games to completing a 350-km solo pilgrimage across Spain’s Camino de
Santiago in 2024, Lisa embodies the resilience she teaches. A trusted speaker
and coach to professionals in mining, healthcare, finance, and government,
she helps organizations strengthen their culture, navigate transitions like
menopause and andropause, and lead with compassion through change.
Author of Making Wellness a Priority, host of the Your Wellness podcast, and a
member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Lisa delivers
more than motivation—she delivers momentum.

Website: newdaywellness.ca

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to,

Strength training isn't just about looking good—it's about living well for longer. Linda Goos discovered this truth decades ago when she began her first strength program at age 17, experiencing mental benefits that far outweighed the physical ones. After 20 years in marketing at Microsoft, she returned to her passion with a crucial mission: helping women in midlife build and maintain strength to preserve their independence and vitality.

Linda founded Studio Bloom with a clear understanding of the challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Many workout facilities left her either completely exhausted or feeling like she hadn't accomplished anything meaningful. The fitness industry simply wasn't addressing the unique needs of women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who wanted to stay strong without burning out.

The science behind her approach is compelling. Beginning around age 30, both muscle mass and bone density naturally decline, with this process accelerating dramatically during perimenopause and menopause due to decreasing estrogen levels. Muscle functions as an endocrine organ contributing to cardiovascular health, metabolism, and bone density. Without intervention through proper strength training, this decline can significantly impact quality of life and independence.

One persistent myth Linda works to dispel is that women should stick to light weights to avoid getting "bulky." This misconception has led countless women to under-train with those infamous pink dumbbells, achieving minimal results. Women actually need to lift heavier weights—around 80-85% of their maximum capacity—to effectively stimulate bone density improvement and muscle growth.

For those new to strength training, Linda recommends starting with fundamental movements like sitting to standing, wall pushes, and other bodyweight exercises that translate to daily activities. Her approach emphasizes functional movement patterns: squatting, lunging, hinging, pushing, pulling, rotating, and carrying—all essential for maintaining independence and preventing injury as we age.

Studio Bloom offers specialized programs including Osteo Strong for women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, along with workshops on hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor health, and nervous system regulation. It's a community where women support each other through midlife transitions while building physical strength and confidence. As Linda reminds us, "It's never too late to start," and the energy you put into your health is the energy you'll get back throughout your life.

Linda is an ACSM certified personal trainer, ISSA functional aging specialist and certified Onero bone density practitioner. Linda’s elite gymnastics experience led her to Oregon State University where she earned Pac 10 All-decade honors for gymnastics and studied Psychology and Exercise & Sport Science. With a desire to combine her interests in sport, exercise and psychology she went on to receive her master’s degree in exercise & sport science from the University of Utah with a focus in Sport Psychology. In 2007 she was inducted into the Washington State Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

Studio Bloom website: https://www.studiobloomfitness.com

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

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Menopause isn't just your mother's journey anymore. Today's conversation with Lauren Tenenbaum, author of the upcoming book "Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period," challenges everything you thought you knew about this life transition.

Did you know perimenopause symptoms can start in your 30s? Despite being well-read and passionate about women's health, Lauren found herself at 39 realizing she knew nothing about the next phase of her reproductive and mental health journey. This knowledge gap drove her to create what she describes as "the compassionate guide that every woman in her 30s and 40s needs" for navigating this significant life transition.

Our discussion tackles persistent myths that continue to impact women's health decisions, particularly around hormone therapy. Lauren brings her unique perspective as both a licensed social worker and former lawyer to address the intersectionality of ageism, gender, and healthcare access. We explore how millennial women are approaching menopause differently than previous generations – breaking taboos, demanding better care, and rewriting cultural narratives around aging.

The conversation offers practical takeaways for listeners at any stage: building your healthcare team before symptoms start, advocating effectively in medical settings and workplaces, finding community support, and embracing aging as "a privilege, not something gross." Lauren's mother's advice resonates throughout: "If you don't ask, you won't get."

Whether you're experiencing symptoms now, supporting someone who is, or simply planning ahead, this episode provides the knowledge and empowerment to approach menopause with confidence. Pre-order Lauren's book (available July 15th) and join the conversation that's finally getting the attention it deserves.

Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C is an advocate and therapist who supports millennial and young women through life transitions. She specializes in professional and personal identity shifts, including the perinatal period and perimenopause. Lauren is the go-to resource for women seeking counsel, empowerment, and connection.

Lauren’s website: https://thecounselaur.com/

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How do hormonal changes during menopause affect your mental health? This question has remained largely unaddressed in conventional healthcare, leaving countless women struggling to understand why they suddenly feel like strangers in their own minds and bodies.

