The Next Phase

If your hair suddenly feels different in this phase of life… you’re not imagining it.In this episode, I’m talking with Allison Conrad and Jay Small, founders of AREY, about what actually happens to women’s hair in perimenopause — and why so many of us feel completely caught off guard by it.We talk about: why your hair suddenly feels completely different in midlife  the science behind gray hair (and why it’s not “just genetics”)  how stress and inflammation impact aging hair  why postpartum can accelerate hair aging  the surprising connection between scalp health and overall health  what’s actually happening when your hair becomes thinner, drier, or frizzier overnight  and why changes to our hair can feel way more emotional than we expectThis conversation goes way beyond beauty.It’s really about what happens when we start noticing the physical signs that we’re entering a new phase — and how disorienting that can feel as women who are used to functioning at full speed all the time.And yes… we also talk about what can actually help.Just to be clear: this is not a sponsored episode.AREY is simply something I found while trying to understand what was happening to my own hair in my 40s, and I thought it could help some of you too.🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉I teamed up with AREY to give one listener their AM + PM Duo (a 3-month supply valued at $295).Enter here:Arey + Next Phase GiveawayAbout AREY:AREY creates products designed to support healthier aging hair by focusing on scalp health, oxidative stress, and long-term hair wellness.Learn more:arey.comFollow them: @areyhaircareIf this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend who’s been staring at her hair lately wondering what the heck is happening.Have an idea for the next episode? Email me at [email protected] me @stacehutson

What if success isn’t supposed to cost you yourself?So many of us did everything “right.”We chased the goals. Built the life. Hit the big hairy audacious goals.And then somewhere along the way…we started to feel like we were losing ourselves in the process.In this episode, I’m talking with Jess Ekstrom—speaker, founder, and bestselling author—about what happens when high-achieving women realize the finish line isn’t what they thought it would be.We talk about: the pressure to keep chasing the next “summit”  how motherhood reshapes your identity in ways you don’t expect  why so much self-help leaves us feeling more disconnected, not less  and how to start trusting yourself instead of constantly looking outside for answers This is one of those conversations that doesn’t try to fix you—it helps you see yourself more clearly.About Jess:Jess Ekstrom is a Forbes Top-Rated speaker, bestselling author, and the founder of Headbands of Hope, a company that has donated millions of headbands to children facing illness. She is also the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, where she helps women become paid public speakers and use their voices in a bigger way.Her new book, Making It Without Losing It, explores what it really means to succeed—without sacrificing yourself in the process.If this episode resonated with you…Jess’s new book Making It Without Losing It just released this week, and it goes deeper into everything we talked about today.You can find it here: 🔗 Making It Without Losing It

Many millennial moms are going through something that past generations never had to do:Raise young children while also caring for aging parents.It’s overwhelming, emotional, and (somehow) completely unexpected.In this episode of The Next Phase Podcast, Stacey Hutson sits down with elder care clinician Debra Kooser to talk about what really happens when the roles begin to reverse—and why so many women feel unprepared for this stage.Together, they explore:what it looks like when aging parents begin to need more supportthe emotional impact of role reversal between parent and childwhy so many families wait until a crisis to make decisionsand the very real toll of caregiver fatigue and burnoutDebra explains why caregiver fatigue is more than just stress—it’s a serious, often unrecognized experience that affects both mental and physical health.This conversation also highlights something many women don’t expect:The guilt, emotional exhaustion, and mental load that comes with trying to balance it all.For listeners who are starting to notice changes in their parents—or already feel overwhelmed by the responsibility—this episode offers both validation and a starting point.About Debra: Debra Kooser has a Masters Degree in counseling with over 30 years in healthcare, the last 18 years in hospice as a Medical Social Worker and Bereavement Coodinator.  Additionally, she has worked as a Geriatric Care Manager for an estate planning lawfirm. She has a specialty in consulting with adult children navigating their aging parents needs. She coordinates senior living placement from a clinical perspective, as well as offering ongoing case management for busy adult children/relatives who benefit from support and oversight for their family members.Resources & Next Steps:Debra Kooser helps families navigate caregiver fatigue, planning, and next steps.You can reach her here: [email protected] to Colorado? Stacey is speaking at the Golden Women in Business Founder’s Day event next week—an evening celebrating women making real impact in the community. Join us in Golden on April 29th: 🔗 https://www.goldenwomeninbusiness.com/upcoming-events/founders-day-2026

