Episodes

  • Ep. 546 “Family Loyalty Is Making You Sick!” – The Shocking Truth About Narcissistic Family Systems & Nervous System Healing with Jerry Wise, MA, MS, CLC | Menopause & Mental Health

    Ep. 546 “Family Loyalty Is Making You Sick!” – The Shocking Truth About Narcissistic Family Systems & Nervous System Healing with Jerry Wise, MA, MS, CLC | Menopause & Mental Health
    Jan 24 2026
    Today, I’m honored to connect with Jerry Wise, a leading voice in family systems and self-differentiation. With over 45 years of experience healing adults from narcissistic, dysfunctional, and emotionally immature family systems, Jerry’s work guides people out of lifelong patterns of guilt, shame, and emotional enmeshment so they can finally live as their true selves. This episode is not about telling anyone what they should do with their family relationships. It’s about understanding patterns, reclaiming choice, and recognizing that protecting your nervous system is essential for your wellness. We dive into narcissism, personality disorders, and the spectrum within which Jerry believes narcissism falls. We explore low, middle, and high-anxiety family systems, clarify why self-differentiation is critically important, and how long-term nervous system dysregulation often occurs when we grow up in narcissistic homes. We also cover trauma bonding, the impact of avoidance, the role of boundaries, and cultural myths around honoring our parents, and I answer some rapid-fire questions tailored explicitly to Jerry’s expertise. I have wanted to interview Jerry for the podcast for a long time, and this is one of those truly impactful and deeply personal episodes. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How narcissistic parents differ from other types of parents The developmental switches that get turned off in those growing up with narcissistic parents Intergenerational trauma and how it impacts nervous system regulation and emotional health How self-differentiation can help individuals manage their emotional systems Challenges of setting boundaries with narcissistic parents Why internal boundaries are essential How avoidance can become a coping mechanism for dealing with uncomfortable feelings The importance of maintaining reality and not giving up on your true self to honor your parents and/or meet their expectations Strategies for managing family dynamics and reducing chronic anxiety Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Jerry Wise On his website Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep. 545 “Your Diet May Be Worsening Hair Loss” – The Best Nutrition Fixes for Thinning Hair After 40 | Menopause & Hairloss

    Ep. 545 “Your Diet May Be Worsening Hair Loss” – The Best Nutrition Fixes for Thinning Hair After 40 | Menopause & Hairloss
    Jan 22 2026
    Today, we have another episode in the YouTube series where I answer listeners’ questions from the Everyday Wellness Podcast and my private free Facebook group, The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. We’re continuing the conversation around hair loss today. In the last episode, we covered some common causes of hair loss. In this episode, we discuss how nutrition can either positively or negatively affect it. Some familiar themes come up again, but they’re hard to avoid because in midlife, nutrition is not optional. It’s essential! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why a protein-centric diet is vital in middle age How over-fasting can exacerbate hair loss Why iron is essential for hair growth Foods that are beneficial for their polyphenols and antioxidants Why metabolic health is critical for hair follicle protection How stress and disrupted sleep affect hair loss The value of weight training and maintaining muscle mass The role of iodine, selenium, and red blood cell magnesium in hair growth and the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line
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    15 mins
  • Ep. 544 Why Women Aren’t Getting the Care They Deserve – The Best Strategies to Advocate for Your Health with Meghan Rabbitt | Menopause & Health Advocacy

    Ep. 544 Why Women Aren’t Getting the Care They Deserve – The Best Strategies to Advocate for Your Health with Meghan Rabbitt | Menopause & Health Advocacy
    Jan 21 2026
    Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Meghan Rabbitt as my guest. Meghan is an award-winning journalist and the author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She specializes in women’s health and wellness, and her work has appeared in several national publications, including Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, and others. Meghan is known for translating and clarifying complex medical and scientific topics into actionable information. In our conversation today, we dive into her new book and explore the process of writing a 700-page guide. We discuss how the old rules of women’s health have often failed, and Meghan shares her hope that things will shift. We cover underrecognized midlife issues such as heart disease, the power of knowledge, reframing the aging process, and how the lack of research funding and a paternalistic system contributed to the lack of information on how women’s bodies age. We also examine the influence of social media, navigating the medical system, advocacy, the gut-brain-hormone connection, and the crucial role of fiber, and Meghan emphasizes why every woman’s story matters. Meghan’s book is incredibly valuable, as it speaks to women of all ages, from young adults to those in later life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why personal context matters when following nutrition advice on social media The value of seeking multiple clinician opinions when facing health choices Improving your communication with clinicians to help them understand your priorities and concerns An essential approach to diet and lifestyle Underrecognized midlife issues, like heart disease, and why they are often overlooked in women’s health How midlife changes in estrogen are linked with alterations in the microbiome and astrobolome Understanding the gut-brain-hormone connection can help clarify your symptoms and guide your lifestyle choices. Gut health and why fiber is important Knowledge, advocacy, and reframing aging empower women to navigate the medical system and make better-informed decisions Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Meghan Rabbitt On The New Rules of Women’s Health website Purchase a copy of Meghan’s new book
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    57 mins
  • BONUS: Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women's Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

