144: The evolutionary approach to midlife + menopause with Jenny Powers

Send a textIn this episode, host Ann Marie McQueen chats with Jenny Powers, scientist, writer, athlete and co-author of On the Origin of Being, about how modern society has veered far from the evolutionary way of living –  and how that’s impacting our health, particularly for women in midlife.Jenny, a scientist with a PhD in microbiology and immunology, discusses how our biology has been shaped over millennia and why the mismatch between modern life and our evolved needs might be making perimenopause and menopause more challenging than they need to be.The conversation explores topics like nutrition, movement, sleep, light exposure, stress, and the role of community. Jenny shares her own journey through perimenopause, revealing the lifestyle changes that helped her eliminate symptoms including hot flashes, headaches, and inflammation.Could returning to our evolutionary roots be the ultimate biohack? Tune in to find out!Episode Highlights:🔹 Jenny shares how her experience as a scientist shaped her approach to perimenopause. 🔹 Evolutionary mismatch: Why modern women struggle with menopause more than our ancestors did. 🔹 The rise of modern diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. 🔹 How our disconnect from our bodies (thanks to tech and nonstop stimulation) affects our health. 🔹 Mythbusting: Did women really die at 50 in the past? (Spoiler: No!) 🔹 The lifestyle changes that eliminated Jenny’s perimenopausal symptoms.Powerful Quote from Jenny Powers"I feel like I've unlocked the secret of how to live longer—and actually enjoy it. Everyone says life is over after 50, but I’ve had more energy, more joy, and even a better sex drive just by making small changes. I don't have hot flashes anymore, I don't have headaches, and I don't have inflammation. It’s not about fighting aging—it’s about working with our biology the way nature intended."Thank you to our sponsor Timeline NutritionMitopure supports cellular energy and longevity—now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!Guest Links & Social Media🔗 Website: ontheoriginofbeing.com📷 Instagram: @ontheoriginofbeing📘 Facebook: On the Origin of Being📺 YouTube: On the Origin of Being (New content coming soon!)📖 Buy the Book: On the Origin of Being by Luke Comer & Jenny Powers get it hereJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information