The Hotflash inc podcast

🌿 Get the free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List — your quick-start guide to feeling better now. → http://go.hotflashinc.com/fix-it-fast🔥 Want to understand the full hormone therapy landscape in under three hours? Get on the waitlist for The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy. → http://go.hotflashinc.com/hottruth-waitlistI don't say this lightly: Andrea Donsky's new book Nourishing Menopause is the best menopause book I've read. And I've read a lot of them. What makes it different is that Andrea actually bridges the gap — the one between "go see your doctor and get hormones" and "go natural and avoid everything." Most women don't even know that gap exists. Andrea lives in it, and she wrote an entire book from there. With a foreword from a naturopathic doctor and a foreword from a board-certified OB-GYN and former president of The Menopause Society, this book doesn't pick a side. It just tells you the truth.Highlights00:29 – Why Ann Marie called this the best menopause book she's read01:31 – In perimenopause for 14 years without knowing it 06:57 – Do supplements actually work? The evidence they won't tell you about10:30 – Artificial sweeteners, seed oils, and why research supports everything11:35 – Why we need to start listening to our own bodies again12:41 – 17 reasons women gain weight in perimenopause 13:12 – The Gen X diet culture PTSD we all carry14:45 – Why the self-blame has to stop18:46 – What misinformation actually looks like22:20 – Phantom smells, itchy ears, and why the symptom list needs to grow24:46 – How to actually evaluate research you see online 26:45 – Why Gen Z kids are already menopause savvyConnect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram: @hotflashinc X: @hotflashinc YouTube: @hotflashinc Facebook: @hotflashinc LinkedIn: Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

🌿 Get the updated + free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List. → http://go.hotflashinc.com/fix-it-fast🔥 Get on the waitlist for my new digital guide, The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy. → http://go.hotflashinc.com/hottruth-waitlistDr. Felice Gersh is a dual board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine physician here to talk about Rhythmic Physiologic Dosing (RPD) – and what she believes is wrong with the current approach of "low, static" dosing of hormone therapy.Highlights07:40 – What "regular" HRT looks like vs. RPD12:00 – Her argument why "lowest dose" makes no sense15:00 – Why measuring estradiol blood levels matters19:52 – Yes, you will have a bleed — that's the point21:00 – Growth factors, the brain, mitochondria, and estradiol27:00 – The case for endometrial ablation as an option for RPD patients31:31 – Vaginal and rectal progesterone — why it matters 38:00 – Progesterone intolerance — what's going on43:39 – The tissue hormone argument — and why it doesn't pick up the slack54:47 – Is this safe?55:35 – The future: hormone pumps and new ovariesConnect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopauseInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincYouTube: @hotflashincFacebook: @hotflashincLinkedIn: Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

🌿 Join us for the Emotional Fitness RetreatTransform Perimenopause into PowerWilson4Q x Hotflash incMenla Mountain Resort, New York June 4-7 2026 Sign me up!🔥 Need help right now?Grab my free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List for quick, practical non-hormonal relief options, and get on the waitlist for  The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy, a clear + comprehensive guide to understanding the entire landscape of options and empowering you to make your best decision.This week, I’m talking to Joanna Ross – a former Broadway dancer turned stand-up comic, yoga teacher, and creator of the deeply personal comedy special Hot 50.We talk about reinvention, the strange and often frustrating reality of navigating menopause, and what happens when you decide to put the truth – all of it – on stage. This is one of those conversations that wanders in the best way. It’s real, it’s funny, and it gets to the heart of what so many women are quietly dealing with. Highlights03:39 – What comedy really teaches you05:20 – How menopause became her material06:01 – The ‘wild west’ of menopause07:24 – Celebrities, marketing & mistrust10:41 – Doctors, hormones & “don’t suffer”12:54 – When symptoms hit hard (and fast)14:13 – The advice that misses the mark15:14 – Finding relief (and stability)17:19 – Why isn’t this being diagnosed properly?18:00 – Learning menopause on the fly21:08 – The problem with “quick fix” wellness22:14 – Healing your relationship with food25:12 – Why women need conversation, not products27:57 – Comedy meets menopause29:01 – Prepare before you’re in it31:32 – Why it’s never too late to start something new34:46 – The problem with yoga41:19 – Intuition, discernment & midlife wisdomConnect with JoAnna Ross🎧 Comedy Album & Special: Hot 50 (available on major streaming platforms)🌐 Website: https://www.hotjoanna.comConnect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram:  @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc YOUTUBE  @hotflashincFacebook:  @hotflashincLinked in:  Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

🌿 Join us for the Emotional Fitness RetreatTransform Perimenopause into PowerWilson4Q x Hotflash incMenla Mountain Resort, New York June 4-7 2026 Sign me up!🔥 Need help right now?Grab my free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List for quick, practical non-hormonal relief options, and get on the waitlist for  The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy, a clear + comprehensive guide to understanding the entire landscape of options and empowering you to make your best decision._______________________________________________________________When I first heard Janice Taylor describe Emotional Fitness Intelligence, something clicked. It felt like the through-line of 15 years of therapy, books, experiments, backstops, progress and questions. Janice is the founder of Wilson4Q, and what she’s building – Emotional Fitness Intelligence – is her attempt to define, measure, and teach something many of us have been trying to figure out the long, hard way. It also happens to land right at the heart of midlife.Quotable"The moment you give anything power outside of yourself, you are operating from your emotional injury." – Janice TaylorConnect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram:  @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc YOUTUBE  @hotflashincFacebook:  @hotflashincLinked in:  Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

Emotional Fitness shouldn’t take 15 yearsIn this solo episode, Ann Marie shares a deeply personal story from her years in breaking news journalism and how unprocessed trauma shaped her internal world well into midlife. She explores why perimenopause can surface long-buried emotional patterns – and why traditional approaches often fall short. This is a conversation about awareness, nervous system reality, and finding a more complete path forward.HighlightsThe TV character that mirrored my internal realityThe moment at a crash scene I’ll never forget-What adrenaline does in trauma – and what happens afterThe coping patterns I didn’t understand at the timeWhy I thought something was wrong with me“How long have you been like this?” – the question that shifted everythingHow perimenopause cracked open deeper self-inquiryThe “messy beach” and what hormones revealWhy emotional fitness might be the missing piece🔥 Need help right now?Grab my free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List for quick, practical non-hormonal relief options, and get on the waitlist for  The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy, a clear + comprehensive guide to understanding the entire landscape of options and empowering you to make your best decision.🌿 Join us for the Emotional Fitness RetreatTransform Perimenopause into PowerWilson4Q x Hotflash incMenla Mountain Resort, New York June 4-7 2026 Sign me up!Connect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram:  @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc YOUTUBE  @hotflashincFacebook:  @hotflashincLinked in:  Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

Naturopathic doctor and menopause specialist Dr. Kirsten Smith unpacks why perimenopause and menopause symptoms can feel so intense, where hormone therapy helps, where it gets overpromised, how stress, lifestyle, blood sugar and inflammation shape the experience, and why midlife often becomes a reckoning we aren't ready for.Highlights05:47 – Why midlife demands radical responsibility08:46 – The deeper root cause: self-worth, self-criticism, and women’s relationship with themselves11:10 – Menopause as sovereignty: freedom, boundaries, and becoming more yourself16:41 – Hormone confusion on Instagram, soy panic, and how nutrition advice gets distorted23:19 – GLP-1s, blood sugar, inflammation, and why this conversation is much bigger than weight loss33:59 – Dr Smith’s own frozen shoulder experience, hormone therapy, and what this reveals about oversimplified menopause messaging43:02 – Why hormone therapy can be valuable without being a cure-allFact check: 3 studies referencedCleaning at home and at work in relation to lung function decline and airway obstruction. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. doi:10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC;  Oxalate (dys)metabolism: Person-to-person variability, kidney and cardiometabolic toxicity. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14091719 MGLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: current evidence. doi:10.1097/GCO.0000000000001015Connect with our guestWebsite: drsmithnd.comInstagram: @drkirstensmithnd🔥 Need help right now? Grab my free Fix It Fast Perimenopause List for quick, practical non-hormonal relief options, and get on the waitlist for  The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy , a clear + comprehensive guide to understanding the entire landscape of options and empowering you to make your best decision.Connect with Hotflash incTikTok: @hotflashinc.menopause Instagram:  @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc YOUTUBE  @hotflashincFacebook:  @hotflashincLinked in:  Ann Marie McQueenDisclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment, supplements, or lifestyle.