    BONUS: Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women's Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi
    Jan 19 2026
    I am delighted and honored to interview Dr. Lisa Mosconi today. She is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Cornell Medicine and Director of the Women's BRAIN Initiative and the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a globally acclaimed neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and nuclear medicine and the author of the New York Times bestseller The XX Brain and, more recently, The Menopause Brain. In our conversation, we discuss how women’s brains change during perimenopause and menopause, looking at the significance of puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the lack of medical research on women and medical gaslighting. We explore the concept of bikini medicine and its misconceptions regarding women's health and hormones, alongside the crucial roles of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in our neuroendocrine system. Dr. Mosconi also provides insights into evolving menopausal treatments, including lifestyle interventions. Dr. Mosconi is an esteemed figure in neuroscience and a prominent voice in women's health. I am confident you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from my discussion with her today. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How women's brains change during perimenopause and menopause How the lack of information for young girls can lead to medical gaslighting and confusion during perimenopause Dr. Mosconi explains how a simple sugar is used as a tracer to track glucose metabolism in the brain during perimenopause Why brain changes during menopause may lead to mental fatigue and brain fog How the lack of training and research on menopause in medical residency programs leads to a poor understanding among clinicians Why women need to consider their brain and metabolic health during perimenopause Why estrogen is essential after menopause The benefits of HRT for menopausal women How stress impacts hormone production Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Lisa Mosconi On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ The Menopause Brain
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    59 mins
  • Ep. 543 Osteoporosis Is Reversible – The Best Treatments You’re Not Hearing About with Dr. Doug Lucas | Menopause & Bone Health

    Ep. 543 Osteoporosis Is Reversible – The Best Treatments You’re Not Hearing About with Dr. Doug Lucas | Menopause & Bone Health
    Jan 17 2026
    I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Doug Lucas today for the second episode of a two-part masterclass on bone health. He is double board-certified as both an orthopedic surgeon and an osteoporosis specialist, and he is on a mission to prove to the world that osteoporosis is both preventable and reversible. We continue our conversation, discussing bone health issues and diving into standards of care for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Dr. Doug unpacks the impact of drug therapies, from bisphosphonates to anabolics and lifestyle factors. We cover atypical fractures, mandibular necrosis, the challenges of hypermobility, and ways to support stability and training. Dr. Doug also breaks down osteogenic loading and training, clarifies why supplements are only as effective as your nutrition, and debunks common myths around bone health, mobility, and strength training. You will not want to miss this valuable and informative masterclass with Dr. Doug Lucas. It is jam-packed with helpful insights, so you will likely want to listen to it more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of personalizing supplements Why it’s essential to check your biomarkers before supplementing The specific minerals and vitamins that are important for bone health Why supplements should never replace foundational nutrition and lifestyle work How boron and fat-soluble vitamins benefit bone health The importance of personalizing your supplement plan How targeted testing and fewer supplements can yield better results How osteoporosis can improve and, in many cases, be reversed How peptides and GLP-1s impact bone health and muscle preservation The role of lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise in bone health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Doug Lucas The OsteoCollective Community The Dr. Doug Show
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    46 mins
  • Ep. 542 “Why Your Hair Is Thinning After 40” – The Shocking Truth About Menopause Hair Loss | Menopause & Hairloss

    Ep. 542 “Why Your Hair Is Thinning After 40” – The Shocking Truth About Menopause Hair Loss | Menopause & Hairloss
    Jan 15 2026
    Today, I answer the next round of listener questions, both from the podcast and those I’ve been asked to address more personally on YouTube. Join me for this episode, where we dive into an honest and authentic exploration through the lens of traditional, allopathic medicine, of why women lose their hair during perimenopause and menopause. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why hair loss is often multifactorial and requires a comprehensive approach How declining estradiol impacts the hair follicle cycle Why hair growth slows and shedding increases as estrogen declines The typical pattern of how hair loss presents in middle-aged women How low or fluctuating thyroid hormone levels can increase hair loss The importance of checking ferritin levels, even in women who are not overtly anemic How insulin resistance, glycemic variability, and inflammation contribute to hair loss Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line
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    21 mins
  • Ep. 541 Why Your Diet and Workouts Stopped Working – The Shocking Truth About Muscle Loss in Women with Linda Alexander | Menopause & Strength Training