Are you doing nervous system work… and it’s still not working?In this episode, I’m sharing a realization that completely changed the way I approach anxiety, overwhelm, and “regulation” as an ADHD mom.For years, I did everything I was supposed to do:meditation, breathwork, supplements, EFT, energy work…And yet, I still felt stressed, rushed, and completely out of control in my daily life.Why?Because I was trying to calm my nervous system… while living in constant chaos.Laundry everywhere. Unpaid bills. An overpacked schedule. Always running late.👉 There’s a disconnect there.In this episode, I’m breaking down why I believe so many of us are doing nervous system work backwards—and what actually needs to come first.This is not about abandoning the “woo.”It’s about putting it in the right order.The new approach: Environment → Logistics → THEN nervous system toolsIf your life doesn’t feel manageable, no amount of meditation is going to fix that.Want to take this further?I created a simple, no-overwhelm guide to help you start:👉 The Work Before the Woo ResetThis walks you through exactly what I’m focusing on right now to get my life out of chaos and into something that actually feels calm and manageable.No routines. No pressure. Just real-life steps that make a difference.You can download it for free here: 🔗 The Work Before the Woo ResetIf this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you.email me: [email protected] 

Messy. Overwhelmed. Always behind.At some point, you start to wonder…Is this just who I am?In this episode, I’m talking to Dana K. White — creator of the No Mess Decluttering Process and author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life — about what it actually takes to get your home (and your life) under control… especially if you’re not naturally organized.Because here's the thing you need to remember:You don’t need a perfect system.You need a system that works with your brain.We talk about: Why clutter feels so moral (and why that’s not helping you)  The mindset shift from “done” → “better” Where to start when your house feels completely overwhelming  Why dishes matter more than making your bed  The real reason laundry feels never-ending (and how to fix it)  How to handle a partner or family who isn’t on board  And why decluttering might be the missing piece for your nervous system If you’ve ever felt like: “I should be better at this by now…” This episode is for you.✨ Want more support with this?If this episode hit something for you… If you’re tired of trying to fix yourself and just want a way to support your real life…I’m working on something for you.It’s not ready yet — but you can join the “First to Know” list here: 👉 Get on the list📚 Resources + LinksDana K. White: Books (start here): https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/books/ Podcast & Blog: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com Find a certified decluttering coach: https://declutteringcoaches.comFrom this episode: Try Dana’s method: Start with trash in your most visible space Mindset shift: Better > Done

Do you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up in your own life?Like no matter how many times you promise yourself you’ll “get it together”…you’re still forgetting things, missing things, and starting every day already behind?In this episode, Stacey breaks down why high-achieving women—especially moms—can feel completely scattered… even though they’re capable, smart, and doing all the “right” things.This isn’t about discipline.It’s not about laziness.And it’s not because you suck at adulting.It’s because your life isn’t set up to support you.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why being “good at school” didn’t prepare us to run a life  How constant self-improvement can actually make you feel more scattered  The hidden reason you feel like you’re always behind  Why listening to yourself matters more than fixing yourself  A simple 10-minute “Night Before Reset” to make your mornings calmer and easier If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your life is harder than it should be—this episode will help you finally understand why.🧠 Try This:The Night Before Reset → Take 10 minutes tonight to prepare for tomorrow morning → Pack lunches, set out clothes, prep what usually stresses you out → Notice how different your morning feels📩 What’s Next:If this episode resonated with you, Stacey is building something specifically for women who feel this way.Make sure you’re on her email list so you don’t miss it.Sign up here