This podcast originally ran on 17 July 2025In this deep-dive episode, independent researcher and Energy Balance Podcast host Jay Feldman walks Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen through his bioenergetic approach to health, exploring how modern life disrupts our energy systems and misleads us around hormones.Jay explains why perimenopause symptoms aren’t necessarily signs of estrogen deficiency, what progesterone’s underrated role is, and how metabolism, stress, and gut health all converge to influence the midlife transition.His work has been instrumental in helping Ann Marie connect the dots between her own thyroid, gut health, fatty liver, and hormonal changes. If you’re curious, overwhelmed, or stuck between conflicting advice – this one’s for you.Highlights:Why the mainstream medical model didn’t cut it for JayHow energy production impacts reproductive hormonesThe cultural lie of “eat less, move more”Seed oils, PUFAs and what they’re doing to your metabolismSunscreens, toenail polish, and endocrine disruptionWhy low estrogen blood levels don’t tell the whole storyWhat your liver and gut have to do with your hormonesWhy estrogen replacement might be a band-aid, not a solutionGuest bioJay Feldman is a health coach, independent researcher, and the host of the Energy Balance Podcast. With a background in neuroscience and exercise physiology, he takes a bioenergetic approach to health that focuses on restoring cellular energy and dismantling modern myths around nutrition, metabolism, and hormones. Jay’s personal mission is to help people heal by reconnecting them with their bodies and understanding how modern life throws off our internal systems.Work with Jay & explore moreWebsite: jayfeldmanwellness.comFree Guide: jayfeldmanwellness.com/guidePodcast: The Energy Balance PodcastJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincListen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | SubstackSee hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Unlocking the Hidden Layers or Menopause: Trauma, Hypnosis, and Inner Work with Sally GarozzoJoin host Ann Marie McQueen as she delves into the transformative journey of menopause with Sally Garozzo, a clinical hypnotherapist and podcast host. Sally specializes in menopause, complex trauma, and the long-term impact of early life stress. She works with women who sense that menopause is more than just a hormonal disruption, helping them understand it as an identity and emotional recalibration. Sally hosts The Menopause Mindset Podcast and offers individual and group sessions to support women during midlife and beyond.Highlights:01:02 - The sense that menopause is more than just hormones02:25 - Understanding menopause as a catalyst for emotional sensitivity04:36 - The limitations of traditional medical paradigms for complex stories06:54 - The metaphor of menopause as a tide revealing buried issues09:20 - The impact of childhood and family dynamics on menopause12:02 - The mind-body connection and how perspective influences symptoms17:41 - Personal stories of anxiety, panic, and recognition of trauma24:05 - The science of hypnosis: focus, suggestion, and energy work31:20 - Skills training for mind and body—neurobics and perspective shifts42:48 - How trauma and nervous system dysregulation amplify menopausal challenges44:50 - Words of hope: deep work, attunement, and community supportResources & Links:Marisa Peer - Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)Connect with Sally Garrozzo:InstagramWebsiteDisclaimer: This episode emphasizes that menopause is not just a hormonal event but a profound inner transition. Healing involves understanding, acknowledging, and working through emotional wounds with compassion, practical tools, and expert guidance. This episode is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice; always seek out an expert for proper medical treatment. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincListen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | SubstackSee hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on July 10th, 2025In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Lara Briden – a naturopath, women’s health speaker, and author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. Together, they unpack some of the buzziest and most confusing midlife health trends: from hormone therapy + GLP-1 combos to supplement overwhelm, vaginal estrogen, and the sudden concern over labia shrinkage.Dr Briden brings a refreshing and deeply grounded perspective to the conversation, challenging common narratives and reminding us of the biological brilliance of the female body – especially in midlife.Highlights:The overhyped narrative about hormone therapy and GLP-1sWhat GLP-1 medications really do, and why they’re fascinating to Dr. BridenSupplements as a security blanket, and why Ann Marie and her friends are rethinking themTaking a “supplement holiday” – what it is and why it helpsThe connection between GLP-1s and gut healthWhat happens when you go off hormone therapy or GLP-1s?A naturopath’s minimalist supplement travel kitVaginal changes in menopause: what’s real, what’s clickbaitThe difference in how men vs women are told to view their bodies as they ageVaginal estrogen and the truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopauseThe bizarre labia shrinkage trend and the pressure of “perfect” body partsWhy menopause is not a mistake of evolution – it’s a featureThe danger of over-identifying with health labels“Wear it lightly” – a powerful reframe from Dr. BridenThe trend of diagnosing yourself through InstagramNot everyone suffers in perimenopause – and that’s okayConnect with Dr. Lara Briden:Website: www.larabriden.comInstagram: @larabridenX: @larabridenBooks: Available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Pan MacmillanJoin 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on December 12th, 2025In this episode, Ann Marie speaks with Dr Gary Elkins, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University and director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, in Waco, Texas. Dr. Elkins is the leading researcher in the field of clinical hypnosis for menopause, with more than 25 years of experience and more 100 peer-reviewed publications.He joins Hotflash inc to explore the groundbreaking science behind hypnosis for hot flashes, its surprising effectiveness (up to 70% reduction!), how it works in the brain, why it matters for breast cancer survivors, and how hypnosis may also support sleep, stress, and other midlife symptoms. They also discuss Evia, the self-hypnosis app built on Dr. Elkins’ research, and the critical importance of hjaving non-pharmaceutical options for symptom relief.HighlightsHow hypnosis became part of NAMS (now The Menopause Society) guidelinesResearch showing hypnosis reduces hot flashes by 70%What hypnosis is and what it definitely isn’t What happens in the brain during hypnosis The “triple fallacy” and misunderstanding physical symptoms Comparing hypnosis to hormone therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) How hypnosis helps improve sleep and calm anxiety Why hot flashes are a physiological issue, not a psychological one What to expect: when and how hypnosis starts to work The power of daily practice and support from others Addressing misconceptions about hypnotizability and intelligence What the research says about empathy, creativity and hypnosis The mind-body connection and the experiential system How hypnosis taps into the subconscious (without the woo) Dr. Elkins on consulting for the Evia app and why it matters Future research: hypnosis for sleep and psychedelic states without drugsGuest Info – Dr. Gary Elkins Website: www.garyelkins.org Book: Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: What You Need to Know Handbook: Handbook of Medical and Psychological Hypnosis•• Evia App: https://www.eviamenopause.comJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dr Sarah McKay, Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author of The Female Brain Book, and founder of the Neuroscience Academy.This is a powerful, nuanced conversation about what we know, what we don’t, and what’s being exaggerated online. Grounding, clarifying and deeply reassuring.If you’ve been worried about your brain in midlife, this episode is for you. The Hotflash inc Summit All Access Pass https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-passComing Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy https://hotflashinc.comThank you to our sponsor: Phosis – Use code HOTFLASHINC for 15% off https://phosis.comFounded by Susan Campbell, Phosis is clinically proven, exceptionally clean skincare created specifically for dry, perimenopausal skin.What we explored this episode:07:15 – Cognitive load, smartphones & the myth of “midlife decline” 18:40 – Brain restructuring during menopause: adaptation vs degeneration 27:30 – “The brain eats itself” – what the mouse study actually showed 39:10 – Dementia risk: incidence vs prevalence explained clearly 44:30 – Absolute vs relative risk 58:20 – Hormone sensitivity, the pill & depression researchMemorable quote: “We absolutely must report absolute risk.”Fact check:Dr. Pauline M. Maki leads NIH-funded research on women’s cognitive/mental health and how sex hormones and reproductive transitions affect well-being.Dr Susan R. Davis is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow (since 2007) and Director of the Women’s Health Research Program at Monash University (School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine).TGA = Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government regulator for medicines, medical devices, and biologicals.Connect with our guest:Website: https://drsarahmckay.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckayJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dr. Kirsten Smith, ND, a naturopathic doctor and certified menopause practitioner practicing between Ontario and Costa Rica. Together, they grapple with the exploding conversation around menopause hormone therapy – what’s grounded in evidence, what’s being overstated, and what gets lost when urgency turns into dogma.This is a candid, nuanced look at the current “meno-rush” – where hormone therapy is hailed as life-saving by some, dismissed by others, and increasingly positioned all around as the only solution. Dr. Smith brings 17 years of clinical experience blending conventional diagnostics with holistic medicine, offering what she calls a third path: thoughtful, individualized care rooted in both science and lived reality.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the polarization – this conversation is for you.The Hotflash inc Summit All Access Pass https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-passComing Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy (get on the list!) https://hotflashinc.comThank you to our gold sponsor from the Hotflash inc Summit, Phosis and its founder Susan Campbell. Phosis creates clinically proven, exceptionally clean skincare formulated specifically for dry, sensitive hormonal skin. Use code HOTFLASHINC for 15% off Phosis.comWhat we explored this episode:00:00 – Why menopause hormone therapy has become so polarized07:45 – The “meno-rush”: how Instagram accelerated the hormone conversation12:10 – Pharmaceutical influence and the pendulum swing from neglect to hype18:45 – Who hormone therapy doesn’t work for (and why that matters)23:20 – The pathology problem: when everything gets blamed on perimenopause28:10 – Speed culture, nervous systems, and why true healing takes timeMemorable quote: “We’ve gone from ignoring menopause to hyper-medicalizing it – and neither extreme serves women.”Where to follow Dr. Kirsten SmithIG @drkirstensmithndFacebook drkirstensmithnd Linked In drkirstensmithndJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen speaks with Bonnie Wisener, registered holistic nutritionist, digestive health expert, and founder of Shift Nutrition and Wellness, about why gut issues so often flare in perimenopause and menopause.Together, they explore the powerful (and often missed) links between hormones, the nervous system, IBS, food restriction, and midlife stress – and what actually helps when digestion starts to unravel.This is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone dealing with bloating, constipation, IBS, food fear, or the sense that their gut has suddenly “turned” in midlife.The Hotflash Inc Summit All Access Pass https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-passComing Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapy https://hotflashinc.comThank you to our Hotflash inc Summit sponsorPhosis – Clean, clinically proven skincare for hormonal skin Use code HOTFLASHINC for 15% off at https://phosis.comWhat we explored this episode00:00 – Why gut symptoms spike in perimenopause06:20 – IBS as a gut–brain disorder, not a food problem13:45 – Why restriction and elimination diets backfire20:30 – Nervous system regulation as digestive medicine29:10 – Protein, fiber, blood sugar, and midlife digestion38:40 – Supplements, probiotics, and what actually helpsMemorable quote: “Digestive issues in menopause aren’t separate problems – they’re different expressions of the same system shift.”Resources mentionedNerva App (by Mindset Health): https://nervaibs.comProbio Chart: https://www.probiochart.comConnect with our guestWebsite: https://shiftnutritionandwellness.com/ Instagram: @shiftnutritionandwellnessJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Heather Mills  – entrepreneur, vegan food innovator, and founder of No Bloat, a Monash-certified low-FODMAP meal range designed for people living with gut sensitivities.They talk gut chaos, menopause changes, stress, food science, and what it looks like to reinvent yourself (again) in midlife – by listening closely to your body and building what you wish existed.The Hotflash Inc Summit All Access Passhttps://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-pass Coming Soon: The Hot Truth About Hormone Therapyhttps://hotflashinc.comWhat we explored in this episode 00:04 – From chronic gut crisis to building No Bloat (and why it took years)00:09 – Low-FODMAP basics: why garlic and onion wreck so many people00:22 – Stress + the gut: why you can bloat even on “perfect” food00:27 – Heather's midlife body changes: hot sweats, mood shifts, and the “rib cage expansion” moment00:33 – Menopause care frustrations: hormone testing, HRT debates, and UK context00:50 – Reinvention in midlife: stop people-pleasing and reclaim your lifeMemorable quote:“You really are what you digest.”Connect with our guest:Heather Mills (official site): https://heathermills.orgNo Bloat (website): https://nobloat.com/about/Instagram (Heather): https://www.instagram.com/heathermillsofficial/Instagram (No Bloat): https://www.instagram.com/nobloatuk/LinkedIn (Heather): https://uk.linkedin.com/in/msheathermillsJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of The Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist Ann Marie McQueen interviews Kristeen Pollock,a a Scotland-based fitness coach, speaker, and podcast host who is helping women finally break free from toxic exercise culture and reclaim their relationship with food, movement, and themselves.Kristeen gets real about what it was like to live inside the exhausting loop of dieting, restriction, and chasing “perfection” – and what changed. Together they explore the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause, learning to actually rest, dealing with body image shifts, and how to find your way back to freedom in midlife.The Hotflash Inc Summit All Access Pass https://summit.hotflashinc.com/hotflash-inc-summit-all-access-passThank you to our Hotflash inc Summit gold sponsor: MenoLabs – Use code HOTFLASH for 20% off https://menolabs.comWhat we explored this episode: 00:06 – Why the fitness industry is toxic and out of touch 00:11 – Body image, disordered eating, and midlife triggers 00:16 – From binge eating to food freedom + exposure therapy 00:22 – Letting go of control + emotional release in perimenopause 00:30 – Doing less, resting more, and embracing the shiftMemorable quote:"If you can’t do it for 10 years, don’t do it for one day." – Kristeen PollockConnect with our guest:Website: https://kpfitandwell.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpingfit/Podcast: Keeping it RealLinkedIn: Kristeen PollockJoin 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