Psychotherapist Kim Crispeno joins us to shed light on this critical intersection. As co-founder of the Aftermath Agency, Kim's approach to mental health during menopause emerged from her own personal journey and professional expertise. She explains how hormonal fluctuations directly impact brain function, triggering everything from brain fog and memory issues to anxiety, depression, and irritability that can strain relationships and diminish quality of life.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Kim introduces the concept of shame in menopause. What if our changing bodies become the "dysregulating other" that triggers profound discomfort as our previously reliable cognitive functions seem to betray us? This perspective helps explain why competent, high-functioning women suddenly feel destabilized during this transition.

Kim offers practical strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the power of community, self-awareness, and reframing menopause as a doorway rather than just a loss. Her advice to simply "notice" what's happening without judgment provides a gentle first step toward self-compassion. She even writes "permission slips" for clients – tangible reminders that it's okay to prioritize their needs during this transition.

Whether you're experiencing perimenopause symptoms without realizing their source, fully immersed in the menopause journey, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights for approaching this significant life transition with greater awareness and self-compassion. Kim's parting wisdom to be "kind and curious" with ourselves may be the most powerful tool for transforming how we experience menopause.

Kim’s contact info: https://www.theaftermathagency.com/

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

What if the journey through menopause offered not just physical challenges, but a profound opportunity to heal your relationship with your body? In this illuminating conversation with Trisha Wilkerson, certified health and nutrition coach and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, we explore how midlife becomes a crucial crossroads in women's relationships with themselves.

Trisha shares her personal evolution from disordered eating to becoming a compassionate guide for women struggling with food and body image. She reveals the patterns she's observed in women's relationships with their bodies - particularly the strong inner critic that judges, compares, and denies pleasure. This critical voice, she explains, often stems from childhood messages about not being enough, creating a lifelong pattern of seeking external approval.

The menopause transition brings these issues to the forefront as our bodies change in ways we can't control. As Trisha beautifully articulates, we face a choice: continue struggling against reality or begin the courageous work of acceptance. Her most powerful insight? "If we could see ourselves and our bodies as already good and then nurture what is already good... that postural change would be life changing."

Through practices like "compassionate curiosity" and her "notice, name, nurture" approach, Tricia offers practical ways to interrupt automatic negative thought patterns about our bodies. She challenges the idea that we need to force positivity, suggesting instead that neutrality - simply observing "there's my body" without judgment - might be a more authentic first step toward healing.

Discover how trauma-sensitive yoga can help reconnect with your body, why community is vital during menopause despite the fear of connection, and why, as Trisha reminds us, "Your most important relationship is the one with yourself." This episode offers not just insights, but a pathway toward making peace with your changing body during menopause and beyond.

Aftermath Agency: https://www.theaftermathagency.com/

Trisha Wilkerson is a certified Health and Nutrition Coach and published author. Trisha is dedicated to assisting individuals in improving their connections with food, their bodies, and themselves. By fostering compassionate curiosity and advocating an anti-diet philosophy, she creates a safe environment and relationship for clients to shift their anxieties concerning food, fitness, and other healthy practices towards inner peace--believing we can cultivate deeper health, at any size.

Trisha is currently working on her second book titled "Already Good: How Extreme Religion and Diet Culture Exploit Our Human Quest for Meaning and Belonging."

Trisha is co-founder of The Aftermath Agency-- a collaborative private practice centering wholistic health in Edmonds, WA. There, she also teaches Trauma Sensitive Yoga, as a modality to assist embodied agency in healing from various traumas.

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Melissa Ashley, founder of Women in Work US and the Menopause Mandate, joins us for a compelling conversation about workplace support through every stage of women's lives, especially menopause.

She shares her journey of recognizing that while companies focus on reproductive health, they often neglect supporting women through menopause, despite this demographic making up approximately 20% of the US workforce. "There's not a lot that's really targeted to C-suite executives in the HR and benefits area that talks about the how," Melissa explains, highlighting the gap her organization fills through impactful events and resources.

We explore the fascinating reality that women in midlife are typically at the peak of their careers—more confident, experienced, and free from many earlier life constraints. As Melissa puts it, "We're less constrained, we're more comfortable with ourselves, we've really come into our own and can be much stronger contributors as well as consumers." This perspective reframes the conversation from viewing menopause as a liability to recognizing it as a period of tremendous potential.

The conversation takes a turn when Melissa reveals her groundbreaking initiative: the first national free Menopause Mandate advice line. This resource connects women with qualified menopause guides for 15-minute consultations, addressing the critical gap in healthcare support. With roughly 56,000 OBGYNs nationwide and approximately 70-80% lacking menopause education, countless women find themselves dismissed by medical professionals during this critical life transition.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking actionable strategies to support your workforce, a woman navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode delivers invaluable insights. Join us to discover how supporting women through all life stages creates stronger organizations and more fulfilling careers.

Ready to make a difference in your organization? Connect with Melissa through LinkedIn or visit menopausemandate.org to learn about access to the free advice line.

For WiW Events, visit www.wiwsummitus.com.

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.