If you’ve ever been curious about tarot… but also a little skeptical… this episode is for you.Today, I’m joined by tarot reader and teacher Rosetta Magdalene for a grounded, beginner-friendly conversation on what tarot actually is — and how you can use it as a tool for clarity, intuition, and even nervous system regulation.We’re not here to prove whether tarot is “real.”We’re here to explore what happens when you open yourself up to something a little more magical in your everyday life.In this episode, we cover:What tarot cards actually are (and where they came from)How to choose your first tarot deckSimple ways to use tarot in your daily or weekly routineHow tarot can help with anxiety, overwhelm, and decision-makingWhy midlife can open the door to deeper intuition🔮 Where to Find RosettaWebsite: https://tarotrosetta.comFree Guide:Read Tarot for Yourself the Easy Way (11-page beginner guide) https://bit.ly/tarotgoFree Manifestation Newsletter: Dispatch from the Magnetic Field https://bit.ly/sparkle365Work With Rosetta: Book a tarot reading or tutorial session directly on her website🛒 Want to Start Your Own Tarot Practice?Search this phrase to find beginner-friendly decks Rosetta recommends: “Rider Waite Smith tarot deck all 78 cards”✨ Ready to Reconnect With Your Own Rhythm?Download my free Cycle Syncing Guide — a simple way to support your energy, mood, and metabolism through each phase of your cycle:If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick review — it helps more women find the show.

Somewhere in our late thirties and forties, a lot of women start to feel like something isn’t working anymore.The way we’ve been living.The expectations we’ve been carrying.The constant pressure to improve ourselves.But what if this phase of life isn’t a crisis?What if it’s a wake-up call?In this episode, I’m joined by intuitive astrologer, yoga teacher, and shadow work practitioner Jamie DeLuccio for a conversation about self-help, self-acceptance, and what it actually means to understand yourself on a deeper level.Jamie explains how astrology can offer something many women are quietly craving in midlife: a sense of being seen, understood, and validated for who they already are.We talk about:• Why self-help can sometimes make us feel more broken • The basics of astrology (sun, moon, rising & houses) • Why so many women start questioning their lives in midlife • What shadow work actually is • How astrology can help you understand your patterns and purpose • The connection between lunar cycles, ritual, and nervous system regulationIf you’ve been feeling that quiet sense that something in your life needs to shift, this conversation may help you understand why.And more importantly, it might remind you that nothing is wrong with you.If you’re curious about your own birth chart or want to work with Jamie, you can find her here:Website: jamiedeluccio.comInstagram: @jamiedeluccioJamie offers intuitive astrology readings, shadow work sessions, women’s circles, and transformational retreats designed to help people reconnect with who they truly are beneath conditioning and expectations.Resources MentionedPull your birth chart:astro.comLearn the basics of your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs, which are the three core placements Jamie recommends starting with when exploring your astrology chart.We also discuss shadow work (Carl Jung), lunar cycles, and using ritual and quiet reflection as tools for self-understanding.

If your body suddenly feels harder to live in — you’re not imagining it.In your late 30s and early 40s, hormones start shifting. Sleep changes. Stress hits harder. The workouts and diets that used to work suddenly… don’t.But hormones are only part of the story.In this episode of The Next Phase Podcast, Stacey breaks down what is actually happening in a woman’s body during early perimenopause — and why so many millennial moms feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and confused by the changes happening to them.Think of this episode as a masterclass on what’s really going on beneath the surface.You’ll learn about the four major shifts happening in your body during this phase of life:• The Calm Dial – why declining progesterone affects sleep and anxiety • The Metabolism Dial – how fluctuating estrogen changes appetite and fat storage • The Stress Dial – why your nervous system becomes more reactive • The Muscle Dial – why strength training suddenly becomes metabolic medicineBut Stacey also explores something deeper: how decades of high achievement, people-pleasing, and constant self-optimization may have left many millennial women living in a chronically dysregulated nervous system — and why perimenopause often exposes it.If you’ve been trying to “fix” your hormones through food, supplements, or self-help and still don’t feel like yourself, this episode will help you understand why.Stacey also shares four simple shifts you can try over the next 30 days to begin supporting your hormones, metabolism, and nervous system.Topics in this episode• Early perimenopause symptoms • Hormones and nervous system regulation • Why stress tolerance changes in your late 30s and 40s • Strength training and hormone health • Blood sugar and cortisol regulation • Breaking the millennial self-improvement cycle • Simple nervous system resets for busy momsInterested in working with Stacey?Stacey is opening a limited number of 1:1 coaching spots for women navigating perimenopause, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle shifts in this next phase of life.Email Stacey at stacey @ stacey-hutson.com with the subject line “INTERESTED” to learn more.Or find a time in my schedule for a call. Follow & ConnectInstagram: @stacehutsonWebsite: stacey-hutson.com