Send a textAm I neurodivergent?In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host and journalist Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Skylar Liberty Rose – a meditation guide, pro-aging advocate, and ceremony creator – to explore the layered intersection of neurodivergence and perimenopause. The two friends share a candid, nuanced conversation about realizing they may be neurodivergent later in life, how that connects with the hormonal shifts of midlife, and what it means to drop the mask and fully show up. Sponsored: Thank you to MenoLabs for being a gold sponsor of the first-ever Hotflash inc Summit. Their science-backed probiotics, including the bestselling MenoFit, are designed to support women through perimenopause and menopause. Right now, you can get 20% off with code HOTFLASH20 at menolabs.com.Highlights:5:30 – Growing up with sensory sensitivities but having no language for it8:00 – The misunderstanding and shame around being an introvert10:00 – Coping with alcohol, masking, and perfectionism11:30 – Perimenopause as “the great unveiling” of truth13:00 – Losing the ability to mask in midlife14:00 – The collapse of executive functioning in perimenopause16:00 – What it feels like to remove long-held coping tools17:00 – Navigating social situations without alcohol21:00 – The relief of realizing you’re neurodivergent22:00 – Pursuing (or not) a formal diagnosis25:30 – On external validation and trusting yourselfSkylar Liberty Rose Website: skylarlibertyrose.comSkylar offers personalized guided meditations and custom ceremonies to support women in midlife and beyond. Her work focuses on embracing aging, dismantling anti-aging narratives, and honoring the major (and often invisible) thresholds of life.Rate, share and go deeperIf you enjoyed this episode, please give it a review, drop a comment, and share it with someone who might benefit — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show.Join 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

Send a textThis episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of perimenopause, menopause, and the midlife transition.This week's guest is Maryann Selfe, the Zurich-based private banking expert turned women's health investment advocate. After 25 years advising ultra-high-net-worth clients, Maryann became laser-focused on the lack of funding flowing into women’s health – and she’s doing something about it.Maryann is the founder of Femme Health Alliance, editor of the widely-read Substack The Billion Dollar Blind Spot and author of the forthcoming book of the same name. In this conversation, she breaks down how midlife women represent an invisible economic powerhouse, how both capital markets and healthcare systems are failing to meet our needs – and how that is slowly changing. Fact check Major firms like JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley have introduced menopause-friendly workplace policies, including flexible work and education.A 2025 Nature Cardiovascular Research study found women achieved heart health benefits with about half the weekly exercise men required — with even greater mortality reductions, including among those with existing heart disease.The $10.7B invested in women’s health in 2024 includes conditions that disproportionately affect women, according to SVB’s 2025 Innovation in Women’s Health report.Blackstone and TPG’s acquisition of women’s health med-tech leader Hologic is expected to close in early 2026.Thank you to our Hotflash inc Summit gold sponsor:MenoLabs – Use code HOTFLASH for 20% off https://menolabs.comHighlights include:Why so little capital flows into women’s healthWhat she means when she says midlife women are “an invisible economy”Insomnia trials were done mostly on men Women’s health isn’t a trendWhy this isn’t just “women’s health”The missed opportunity in progesterone researchWhy financial return and impact can (and must) coexistEngage with Maryann SelfeThe Billion Dollar Blind Spot by Femme Health Ventures Alliance on SubstackLinkedIn: Maryann SelfeIG Femme Health Ventures Alliance Join 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

Send a textJournalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen welcomes Lauren Tetenbaum, aka The Counselaur  – a licensed social worker, former lawyer, and author of Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life’s Next Period. At 40, Lauren brings a fresh, younger perspective to a conversation that's long left her generation out.Ann Marie and Lauren dive into what it means to enter perimenopause as a millennial  – through the lens of mental health, trauma, hormone therapy, supplements, shame, IVF, and what the next generation (Gen Z) might face. Lauren’s unique background in law, therapy, and women’s rights advocacy makes her a powerful voice in this space. Through her private practice and corporate workshops, she supports women navigating life transitions  –  including the often-misunderstood onset of perimenopause.Fact Check:During this discussion we explore breast cancer risk and hormone therapy, including the distinction between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins. It's essential to understand the difference:Across the strongest randomized evidence from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), combined estrogen plus synthetic progestin is associated with a 25–30% relative increase in breast cancer incidence – roughly 8 extra cases per 10,000 women per year in the original WHI report. More recent large observational datasets suggest a higher risk with combined therapy, especially with longer-term use. Combined estrogen with bioidentical progesterone (oral micronized progesterone) has not been shown to carry the same level of risk, though more research is needed.Highlights:–Lauren explains why she wrote Millennial Menopause at  40 How her law and social work background blend in advocacy and therapy Why most millennials are still clueless about perimenopause “Denial is the first symptom”Why personalized care is key How millennials are still scared of hormone therapyEstrogen-only vs. combined therapyWhy trauma, mindset, and support shape your perimenopause experienceWhat shocked Lauren most while researching menopause Is menopause estrogen deficiency or hormone fluctuation? Are supplements worth it?  Why shame and dismissal still dominate menopause care Her hope for Gen Z and how they’re different from millennials How Lauren personally managed early peri symptoms with the pill IVF, fertility, and their possible ties to earlier menopause The gaps in medical training and misconceptions among doctors How risk is part of all health decisions – and how to weigh it Are millennials drinking less? The booze-risk conversation Why support matters even when there’s no “official” diagnosisWhere to connect with Laruen:LinkedIn: Laurenatetenbaum Instagram Join 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

Send a textThank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.Miriam Putnam is a certified wellness coach, spiritual mentor and freedom-from-stress counselor with more than 25 years of experience in holistic mental health advocacy. Miriam's life’s work was shaped by the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who struggled with mental illness, misdiagnosis and pharmaceutical harm during her own midlife transition.Their raw and deeply honest conversation explores the intersections of mental health, spiritual health, body health and perimenopause – and what can happen when we begin to question the systems we've trusted. Miriam shares her unique perspective on underlying causes of mental anguish, the danger of holding tight to a diagnosis and how midlife can become a powerful catalyst for transformation and truth-seeking.If you’ve ever felt like you were losing yourself in perimenopause, or you're supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you feel less alone –and remind you of your strength.HighlightsMiriam describes her mom’s shift during midlifeUnderlying physical conditions that can mimic or trigger “mental illness”Miriam’s mother’s resistance to pharmaceutical treatment and her spiritual driveThe brutal toll of grief and loss, especially when unsupportedHow Miriam works with clients to break free from spiritual stagnation and misdiagnosisExercises to strengthen the “mind muscle” and shift out of negative thinkingWhy visualizing your future requires emotional presence and clarityThe power of remembering we are more than our hormones and diagnosesMiriam’s practical approach to staying conscious and spiritually wellFact checkCannabis use is consistently linked to psychotic symptoms and disorders. Multiple studies and reviews show a strong and consistent association between cannabis use and psychosis, including schizophrenia-like symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions (Gage & Hickman, 2016); (Pearson & Berry, 2019). Genetic and environmental factors moderate vulnerability. Genetic variations (such as in COMT and AKT1 genes), family history of psychosis, and childhood trauma amplify the risk of psychosis following cannabis use (Radhakrishnan & Wilkinson, 2014); (Quattrone, 2022); (Trotta & Spinazzola, 2025). A big thank you to Kion Aminos, gold sponsor of the first-ever Hotflash Inc Summit. Kion’s essential amino acids provide a clean, clinically-backed formula to support muscle repair and recovery. Get 20% off at getkion.com/hotflash.Guest InfoMiriam Putnam Website: miriamputnam.org Instagram: Join 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

