Ep #198: Self-Empowerment in Menopause | Sharon Neiss-Arbess

Have you spent your whole life saying yes when you meant no? You are not alone, and midlife might be the best time yet to change that. In this episode of Menopause Reimagined, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, author, soon to be 10x published menopause researcher, educator, and co-founder of wearemorphus.com, sits down with her childhood friend, Sharon Neiss-Arbess, a copywriter-turned-novelist who finally wrote the book she had been carrying around for years. They have known each other since grade five, so this one feels less like an interview and more like hanging out with two old friends over coffee.Sharon's newest book, How I Learned to Pee in the Forest, is a collection of 18 short, true stories about everyday moments that taught her how to stand up for herself, set boundaries, and stop apologizing for taking up space. It is real talk about people-pleasing, asking for help, and giving yourself permission to start something new, no matter your age.Topics:Why "no" really is a full sentence, and how to stop being a people-pleaser in midlifeHow to set boundaries without guilt (and why so many women learn this late)A simple bedtime habit that may help you wind down for better sleepWhat it actually takes to start something new after 40 or 50, in any area of lifeThe difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing, in plain languageChapters:0:00 Intro: Empowering Yourself in Perimenopause and Menopause2:30 From Sears Copywriter to Self-Published Author7:00 The First Three Books and Where the Ideas Came From11:30 "How I Learned to Pee in the Forest": 18 Real-Life Stories14:30 Boundaries, People-Pleasing, and Why "No" Is a Full Sentence18:30 Short Stories for Better Sleep at Night21:00 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing25:30 Why Art Can Bring People Together29:30 Where to Find the Books + Final ThoughtsLearn more about Sharon and her books at sharonneissarbess.comSend us Fan Mail ======Morphus: Menopause Reimagined💊 Shop Morphus Supplements: https://wearemorphus.com/collections/all📖 Order "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition & Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best." (Simon & Schuster, May 5, 2026)Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/4xaREJK Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4rFj7jk 📰 As seen in USA Today: https://bit.ly/43nrMwO  ✅ Fill out our surveys: https://bit.ly/4jcVuLh🦋 SUBSCRIBE to our list: https://bit.ly/3VdDA0VFOLLOW US: TikTok @andreadonsky & @wearemorphusInstagram: @wearemorphus | @andreadonskyFacebook: /wearemorphusDISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. This podcast contains affiliate links; Morphus may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.