Millennial moms were raised on one fitness message:More cardio.Eat less.Push harder.Sleep when you’re dead.And now?We’re herniating discs.Developing “meno belly.”Feeling exhausted.And wondering why the workouts that used to work… don’t anymore.In this episode of The Next Phase Podcast, I sit down with Dr. JJ Thomas, Doctor of Physical Therapy, to talk about what is actually happening inside our bodies in our late 30s and 40s — and why our old fitness mentality may be working against us.Dr. JJ has been a physical therapist for 26 years and specializes in helping women build strength for longevity, not just aesthetics. We talk about:What anabolic resistance is — and why it starts in our 30sWhy more cardio + less food can backfire in perimenopauseThe real reason protein matters (and how much you likely need)How muscle mass regulates hormonesWhy strength training is more powerful than you thinkWhy training patterns, not just muscles, changes everythingHow to think about sleep vs. workouts in midlifeThe difference between looking “in shape” and being structurally in shapeWhy taking care of your fitness is not selfish — it’s capacity-buildingIf you’ve ever felt like your body is betraying you… this episode will reframe that entirely.This isn’t about getting skinny.It’s about building a resilient, functional, hormonally-supported body that can carry you through the second half of your life.And because “just try harder” is no longer a strategy… I made you something.My free Cycle Syncing Map walks you through how to eat, train, and plan your energy around your hormones. Especially in perimenopause.It’s free. It’s practical. And it’ll change how you think about your body.Get it here: Cycle Syncing MapWant to learn more from Dr. JJ?Follow Dr. JJ on Instagram for exercise demos and education: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjjphysicaltherapist(And if you sit at a desk all day long, learn how to do “Twisty Bear.” You’ll thank me.)Listen to the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-jj-thomas-podcast/id1554499031Check out the fitness app I do every morning here:👉 https://playbookapp.io/creators/dr-jj-thomas-primal-physical-therapy

I’m sharing my full experience with intermittent fasting for women in perimenopause — why I started it after struggling with postpartum weight gain, how I followed Fast Like a Girl closely, and why it felt empowering… until it didn’t.If you’ve been exploring time-restricted eating, fasting for weight loss, or fasting in perimenopause, this conversation is for you.We’re diving into:The potential benefits of fasting (autophagy, insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility)Why intermittent fasting can increase cortisol and stress loadHow fasting may affect women’s hormones differently than men’sThe connection between stress, caffeine, blood sugar, and chronic UTIsWhy perimenopause changes the way your body responds to restrictionAnd how cycle syncing became a more sustainable, hormone-supportive approach for meThis is not an anti-fasting episode. There is research behind intermittent fasting, and it may work well for some women. But fasting during perimenopause — especially when sleep is disrupted and stress is already high — can come with trade-offs that aren’t always discussed.If you’re new to cycle syncing and want a foundation, go back and listen to:Episode 2: Explain Cycle Syncing to MeEpisode 4: How to Eat With Your Cycle to Balance Hormones in PerimenopauseAnd be sure to download my Cycle Syncing Guide to start aligning your nutrition, exercise, and energy with your menstrual cycle instead of fighting your body.Next week, I’m joined by Dr. JJ Thomas to talk about exercise in perimenopause — why pushing harder isn’t the solution, and how focusing on muscle building, recovery, and nervous system regulation can support metabolism and long-term hormone health.If you’re navigating perimenopause weight gain, hormonal shifts, or wondering whether fasting is helping or hurting — this episode will give you a new lens.

Lately, everything has felt like… too much.Too many activities. Too many Amazon boxes. Too many decisions. Too many tabs open in our brains.In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists and author of Sustainable Minimalism, to talk about what minimalism actually looks like in midlife.Not the white-wall, aesthetic version.The nervous system version.We explore:• Why our generation struggles with overconsumption • The pressure to over-gift and over-schedule our kids • How social media quietly fuels “more” • What white space does to your energy • Why your tolerance for chaos drops in your forties • And how protecting your capacity might be the most radical shift of this phaseBecause minimalism in midlife isn’t about decluttering.It’s about asking:Why am I carrying so much in the first place?If you’ve been craving more space — in your home, your calendar, or your brain — this conversation will feel like an exhale.About StephanieStephanie Seferian is the host of the top-ranked Sustainable Minimalists> podcast and author of Sustainable Minimalism. For over eight years, she has helped families embrace incremental minimalism as a practical way to reduce stress, live intentionally, and lessen their environmental impact.Her work focuses on ethical decluttering, conscious consumerism, and sustainable living with kids — proving that living with less can be both realistic and life-giving.Connect with StephanieSustainable Minimalist Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/sustainable-minimalists/id1329830361?l=en-GBSustainable Minimalism Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Minimalism-Sustainability-Sacrificing-Housecleaning-ebook/dp/B08RZD6X2J?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableminimalists/?hl=enResources MentionedDownload my Cycle-Syncing Guide: https://stacey-noelle-llc.kit.com/cyclemapSubscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@staceyhutson?r=191989&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=light