Send a textHosted by journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen, this week’s episode features Sonja Rincon, founder and CEO of Menotracker, an AI-powered menopause app based in Austria. Sonja is also a lawyer and single mother who built the tool she wished she had when navigating her own confusing and often dismissed perimenopause symptoms.In this honest and empowering conversation, Sonja explains how she went from being gaslit by doctors to developing a secure, multilingual, research-driven tracking tool that empowers women to identify patterns, advocate for themselves, and share vital data with their healthcare providers.You'll hear about how Menotracker differs from other apps by protecting user privacy, generating detailed reports, offering translations in over 30 languages and allowing deep integrations with wearables. Sonja also opens up about her own HRT journey and the frustrating road to understanding what was really going on in her body.If you’ve ever wondered whether tracking symptoms is worth it, or how midlife women can step into their power as their own health advocates, this conversation is for you.Sponsor Shoutout: Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.Also a big thanks to Kion Aminos, gold sponsor of the first-ever Hotflash Inc Summit. Their clean, leucine-rich amino acid blend is up to 6x more effective than food-based protein, and helps support recovery, strength, and energy – especially under stress. Learn more at getkion.com/hotflash for 20% off your order.HIGHLIGHTSHow Sonja’s own perimenopause symptoms led her to HRT and away from SSRIsWhy her early symptoms were misdiagnosed as stressHow tracking helped her fine-tune her hormone therapyThe importance of not giving up too soon when adjusting HRTThe tipping point: her friend’s promotion was denied due to visible perimenopause symptomsWhy most trackers fail: lack of reports, language barriers, and questionable data useMenotracker’s privacy-first approachWhy pattern recognition is key for symptom awareness and medical advocacy40+ symptoms available to track and growing through user feedbackHow she taught herself low-code tools and AI to launch the first versionThe power of knowing enough to not be bamboozled by developersOffering the app in 30+ languages Why Europe is lagging behind in the menopause conversationCommunity-based growth strategy and bringing in experts of diverse backgroundsGuest info: Founder & CEO, Menotracker Website: www.menotracker.com Instagram: Join 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

Send a textIn this episode, Ann Marie speaks with Dr Gary Elkins, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University and director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, in Waco, Texas. Dr. Elkins is the leading researcher in the field of clinical hypnosis for menopause, with more than 25 years of experience and more 100 peer-reviewed publications.He joins Hotflash inc to explore the groundbreaking science behind hypnosis for hot flashes, its surprising effectiveness (up to 70% reduction!), how it works in the brain, why it matters for breast cancer survivors, and how hypnosis may also support sleep, stress, and other midlife symptoms. They also discuss Evia, the self-hypnosis app built on Dr. Elkins’ research, and the critical importance of hjaving non-pharmaceutical options for symptom relief.Support shoutout Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.Thank you to KION for sponsoring the first-ever Hotflash inc Summit. Their aminos is a clean, science-backed essential amino acid supplement that gives your body what it needs to build and repair muscle. It's sugar-free, vegan, non-GMO, and most importantly, third-party tested. Try it for yourself at getkion.com/hotflash  for 20% off your first order.HighlightsHow hypnosis became part of NAMS (now The Menopause Society) guidelinesResearch showing hypnosis reduces hot flashes by 70%What hypnosis is and what it definitely isn’t What happens in the brain during hypnosis The “triple fallacy” and misunderstanding physical symptoms Comparing hypnosis to hormone therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) How hypnosis helps improve sleep and calm anxiety Why hot flashes are a physiological issue, not a psychological one What to expect: when and how hypnosis starts to work The power of daily practice and support from others Addressing misconceptions about hypnotizability and intelligence What the research says about empathy, creativity and hypnosis The mind-body connection and the experiential system How hypnosis taps into the subconscious (without the woo) Dr. Elkins on consulting for the Evia app and why it matters Future research: hypnosis for sleep and psychedelic states without drugsGuest Info – Dr. Gary Elkins Website: www.garyelkins.org Book: Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: What You Need to Know Handbook: Handbook of Medical and Psychological Hypnosis Evia App: https://www.eviamenopause.comJoin 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

Send a textWelcome back to the Hotflash inc podcast, hosted by journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen – the only reader-supported, evidence, expert opinion and human experience-based platform dedicated to all aspects of menopause and midlife. Today’s guest is Jennifer Block, an independent investigative journalist based in the United States. who reports on medicine, health, science and power. In this episode, Ann Marie and Jennifer explore the rising tide of estrogen-focused messaging in menopause care – and how it might not be as organic or evidence-based as it seems. Jennifer has just published three major articles — in The Free Press, The British Medical Journal and on her Substack Unpopular Science — that connect long-suspected dots between pharma-backed advocacy, conflicts of interest and the shifting tone around hormone therapy. Together, these pieces paint a picture of an industry-backed campaign influencing policy, public opinion, and clinical guidance. If you’ve been wondering why estrogen is suddenly everywhere, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.Sponsor Shoutout: Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.Also, thank you to our friends at Bonafide. Visit hellobonafide.com and use code SUMMIT20 to receive 20% off your first month of any Bonafide subscription product.HighlightsHow Jennifer’s recent reporting was sparked by the FDA black box warning changeThe behind-the-scenes forces pushing for estrogen’s big comebackWhy the “menopause awareness movement” isn’t as grassroots as it seemsWhat Jennifer uncovered about the industry ties behind the Menopause SocietyWhy many doctors may not be aware of their own industry entanglementsHow these dynamics affect everyday women making decisions about HRTWhat informed consent really means in this climateThe importance of journalistic scrutiny in medical debatesFact check:Addyi (flibanserin) offers a modest benefit for certain premenopausal women with HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), averaging 0.5 to 1 additional satisfying sexual event per month compared to placebo.Compounded hormones typically do not carry standardized FDA boxed warnings or package inserts. These customized medications are exempt from federal labeling regulations, meaning key risk information may not be included.About Jennifer Website: www.jenniferblock.comSubstack: Unpopular ScienceJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash Inc Podcast, host and journalist Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr. Rachel Pope, an OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner at the Institute University Hospitals Cleveland, with an appointment in the Department of Reproductive Biology. Dr. Pope is also a public health researcher, currently working to clarify gaps in hormone therapy research that impact real women every day.Dr. Pope’s recent study set social media on fire, with claims that hormone therapy in perimenopause reduces breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack risk by 60%. But is that actually what the data said? In this episode, Dr. Pope gives a clear, honest account of what her study really found – and what it didn’t. She speaks about the confusion that followed, why nuance matters, her belief in the power of hormone therapy and how to move forward in the menopause conversation with more care, accuracy and integrity.This is a must-listen for anyone navigating perimenopause, hormone therapy decisions or working in the midlife health space.Sponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.Thank you to Bonafide, a gold sponsor at the Hotflash Inc Summit. To learn more, visit hellobonafide.com and be sure to use code SUMMIT20 to receive 20% off the first month of any Bonafide subscription product.HighlightsThe truth behind the viral claim that hormone therapy “reduces risk by 60%.”Why misinterpretation of data spreads so fast — especially on social media.What the research actually says about breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack.The gaps in current evidence, especially around compounded hormones and long-term outcomes.How healthy-user bias and retrospective databases can distort study results.Why individualized care matters — and why hormone therapy isn’t universally preventative.GUEST LINKSUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterInstagram: @drrpopeX: @drrpope Join 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

Send a textIn this solo episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen dives into the rising conversation around ADHD and perimenopause. Drawing from personal experience, research, and lived insight, Ann Marie explores how midlife hormone shifts may intersect with neurodivergence – and how confusing, frustrating and illuminating that process can be. This episode is a candid, powerful reflection on mental health, executive function and how being a woman in midlife calls for compassion and curiosity.Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.HighlightsAnn Marie reflects on the constant battle to get information right in a world full of misinformation.The emerging connection between perimenopause, ADHD, and hormonal changes.Research shows ADHD traits can intensify menopausal symptoms—even in undiagnosed women.Ann Marie shares her own experience recognizing lifelong ADHD tendencies.Sensory sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and how they show up in midlife.Why she hasn’t pursued an official diagnosis – and how nervous system healing has helped.The pain of not being taken seriously when you open up about neurodivergence.Testosterone’s overlooked role in executive function and how HRT may help.Why a holistic approach is essential for navigating neurodivergence in midlife.The power of being seen and heard – how a simple conversation at work changed everything.This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivotal life stage.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit –  and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. To get the latest research and real talk on perimenopause, menopause, and midlife straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Hotflash inc newsletter at hotflashinc.com.Join 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

Send a textOn this solo episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen breaks down one of the biggest developments in menopause care in years: the FDA’s decision to remove the black box warning on vaginal and topical estrogen. Ann Marie unpacks what this means, what it doesn’t mean, and what we’re not being told in the flurry of headlines and social media excitement. She also shares insight from two menopause certified practitioners who are upcoming guest on the podcast – US ob-gyn Dr. Rachel Pope and Canadian naturopathic doctor Dr. Kirsten Smith – and reflects on the legacy of Dr Burt Webb, a beloved podcast guest and women’s health champion.Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.It’s not too late to get an All Access Pass to the Hotflash inc Summit! You get lifetime access to the videos, as well as Hotflash inc Summit Book of Knowledge (top takeaways from all the interviews) and the BETA version of the Hotflash inc Hormone Therapy Navigator.HighlightsThe FDA’s removal of the black box warning on vaginal and topical estrogen — what it really meansThe disconnect between science and media messagingExpert insights from Dr. Kirsten Smith and Dr. Rachel Pope on nuance, safety, and responsible communicationWhy sudden menopause isn’t the same as natural menopause — and why that distinction mattersThe quiet truth about progestins vs. progesteroneSocial media, private practice, and the influencer-doctor economyVaginal options like DHEA and testosterone — and what’s missing from the conversationThree questions to ask yourself before starting hormone therapyRemembering Dr. Burt Webb — one of Ann Marie’s favorite guestsThis is a solo episode hosted by Ann Marie McQueen. Additional expert commentary is provided by:Dr. Kirsten Smith, a naturopathic doctor practicing in Canada and Costa Rica with a focus on women’s health and hormone balancing.Dr. Rachel Pope, obstetrician-gynecologist, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and associate professor at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.Dr. Burt Webb, late OB/GYN and beloved advocate for women’s vaginal and hormonal health.This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivJoin 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