    Ep. 541 Why Your Diet and Workouts Stopped Working – The Shocking Truth About Muscle Loss in Women with Linda Alexander | Menopause & Strength Training
    Jan 14 2026
    Today, I am honored to welcome my personal trainer, Linda Alexander, as my guest. Linda has been training middle-aged and older women almost exclusively for the last decade of the 40 years she has spent in personal training. In our conversation, we explore the challenges of training middle-aged women. Linda highlights the importance of strength training over cardiovascular exercise, and we discuss the way my elementary school physical education teacher approached physical fitness for children many years ago. Linda explains how she evaluates new clients through movement and exercise progression, shares her personal view on intermittent fasting, and clarifies how it can contradict muscle building and maintenance. We also explore the importance of mindset and keeping nutrition simple, and we dive into many listener questions, ranging from progressive overload to nutrition and workouts. This conversation with my personal trainer is truly impactful, one that many of you have been asking for. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did while recording it. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How women's nutritional needs and exercise tolerance change at different life stages How to control your carbohydrate intake without necessarily being ketogenic Linda shares her approach to strength training How our mindsets and self-expectations influence strength training experience How functional movement can help older adults maintain their independence and prevent falls Why combining a ketogenic diet with cardio can hinder achieving the results you want The benefits of eating protein before or after exercise The importance of staying well-hydrated and taking supplements to support your energy and recovery How celebrating small wins and practicing self-kindness can strengthen your mindset and improve your long-term progress Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Linda Alexander On her website ⁠Instagram⁠ and⁠ Facebook⁠
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • BONUS: Diabetes Prevention, Treatment and the Role of Nutrition with Dr. Ken Berry

    BONUS: Diabetes Prevention, Treatment and the Role of Nutrition with Dr. Ken Berry
    Jan 12 2026
    I am thrilled to have Dr. Ken Berry joining me on the podcast for the third time today. He was with me before on episodes 111 and 139. Dr. Berry is a physician, best-selling author, and passionate health advocate with a no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. He has been practicing at the Berry Clinics since 2003 and is an active community member. He has written two books, Lies My Doctor Told Me and the recently published Kicking Ass After Fifty, in addition to various other resources, including Common Sense Labs Today. He also has a YouTube channel, serving over 2 million subscribers- one of my favorite go-to resources for my patients. In our conversation today, we dive into the latest Lancet research on the impact of a diabetes diagnosis on life expectancy, along with insights from the American Diabetes Association regarding the costs of diabetes care. We discuss the need for proper diagnostic modalities to identify insulin resistance earlier and the labs Dr. Berry uses in his practice for identifying those at risk. We explore the recently recognized American Heart Association syndrome, CKM (Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome), and the role of GLP agonists, continuous glucose monitors, and glucometers. Dr. Berry also shares his views on plant-based diets, proper diets, and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why does metabolic health continue to deteriorate in most of the general population? The staggering amount of disposable plastic used within the healthcare industry The importance of fasting insulin levels when diagnosing metabolic disease Why are blood tests essential for determining metabolic health? The benefits of glucometers and continuous glucose monitors for metabolic health How Dr. Berry’s health improved after following a specific diet and measuring his lab results for a month How misinformation gets spread within the health and wellness industry Why are doctors not informing their patients about the absence of long-term studies and deluding them with false information? The long-term effects of Semaglutide on the body How a proper diet can naturally lower lipid levels The limitations of the germ model for treating chronic diseases Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Dr. Ken Berry On ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ Dr. Berry’s books ⁠Lies My Doctor Told Me⁠ ⁠Kicking Ass After 50⁠ ⁠Common Sense Labs⁠ Dr. Berry’s Private Community ⁠Phdhealth.community⁠ Medical News article Mentioned ⁠Here’s What to Know About Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome, Newly Defined by the AHA ⁠ Previous Episodes Featuring Dr. Ken Berry ⁠Ep. 111 – Is The Keto Diet The Proper Human Diet? – with Dr. Ken Berry⁠ ⁠Ep. 139 – Hyperinsulinemia: What You Should Know About This National Health Crisis with Dr. Ken Berry
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    1 hr and 10 mins