Where Science Meets Spirit: Redefining Menopause with Dr. Michelle Cromwell

Today, we welcome Dr. Michelle Cromwell, founder of Sœur du Sol, for a deep and inspiring conversation about disrupting the menopause narrative around traditional and holistic medicine to support symptoms. Dr. Michelle is a former C-suite executive and vice president in higher education, with over 18 years of experience as a professor, administrator, and leader. She holds a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution and has taught research methods and sociology, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to her work.Dr. Michelle’s journey is marked by her transition from academia and corporate leadership to the healing arts. While building her career, she quietly practiced complementary medicine—becoming a yoga instructor, Reiki master teacher, and student of traditional herbalism, inspired by her father, an engineer and herbalist. Her calling became undeniable after a transformative experience in a course on cosmic herbalism and medical astrology, which led her to leave her executive role and fully embrace her identity as a healer.She has since traveled to Benin, West Africa, to learn directly from traditional healers, deepening her expertise in West African herbs and holistic wellness. Dr. Michelle’s work now bridges science, spirit, and heritage healthcare, empowering women—especially those in high-achieving and leadership roles—to reclaim their autonomy and well-being during menopause.Key Topics Science Meets Spirit: Integrating medical astrology, traditional medicine, and scientific rigor in women’s health.West African Herbal Wisdom: Firsthand learning from traditional healers and developing proprietary herbal blends.Empowering Women: Addressing the challenges women face in menopause, especially in corporate environments.Herbal Tea: Dr. Michelle's unique herbal blend for brain fog and sleep, rooted in ancestral knowledge.Bridging Healthcare Gaps: Advocating for partnerships between conventional and complementary practitioners, and the deep mistrust as a result of the Women's Health Initiative that commenced in early 1990s and abrubtly halted in 2002. Connect with Dr. Michelle CromwellWebsite: Sœur du SolLinkedIn: C Michelle CromwellInstagram: @thedrmichelleLet us know if you're liking the show!I would love it if you could support the show. Go into the show notes and click on the button where you read "support the show." You have the option to donate monthly, $3, 5, 8, 10. Be a loyal supporter for as long as you want with recurring fee as little of three as $3 a month, and opt out at any time. Each investment goes directly back into producing episodes with even better content, improved audio quality, and we'll go a long way in bringing great guests onto the show. Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showMeet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. Mary is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees. Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatworkTurn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team. Connect: Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoachingDisclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.