Send a textHosted by journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen, this episode features Dr Leigha Saunders, a naturopathic doctor, menopause specialist and mom of two whose own postpartum sleep struggles ignited a mission to help women reclaim their rest and balance.From her sold-out “Woman Up” event to her candid insights on burnout, radical self-responsibility, and the real roots of fatigue, Leigha and Ann Marie dig into the science and soul of women’s health. They unpack why everything is suddenly labeled “perimenopause,” the hidden role of iron deficiency, and how stress, relationships and lost self-connection lie beneath so many midlife symptoms.Sponsor shout-out Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.HighlightsDr Leigha Saunders shares how her Woman Up event united over 100 women seeking health and happiness.Why “normal” bloodwork isn’t always optimal — and how the medical system continues to fail women.How midlife hormones lower our tolerance for stress and change the way we recover.Leigha’s own burnout and “dark night of the soul” — and how she turned it into a healing experience.Why perimenopause can sound like “I don’t feel like myself” — and what that really means.The danger of assuming every symptom is perimenopause — and what to test instead.Iron, B12, and protein deficiencies: the hidden causes behind fatigue and low mood.Why collaboration between medical and naturopathic doctors is the future of women’s health.Where to find Dr LeighWebsite: leighasaundersnd.com Instagram: @drleighasaundersndHost bioThis podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivotal life stage.Thank you for being hereIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. For the latest research and real talk on perimenopause, menopause, and midlife straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Hotflash inc newsletter here.Join 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

Send a textThank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Laura Ghita, a Romanian psychotherapist and Family Constellation practitioner, for a deeply personal and revealing conversation about how unresolved ancestral patterns can shape our midlife experiences – and how we can shift them.Ann Marie recorded this interview several years ago, in the middle of going through menopause, just after experiencing her own Family Constellation session. What followed was a profound rethinking of how past generations and hidden dynamics impact our relationships, our health, and how we move through the world in perimenopause and beyond.Laura explains how this therapeutic modality works, what the science says about inherited trauma, and how this work can reconnect us to our intuition, our bodies, and our personal truth. Whether you're new to Family Constellation Therapy or already curious, this episode will move you to think differently about healing – and the invisible threads that connect us all.Highlights:How Family Constellation helps women in perimenopause and menopauseUnderstanding the inherited beliefs about womanhood from your maternal lineWhy we can’t think our way through healingHow trauma gets stored in our bodies – and why it mattersThe turning point when Ann Marie felt emotion linked to her great-grandmotherWhy healing is never “done” – it’s a lifelong journeyLaura Ghita is a Romania-based psychotherapist and Family Constellation facilitator with more than a decade of experience helping individuals and groups uncover the unconscious patterns passed down through generations. Her approach is grounded in psychology, trauma-informed practices, and energetic awareness. Laura travels internationally to offer workshops and one-on-one sessions, including regular visits to Seva Wellness in Dubai. Her work helps people reconnect with their deeper selves, their bodies, and their ancestral lines to bring clarity, healing, and peaceConnect with Laura:LinkedIn Laura Ghita Instagram: @lauraghita.psychologistJoin 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

Send a textThank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by Mitopure®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.In this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen speaks with award-winning journalist, broadcaster and women’s health advocate Fiona Clark. Together they unpack how media, medicine and marketing collided to create confusion and polarization in menopause care – and what needs to change.Fiona, co-founder of the Menopause Research and Education Fund, shares why she wrote Meno Wars, the impact of social media “medical influencers,” how evidence gets cherry-picked and misused, and why better data, plain-language summaries and shared decision-making are vital for women’s health. They also discuss vaginal health – including her own issues – testosterone, GLP-1s, trauma, diet culture and the urgent need for more menopause research funding.HighlightsHow the menopause movement went off the rails,The rise of medical influencers and how misinformation spreads onlineWhat hormone therapy can and can’t doThe overlooked importance of vaginal health and simple, effective treatmentsHow marketing shapes narrativesWhy anger is valid, and how women can demand better data, research, and careAbout Fiona ClarkFiona Clark is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and women’s health advocate. She is the author of Meno Wars: Why Menopause’s Moment Has Gone Horribly Wrong, which examines how media, medicine and marketing have shaped today’s menopause narrative. Fiona is also co-founder of the Menopause Research and Education Fund, dedicated to improving scientific research, education and equity in women’s health.Meno Wars: wherever books are sold IG: @fiona_clark_writesJoin 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

Send a textThank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by Mitopure®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.In this empowering episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen speaks with Riana Malia, a transformation coach with over 20 years of experience helping ambitious women break free from emotional blocks, unconscious patterns, and limiting beliefs. Riana shares her Clear to Create method, which blends neuroscience, advanced trauma-aware coaching, and energetic techniques like Quantum Time Release to help women shed old stories and reclaim their personal power.We dig into people pleasing, forgiveness, midlife transitions, and why so many of us are unconsciously stuck in survival loops that keep us from fully living. We also discuss how midlife – and perimenopause – can serve as a powerful energetic reset, and what it really takes to step into your next chapter, unapologetically.Highlights4:20 – How childhood conditioning creates the nice girl persona6:50 – What it means to “clear before you can create”8:30 – The cost of repeating old patterns and people pleasing9:45 – What is Quantum Time Release and how does it work?12:15 – Why mindset isn’t enough and the unconscious mind always wins13:45 – Trauma, cycles, and the deep work that actually frees us16:30 – Alchemical forgiveness – what it is and how it sets you free20:00 – How emotional blocks show up physically in perimenopause and menopause22:00 – Stepping into your full power in midlife24:10 – Speaking up at work and at home – and dealing with the fallout26:30 – Reintroducing yourself after transformation29:10 – A dress disaster becomes a metaphor for authenticity32:30 – When you’re done being the one who fixes everything34:30 – You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it35:10 – How to work with Riana one-on-one or take her free assessmentRiana Malia is a transformational coach, advanced trauma practitioner, and creator of the Clear to Create method. With over two decades of experience and training in modalities like evolved neurolinguistic programming and Quantum Time Release, she helps ambitious women break free from the emotional and energetic blocks that keep them stuck. Her work blends neuroscience, deep compassion, and intuitive guidance to help clients step into their true power and create the life and love they desire.Where to find RaniaWebsite: https://www.rianamalia.com (currently being relaunched)Take the quiz: https://quiz.rianamalia.com – Find out what’s standing between you and extraordinary loveInstagram: https://instagram.com/rianamaliaJoin 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

Send a textThank you to Timeline for sponsoring this podcast. Powered by Mitopure®, Timeline’s clinically proven Urolithin A gummies are designed to boost energy and support healthy aging at the cellular level. Use code HOTFLASH at timeline.com for 20% off your first order.In this deeply personal solo episode, Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen returns to the mic to debrief after organizing and hosting the Hotflash inc Summit – including how it impacted her mind, body, and career direction.She opens up about post-COVID health issues, navigating burnout, the weight of always working, and an emotional breakthrough. And she shares a clip from her powerful conversation with MD, midwife and herbalist Dr Aviva Romm – including the three deceptively simple midlife questions that shifted everything.Ann Marie also gets into the nuances of perimenopause care, why so many women feel lost in the noise, and a new major study that will probably be ignored, about a statistically significant link between hormone therapy and autoimmune diseases.Highlights include:The Hotflash inc Summit: Behind the ScenesPersonal Struggles and Health ChallengesRealizations and Life ChangesThe Power of Asking the Right QuestionsListener Appreciation and Personal ReflectionsChallenges of Modern JournalismNavigating Health and Wellness NarrativesThe Seed Oil ControversyCritique of Gwyneth Paltrow BiographyHormone Therapy and Autoimmune DiseasesFuture PlansWhere to find Dr. Aviva RommWebsite: avivaromm.comInstagram: @dr.avivarommJoin 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on May 9, 2025In this honest and energizing conversation, Ann Marie sits down with 64-year-old Australian naturopath, speaker, and wellness rebel Jennifer Jefferies – aka @presentdaywisewoman – to talk about how women can embrace midlife and menopause without fear, extremes, or pharma dependency. Jen brings over 30 years of clinical experience, a surfboard, and a no-BS attitude to the conversation. Once a burned-out pharmaceutical rep, she made a full 180 after hitting the wall in her 20s and rebuilding her health using naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her beloved “bare-ass minimum” (BAM) approach to wellness.This is a must-listen episode for any woman feeling confused, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the barrage of menopause messages out there.Highlights include:Why we’re told menopause is a disaster – and why it doesn’t have to beHow adrenal burnout is at the core of crappy perimenopause (even if your doctor won’t admit it)The truth about estrogen “deficiency” and why we’re not meant to keep producing it foreverWhat Western medicine gets wrong about hormone therapyThe rise of adrenal fatigue in the pandemic aftermathJen’s Bare-Ass Minimum Plan to restore vitality, joy, and hormonal balanceWhy she swears by: going to bed before 10 p.m., eating close to nature 80% of the time, and having fun – yes, fun!What happens when we stop outsourcing our health and tune into our own wisdomAbout Jennifer Jefferies: Jennifer Jefferies is a veteran naturopath, speaker, author, and wellness educator with over three decades of clinical experience. Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, she’s known for her refreshingly simple, radically realistic, and unapologetically fun approach to health and aging. She surfs at sunrise, gardens in her downtime, and helps women around the world step into their power.Where to find her:IG @thepresentdaywisewoman Learn more: jenniferjefferies.comJoin 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on May 29, 2025On this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician based in Vancouver, BC, who brings over two decades of experience blending the latest scientific research with natural, clinically proven forms of medicine.Heidi has coined the term The Pink Zones to describe the cultural, emotional, physical, and communal conditions that allow women to not only navigate perimenopause and menopause – but to thrive. She’s been listening to older, wiser women, and noticing the powerful patterns that emerge when we prioritize meaning, connection, and nervous system support over the relentless push to do more, be more, fix more.From hormone health and adrenal burnout to grief, rage, and the unprocessed emotions that surface at midlife, this conversation goes beyond symptom lists and into what it really means to design this season of life, rather than just survive it.Heidi and Ann Marie also dig into the nocebo effect, why outdated menopause narratives can actually make us feel worse, and how to reframe this transition as a gateway – not a decline.Highlights:Dr. Heidi Lescanec’s integrative approach to hormone health, combining science, spirituality, and food-as-medicineIntroduction to The Pink Zones: envisioning supportive environments that celebrate women's agingExploration of how past generations managed menopause, transforming stigma into strengthAbout Dr Heidi Lescanec:Dr Heidi Lescanec is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver, BC. With more than 20 years of experience, she blends science-backed natural medicine with a holistic, whole-person lens – addressing mind, body, and spirit.Where to find her:Website: thepinkzones.comSubstack: substack.com/@thepinkzonesIG: @drheidilescanecWhen this episode first ran on May 29, 2025 it was sponsored by Menolabs. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.com Join 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

Send a textAnnouncing the First Hotflash inc Summit: Everything You Need to KnowIn this episode, the host discusses their excitement about hosting the first Hotflash Inc. Summit from September 29th to October 4th. They detail their extensive preparation over the past three months, including interviewing 36 experts to create a comprehensive resource on menopause. The summit aims to dispel fear and provide evidence-based information on menopause. Highlights include multiple expert sessions, special workouts, guided meditations, and discussions on various health topics. The host also introduces sponsors and showcases additional options for paid all-access passes to further enhance attendees' experiences. The session aims to promote a deeper understanding of menopause, focusing on the holistic impact of this transition on mind, body, and soul.Highlights00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote00:29 Announcing the Hotflash Inc Summit03:00 Summit Details and Speaker Highlights04:01 Special Sessions and Extras04:59 Acknowledging Sponsors09:52 Deep Dive into Speaker Contributions20:45 Personal Experiences and Reflections23:37 Closing Remarks and EncouragementSign up to the first Hotflash inc summit hereThe Hotflash inc Summit is READY + you’re invited!From Sept 29 – Oct 3, we’re bringing you 36 powerful talks (plus bonuses!) with the smartest, boldest, straight-talking experts on perimenopause + menopause.Expect real talk, real science + real solutions on: • Hormone therapy (what to know + what to expect) • Fascia + fitness insights (from Halle Berry’s Respin platform team) • Trauma + emotional health in this transition • Voices expanding the conversation: Black, South Asian + Muslim practitioners • Elderwomen sharing wisdom about stepping into your wise woman yearsMeet some of the powerhouse voices shaping the conversation:Stacy London • Dr. Mariza Snyder • Kim Vopni • Dr. Stacy Barczak BakerAnd the best part? 🎉 It’s virtual and completely free to attend.I’m Ann Marie, founder of Hotflash inc and the only journalist in the world taking a holistic, no-sides approach to this transition. My mission: to give you clarity, not fear, and help you find what feels right for YOU.This is not your average summit. Don’t miss it. Sign up to the first Hotflash inc summit hereThank you to our sponsors. Without you, this summit would not be possible.MenoLabsBonafideKIONPhosisThe Hotflash inc Summit is for educational purposes only and not to be used or considered for medical advice.Join 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on 13 March 2025Jessica Barac is a registered nutritionist, personal trainer, and the founder of What The Menopause, a women's health platform of over 950,000 women globally.After struggling with perimenopause in her late 30s and receiving little support from traditional healthcare, Jessica made it her mission to crack the perimenopause code and regain her vibrancy. Today, she has educated millions of women through her content and developed The Pause Power Method a science-backed approach addressing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to help women improve symptoms, achieve sustainable fat loss, and step into their most powerful era yet.Episode highlightsJessica's journey from struggling with perimenopause to launching What The Menopause.The power of humor: Why memes about menopause resonated with so many women.Recognizing perimenopause: The symptoms that caught Jessica by surprise and how she finally connected the dots.The impact on family life: Jessica’s husband’s plea to “figure it out” and how her symptoms affected her loved ones.Connecting the dots: Why so many women don’t realize that symptoms like anxiety, depression, dry mouth, tinnitus, and frozen shoulder can be linked to perimenopause.The power of movement: How strength training, walking, and lifestyle shifts hold everything together in midlife.Quitting alcohol: The tough but transformative decision to stop drinking and how it changed Jessica’s life.Reframing midlife: The importance of thinking about your 8-year-old and 80-year-old self when making life decisions.Top Quote“Perimenopause calls on you to take a very hard look at yourself – if you’re willing to do it.” – Jessica BaracThank you to our sponsor Timeline Nutrition at the time of this original episode release: Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity — now available with a 10% discount! Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH to claim your offer!Where to find Jessica & What The MenopauseWebsite: whatthemenopause.comInstagram: @whatthemenopauseFacebook: What The MenopauseTikTok: @whatthemenopauseJoin 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

Send a textIn this solo episode, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen shares an honest update on her journey with Hotflash inc, the challenges and triumphs of building a community for women in midlife, and her personal experiences navigating menopause.Highlights include:The story behind launching Hotflash inc and the drive to create meaningful resources for womenReflections on career pivots, imposter syndrome and embracing the role of entrepreneurThe emotional impact of losing a parent and how it shaped her approach to work and life.Book deals or no book dealsWhat's next: the HF inc Hormone Therapy Navigator, the Hotflash inc Summit and the Perimenopause Game PlanInsights from interviews for the upcoming Hotflash inc SummitWhy the mainstream menopause narrative needs to be broadenedThe importance of self-advocacy, asking questions, doing your own research and finding community supportNew genre: menopause cookbooksEncouragement to trust your instincts, embrace change and give yourself grace through transitionsJoin 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on February 13, 2025In this episode of Hotflash inc, GenX journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with neurologist and award-winning dementia care professional Dr Teryn Clarke to discuss the science and lifestyle strategies that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, which disproportionately affect women. Drawing from her book, Brain Health Action Plan: Simple, Science-Backed Lifestyle Changes that Optimize Cognitive Fitness and Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk Dr Clarke shares part actionable tips to improve brain health today and protect it for the long term.  Episode highlights:Dr Teryn Clarke’s personal motivation The power of exercise and low sugar diets The surprising immediate benefits of brain-healthy habits Type 3 diabetesIntermittent fasting explainedSeed oils Hormone therapy and Iron buildup in women post-menopauseKey supplements for brain healthThe emotional connection: how stress, loneliness, and trauma increase dementia riskThe critical link between hearing, vision, and dementia prevention  Why brain stimulation matters: exercise, learning, and meaningful social connections  🔑 Top Quote“Genetics load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.” – Dr Teryn Clarke📚 Resources and LinksDr Teryn Clarke’s book: Brain Health Action PlanWebsite: brainhealthactionplan.comFollow Dr Teryn Clarke on X: @MDTeryn📝 About the Guest Dr Teryn Clarke is a neurologist in Southern California and was named “Dementia Care Professional of the Year” by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2015. She is passionate about educating people on the modifiable lifestyle factors that can prevent cognitive decline and is the author of Brain Health Action Plan, a practical, science-based guide to optimizing brain health.Sponsor for the original episode was Timeline Nutrition Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity. You can still visit https://shop.timeline.com/HOTFLASHINC  and use the code HOTFLASHINC for an exclusive discount.Join 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on March 26th, 2025In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, GenX journalist Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Deena Emera, an evolutionary geneticist, senior scientist at the Buck Institute’s Buck Center for Healthy Aging in Women, and author of A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be.Dr Emera’s research focuses on the genetic basis of reproductive longevity in mammals, and in this fascinating discussion, she breaks down the evolution of menopause, why female bodies age the way they do, and what modern science is uncovering about ovarian health and longevity.If you’ve ever wondered why menopause exists, how it evolved, and whether science will ever be able to delay or even prevent it, this episode is for you.Highlights:Understanding evolutionary biology (it's not boring, promise)The evolutionary mystery of menopauseWhat animals do go through menopause?Why all women didn't used to die at 50 (and what actually happened)How modern life has changed menopauseWhy Dr Emera needs bowhead whale ovariesCan we really end menopause?The truth about the Grandmother HypothesisQuote:"Menopause itself isn’t surprising – if you live long enough, you will run out of eggs. What’s unique about humans is that we have such a long post-reproductive life stage. That’s the real mystery we need to solve." – Dr Deena EmeraWhere to find Dr Emera:Instagram: @deenaemeraLinkedIn: Deena EmeraBuy her book: A Brief History of the Female Body – Available on AmazonThe Hotflash inc Podcast is:One of the Top 60 Menopause PodcastsIn the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes#1 on Goodpods’ Top 10 Women’s Health Podcasts listThis episode was originally sponsored by  Timeline Nutrition. Mitopure supports cellular energy and longevity. Visit https://shop.timeline.com/HOTFLASHINC where you can still grab 20% off with code HOTFLASHINCJoin 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on July 10, 2024In this episode Florida orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr Vonda Wright published a review paper Climacteric, the journal of the International Menopause Society, introducing Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause. The paper has been shared widely across social media, and this interview with Dr Wright is an edited version from last year diving into Dr Wright’s efforts to create awareness of this constellation of muscle and joint problems experienced during perimenopause. This is an issue close to Dr Wright’s heart: it was the first thing she went though in perimenopause. Listen in as she explains why MSM is her mission, just what happens to our bones and muscles as we get older, and delves into the need for proper diagnosis and preventive measures such as exercise and diet, and the importance of estrogen in maintaining bone health. Highlights:1:33 Why she’s back2:45 Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause3:46 Personal experiences and reflections4:09 Understanding bone health12:22 The importance of mobility22:15 Diet and supplements for bone health26:58 Hormone therapy and long-term health31:05 Her words of hope Connect with Dr Vonda WrightWebsite: drvondawright Instagram: drvondawrightTikTok: drvondawright Leave a review If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and hit follow wherever you listen. Host bio: This episode is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc – the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. A Canadian-made, UAE-based journalist with 30 years of experience, Ann Marie launched Hotflash Inc to help women find evidence, expert insight, and honest conversations that reflect the full spectrum of the midlife experience. Through her newsletter, podcast, social channels, events, and upcoming course Your Perimenopause Game Plan, she’s building a global community rooted in truth, curiosity, and empowerment.Join 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

Send a textThis podcast originally ran on July 4, 2024Hotflash inc – the platform designed to find the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond – makes a return to the podcast world this week! In the first episode back journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen interviews Lara Briden, an expert in women's health and author of the new book The Metabolism Reset.They discuss the complexity of this entire subject, insulin resistance, the impact of modern diets, and the importance of understanding how our bodies respond to different types of food and exercise. Briden, a naturopathic doctor and author of period repair manual and hormone repair manual, shares her valuable and moderate insights on achieving metabolic health through tailored approaches, emphasizing gentler methods and the importance of addressing underlying health issues like gut health and autoimmunity. This episode aims to help listeners understand and manage their metabolic health effectively during the menopause transition.Highlights:00:48 Introducing Midi Health01:21 Lara Briden's Influence and new book02:04 Conversation with Lara Briden03:31 Understanding Metabolic Health05:42 The Role of Hunger and Satiety14:50 Impact of Modern Food Environment21:30 Debate on Vegetable Oils28:06 Navigating Food Allergies in Restaurants28:27 Understanding Metabolic Endotoxemia28:47 Gut Health and Metabolic Health Connection29:54 Patient Stories: Gut Health and Insulin Resistance34:52 Exploring Insulin Resistance37:27 Signs and Diagnosis of Insulin Resistance40:30 Treatment Approaches for Insulin Resistance43:20 Perimenopause and Insulin Resistance43:34 The Importance of Movement and Protein49:29 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsConnect with Dr. Lara Briden:Website: www.larabriden.comInstagram: @larabridenX: @larabridenBooks: Available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Pan MacmillanJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen takes you into a whole new realm of possibility: decentralized science, or DeSci. Joining her is Mack Stachowiak, a physicist, software architect and healthcare innovator who is pioneering the integration of blockchain, AI, and Web3 into healthcare as co-founder of Axon DAO.You might be thinking, “why are you talking about this?” – and we get it. Crypto and blockchain can feel like a foreign language. But this conversation reveals how decentralized science could completely change the game when it comes to the lack of menopause and midlife research – by putting data ownership and funding power into the hands of individuals and communities.Mack shares how Axon DAO’s platform allows people to share and monetize their health data (ethically and consensually), explains how voice biomarkers can detect hormone fluctuations, and shares mulitple menopause-specific projects he wants to launch right now – but needs the right researchers and community to do it.This episode is for anyone tired of waiting for “more data” – and ready to build the systems we need now.Episode highlights:1:30 – What is decentralized science (DeSci) and why should we care?3:10 – Why most people – including doctors – don’t even know DeSci exists6:45 – How blockchain-backed tokens fund research in a faster, fairer way12:00 – Why Axon DAO gives users full control over their health data14:15 – How scientists can build research platforms using Axon DAO18:55 – Using sleep data to support menopausal women20:00 – How voice analysis can detect stress, PTSD, and even vagus nerve dysfunction26:30 – How Mack’s team is handling data privacy and regulatory compliance28:20 – Upcoming projects on Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis, and psilocybin microdosing33:00 – The enormous gap in menopause research – and how DeSci can close it35:10 – Voice-based hormone and hot flash tracking: already here37:45 – Mack’s open invitation to women researchers and citizen scientists40:30 – Why you should own your data and share it on your own terms44:30 – Health optimization as a cultural shift: empowerment through ownership46:15 – One medical device that could change the game – if it wasn’t siloed48:00 – How community and open access can transform women’s health research50:30 – “You don’t need to understand crypto – just use your email and get started”Connect with Mack and Axon DAO:A Plus Voice research program: https://aplusvoice.ioX: https://twitter.com/axondaoIG: https://www.instagram.com/axondao/Join 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

Send a textIn this powerful solo episode, Hotflash inc founder and host Ann Marie McQueen reflects on the five-year journey of building the platform, from launching her first newsletter in 2020 to preparing for the first Hotflash inc Summit and her first product launch – a much-needed tool to help women navigate the hormone therapy maze.Ann Marie opens up about how far the conversation has come, how far it still has to go, and what she’s learned through thousands of hours of research, interviews, and real-life experience. She unpacks the polarizing hormone therapy space – from the self-proclaimed “thought leaders” to the quiet majority of women who are still confused, cautious, or feeling pushed in every direction.Plus, a deeply relatable share from a harpist and UAE changemaker Shelley Frost, founder of The Fridge Entertainment, who talks about her turning point with hormone therapy after years of struggling with sleep and overwhelm.This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between extremes when it comes to midlife, hormones, and who to trust.Highlights:The story behind launching the first Hotflash Inc newsletter in 2020The content-is-product philosophy Ann Marie’s early fear of using the words “menopause” or “perimenopause”What has (and hasn’t) changed in five yearsWhy the hormonal transition isn’t the problem – it reveals deeper issuesHormone therapy doesn’t always prevent disease, and the research is nuancedThe middle path between estrogen fear and hormone therapy evangelismWomen can’t just "get it together" – trauma and real-life responsibilities are at playMessaging trends and repeated doctor scripts that look a lot like PRThe supplement smear campaign: is it manufactured?Shelley Frost shares her transformation after starting hormone therapyReal messages from women who can’t tolerate MHT – and feel pressured to keep tryingBehind the scenes: doctors admit they’re worried about the current messagingPhysiologic dosing and why it’s so controversialThe full hormone therapy belief system spectrum, mapped outThe confusing (and dangerous) mix-up between progesterone and progestinAnn Marie’s first product: a tool to help women figure out HRT for themselvesWhat’s coming next: the Hotflash Inc Summit, the course, the bookA reminder that midlife is about remembering who’s really calling the shotsShoutout to our sponsor MenoLabs – makers of MenoFit, a science-backed probiotic designed to relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats while supporting overall wellness. Hotflash Inc listeners get 20% off with code HOTFLASH20 at menolabs.com.Join 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

Send a textIn this deep-dive episode, independent researcher and Energy Balance Podcast host Jay Feldman walks Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen through his bioenergetic approach to health, exploring how modern life disrupts our energy systems and misleads us around hormones.Jay explains why perimenopause symptoms aren’t necessarily signs of estrogen deficiency, what progesterone’s underrated role is, and how metabolism, stress, and gut health all converge to influence the midlife transition.His work has been instrumental in helping Ann Marie connect the dots between her own thyroid, gut health, fatty liver, and hormonal changes. If you're curious, overwhelmed, or stuck between conflicting advice – this one’s for you.Highlights:Why the mainstream medical model didn’t cut it for JayHow energy production impacts reproductive hormonesThe cultural lie of “eat less, move more”Seed oils, PUFAs and what they’re doing to your metabolismSunscreens, toenail polish, and endocrine disruptionWhy low estrogen blood levels don’t tell the whole storyWhat your liver and gut have to do with your hormonesWhy estrogen replacement might be a band-aid, not a solutionProgesterone as the overlooked hero hormoneA breakdown of the research around hormone therapy and preventionWhat’s missing from the Women’s Health Initiative findingsThe testosterone-for-everyone trend: risks and realitiesSmall shifts that support your hormones naturallyHow the carrot salad really worksAlcohol, slow motility, gut health and estrogen clearanceThe liver support and herbal options that actually helpA loving reminder: there is no magic pillSpecial thanks to our sponsor MenoLabsGet 20% off science-backed support for perimenopause and menopause at menolabs.com using code HOTFLASH20Guest bio Jay Feldman is a health coach, independent researcher, and the host of the Energy Balance Podcast. With a background in neuroscience and exercise physiology, he takes a bioenergetic approach to health that focuses on restoring cellular energy and dismantling modern myths around nutrition, metabolism, and hormones. Jay’s personal mission is to help people heal by reconnecting them with their bodies and understanding how modern life throws off our internal systems. Work with Jay & explore moreWebsite: jayfeldmanwellness.comFree Guide: jayfeldmanwellness.com/guidePodcast: The Energy Balance Podcast Join 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Lara Briden – a naturopath, women’s health speaker, and author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. Together, they unpack some of the buzziest and most confusing midlife health trends: from hormone therapy + GLP-1 combos to supplement overwhelm, vaginal estrogen, and the sudden concern over labia shrinkage.Dr Briden brings a refreshing and deeply grounded perspective to the conversation, challenging common narratives and reminding us of the biological brilliance of the female body – especially in midlife.Highlights:The overhyped narrative about hormone therapy and GLP-1sWhat GLP-1 medications really do, and why they’re fascinating to Dr. BridenSupplements as a security blanket, and why Ann Marie and her friends are rethinking themTaking a “supplement holiday” – what it is and why it helpsThe connection between GLP-1s and gut healthWhat happens when you go off hormone therapy or GLP-1s? A naturopath’s minimalist supplement travel kitVaginal changes in menopause: what’s real, what’s clickbaitThe difference in how men vs women are told to view their bodies as they ageVaginal estrogen and the truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopauseThe bizarre labia shrinkage trend and the pressure of “perfect” body partsWhy menopause is not a mistake of evolution – it’s a featureThe danger of over-identifying with health labels“Wear it lightly” – a powerful reframe from Dr. BridenThe trend of diagnosing yourself through InstagramNot everyone suffers in perimenopause – and that’s okaySponsor: Shoutout to our sponsor MenoLabs – makers of MenoFit, a science-backed probiotic designed to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and more. Hotflash Inc listeners get 20% off with the code HOTFLASHINC20.Connect with Dr. Lara Briden:Website: www.larabriden.comInstagram: @larabridenX: @larabridenBooks: Available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Pan MacmillanJoin 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, founder and host Ann Marie McQueen talks with serial entrepreneur Carin Luna-Ostaseski – creator of Hot or Just Me?, a comprehensive online platform supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.Carin’s path from successful whiskey founder to menopause advocate is anything but ordinary. After launching the first American woman and Hispanic-created Scotch whisky (SIA), and pioneering a grant program for underserved entrepreneurs, she found herself navigating hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia and more. Rather than suffer silently, she launched a new venture focused on offering trusted products, expert advice, and a supportive community for other women going through the same.They talk candidly about hormonal sensitivity, the pressure to take HRT, entrepreneurial lessons, how to optimize sleep (even if your partner snores like a bear) and the most helpful (and unhelpful) products in the menopause space. If you'd like to check out Carin's marketplace Hot or Just Me? use our exclusive discount code for Hotflash inc listeners, HFINC, here for 25 percent off.  Episode highlights:Carin’s journey from tech and whisky to menopause advocacyHow her own symptoms inspired Hot or Just Me?How she selects products for the site and what she avoidsHer top-selling tools for cooling, comfort, and sexual wellnessWhy she’s cautious about one-size-fits-all supplementsThoughts on the “menopause gold rush” and consumer choiceWhy she isn’t on hormone therapy and how that’s played outNavigating hormonal sensitivity and IVF strugglesThe nuance around HRT pressure and platform responsibilityNon-hormonal solutions that work for her (starting with sleep!)Caffeine and alcohol hacks that actually helpSponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you're too young for perimenopause, but you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Visit menolabs.com and get 20% off your order using code: HOTFLASH20This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Relevant links:Website → https://hotorjustme.comIG → @hotorjustmeFind a certified menopause practitioner → meJoin 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

Send a textThis week’s solo episode is all about supplements – the good, the bad, and the potentially dangerous. I open up about my own rocky road with pills, powders, and tinctures, including the time I returned a popular fat burner in the early 2000s and, more recently, when I accidentally took five times the recommended dose of desiccated thyroid.This episode is both a cautionary tale and an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and ask what you really need – beyond the bottle. If you’ve been gagging on supplements, feeling unwell despite taking “all the right things,” or questioning what’s working and what’s not, this is for you.Episode highlights:That time I levitated from a fat burner (and returned it in a rage)How Ephedra was banned after high-profile deathsWhat early sensitivity to supplements taught me (and didn’t)When supplements become a security blanketThe Maca incident that triggered spotting and emotional chaos“Why didn’t you rest?” – the question that (started to) change everythingGenetic testing, fatigue and falling back into old patternsStage 2 hypertension and a terrifying headacheThe wakeup call Supplements vs. food – what we’re getting wrongWhat symptoms are really telling youA call to self-kindness and slowing downSponsor shoutout:Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for perimenopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed products like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today. Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20Now for the small print: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Call to action:If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who might need it. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next, we’ve got incredible guests and stories on the way.Join 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

Send a textIn this episode of the Hot Flash inc Podcast, host Annemarie McQueen sits down with Dr Stuart Phillips, a professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, to explore the intricacies of exercise, aging, and nutrition, particularly focusing on the impact of these factors during perimenopause and menopause. They discuss common societal pressures and misinformation women face around exercise and health during midlife, emphasizing the importance of consistent and practical workout routines. Dr Phillips debunks myths about hormone therapy, estrogen, and muscle health, and offers evidence-based recommendations for maintaining physical function and overall well-being. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the real science behind muscle health, the benefits of physical activity, and practical advice for women navigating this challenging life stage.Topics Covered:Menopause and exercise challengesStarting the conversation with Dr PhillipsThe importance of consistency in exerciseSocial media’s impact on fitness adviceDebunking the heavy-lifting mythProgressive overload explainedBalancing exercise and lifeThe benefits of muscle healthThe importance of health span and physical mobilityBone health: hormone therapy vs. activityExercise and mental health benefitsHormone therapy and muscle mass: the evidenceFascia and connective tissue: the overlooked componentsInactivity and its impact on agingSupplements: creatine, protein, and moreWeight-loss drugs and muscle loss concernsLongevity and lifestyle: a balanced perspectiveAdvice for women in perimenopauseWhere to find Dr Stuart PhillipsX: @mackinprofInstagram: @mackinprofLinkedIn @stuartphillipsFacebook: SMPPh.D Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20Join 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

Send a textWelcome to the Hotflash inc Podcast! I’m Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, and today I’m joined by Dr Tiffany Duffing, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, US Army Veteran, and co-founder of GI Psychology. Dr Duffing is an expert in the gut–brain connection, integrative therapy and clinical hypnosis for GI disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. There is such an intersection with everything we are facing in perimenopause, so stay tuned as we dive into the science behind one of the most  practical tools for healing.HighlightsDr Duffing’s path to GI Psychology and clinical hypnosisOvercoming skepticism: “If you don’t show me the data, I’m gonna go collect some information.”Dr Duffing’s personal experience with gut issues and family historyThe emotional and mental toll of GI distressPerimenopause, menopause, and the gut: what the research saysThe gut–brain connection explained: enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, and moreHow stress, trauma, and hypervigilance affect gut healthThe power of clinical hypnosis and how it worksSelf-hypnosis, apps, and how to find a qualified providerDr Duffing’s advice: “If you have physical distress, Google Scholar that and see how clinical hypnosis can help. Boom.”Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20Where to find Dr Tiffany:Website: gipsychology.comIG: duffing4gastrohealthLinkedIn: Dr. DuffingAmerican Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH)Evia App for Hot FlashesJoin 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

Send a textThis week on the Hotflash inc Podcast, I’m talking with board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr Sara Reardon, aka The Vagina Whisperer. With 650,000 followers on Instagram and 8 million TikTok views, Sara has become a trusted source for breaking down pelvic floor health in a way that’s clear, empowering and, yes, even fun.Her upcoming book, FLOORED: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage (out June 10 from HarperCollins Park Row), is an honest, comprehensive guide to the often-ignored foundation of our bodies. In our conversation, we get into how stress, childbirth, perimenopause and menopause affect the pelvic floor — and how we can take back our strength and vitality at every age.From the perils of peeing too fast to disappearing orgasms, Dr Sara brings science, compassion and truth to a topic most of us were never taught about.Episode highlights:Understanding Stress and Pelvic Floor TensionIntro to the Hot Flash Ink PodcastPelvic Floor 101: Anatomy and FunctionPelvic Floor Health During PerimenopauseThe Role of Hormones and StressSponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you’re too young for peri/menopause, but you know you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Don’t settle for less during this season of your life. Visit Menolabs.com and get the support you need today! Hotflash inc listeners get 20% off with code: HOTFLASH20This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Where to find Dr Sara Preorder FLOORED by Dr Sara Reardon (HarperCollins, June 10) Instagram: @the.vagina.whispererWebsite: thevagwhisperer.comTikTok: @thevaginawhispererJoin 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

Send a textOn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician based in Vancouver, BC, who brings over two decades of experience blending the latest scientific research with natural, clinically proven forms of medicine.Heidi has coined the term The Pink Zones to describe the cultural, emotional, physical, and communal conditions that allow women to not only navigate perimenopause and menopause – but to thrive. She’s been listening to older, wiser women, and noticing the powerful patterns that emerge when we prioritize meaning, connection, and nervous system support over the relentless push to do more, be more, fix more.From hormone health and adrenal burnout to grief, rage, and the unprocessed emotions that surface at midlife, this conversation goes beyond symptom lists and into what it really means to design this season of life, rather than just survive it.Heidi and Ann Marie also dig into the nocebo effect, why outdated menopause narratives can actually make us feel worse, and how to reframe this transition as a gateway – not a decline.Highlights:Dr. Heidi Lescanec’s integrative approach to hormone health, combining science, spirituality, and food-as-medicineIntroduction to The Pink Zones: envisioning supportive environments that celebrate women's agingExploration of how past generations managed menopause, transforming stigma into strength About Dr Heidi Lescanec:Dr Heidi Lescanec is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver, BC. With more than 20 years of experience, she blends science-backed natural medicine with a holistic, whole-person lens – addressing mind, body, and spirit.Where to find her:Website: thepinkzones.comSubstack: substack.com/@thepinkzonesIG: @drheidilescanecEpisode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.com Join 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

Send a textIn this episode, Ann Marie McQueen speaks with globally recognized strategist Dr Lydia Kostopoulos, whose work spans emerging technology, national security, and macrotrends. But it’s her deep interest in human performance and healthy aging that brings her into the perimenopause conversation.Lydia shares her experience preparing for this life phase with intention, data, and strategy – including a military-style “perimenopause game plan”. Through her Project N of 1 series and personal research, she’s built a unique, highly organized approach to symptom tracking, risk assessment, and hormone therapy prep – while emphasizing emotional and psychological resilience.What we cover:• Why Lydia created her Perimenopause Game Plan series as part of Project N of 1• Her strategic approach to tracking symptoms, health data, and preparing for hormone therapy• Insights from interviewing women across generations, disciplines, and cultures• Why mental and emotional health are critical pillars of healthy agingQuote:“If you don’t know you have choices, then you never had a choice.” – Dr Lydia KostopoulosResources & Links:Perimenopause Game Plan YouTube PlaylistDr Lydia Kostopoulos on LinkedInInstagram: @hilydiakX @lkcyberEpisode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at menolabs.com *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating big transitions. Leave a review, subscribe, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @hotflashinc for daily inspiration and support in midlife and beyond.Join 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