In the wake of Catherine O’Hara’s death, a lot of millennial women felt unexpectedly emotional.Not just because we lost a legendary actress — but because we lost Kevin’s mom.In this episode, I reflect on Kate McCallister, the iconic 90s movie mom from Home Alone, and why her character still lives in our bodies decades later. The busy, overwhelmed, loving mom who held everything together — often without rest, support, or language for burnout.This isn’t a tribute episode. It’s a time capsule.A look at the model of motherhood so many of us absorbed from the movies and shows we grew up watching — and why that model quietly stopped working as we entered adulthood, motherhood, and perimenopause.We talk about:Why celebrity deaths from our childhood can feel like real griefWhat the “90s mom” taught us about strength, sacrifice, and enduranceWhy modern motherhood feels so overwhelming — even when we’re doing everything “right”And how we can take responsibility for building lives with more capacity, not more pressureSo grab your Hi-C, your Dunkaroos, or your Fruit by the Foot. Dust off the VCR.This is about Kevin’s mom — and what it means now that we’re the moms.

Perimenopause can feel like a confusing full-body mystery… but today’s conversation is a deep exhale.I’m sitting down with Jane Barlow, an herbalist and founder of Barlow Herbal, who literally grew up in plant medicine—her dad was a college-educated medicinal botanist, and herbal healing was just normal in her house. And while Jane’s own menopause experience was basically a “nothing burger” (yes, we unpack that), she’s helped thousands of women navigate the real stuff: irregular/heavy periods, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep that suddenly falls apart.In this episode, we talk about:Why perimenopause doesn’t have to be miserableThe simple starter herb she recommends for almost everyone: red raspberry leaf teaSleep support that can calm a “monkey mind”: valerian root + blue vervainAdaptogens for mood + resilience (and why modern stress makes us think we’re “broken”)Post-menopause vitality: energy, libido, hormones, and the herbs Jane personally usesThe deeper message beneath all of it: learning to trust your body againAnd then… Jane unexpectedly challenges me to something I did not see coming: One hour a week with zero technology. No doom scrolling. No dopamine drip. Just you, quiet, and your nervous system finally getting a signal that you’re safe.If you’re an overachieving millennial mom trying to stop fixing yourself and start listening to yourself—this one is for you.And beyond the episode, I made something for you to listen to yourself more. It's a Cycle Syncing guide. A way for you to get in touch with your cycle through your food, your exercise, and your social interactions. Download it here.Find Jane: BarlowHerbal.com + @barlowherbal on Instagram + Barlow Herbal on YouTube (And yes… she actually does sell the products we talk about 😉)Jane's tea recommendation:  www.starwestbotanicals.com(pssst. She was spot on about the red raspberry leaf tea. It's been a month of me drinking it regularly and the difference is obvious in my cramps and my period)About Jane: Jane Barlow is a master herbalist, health advocate, and founder of Barlow Herbal Specialties, carrying forward the legacy of her father, medicinal botanist Dr. Max G. Barlow. With decades of experience in herbal medicine, fitness, and holistic wellness, Jane teaches people how to use medicinal plants to support the body’s natural ability to heal.Before fully immersing herself in herbal medicine, Jane spent over 20 years in the fitness industry, including co-owning a gym with her sister. Her work bridges physical health, nervous system balance, and spiritual awareness, helping people reconnect with their intuition and take ownership of their well-being.Jane is also the author of Be Your Own Shaman, a modern expansion of her father’s classic work From the Shepherd’s Purse, and shares herbal wisdom through her YouTube channel and podcast appearances.

51 days.That’s how long the too-small sweater sat in my trunk before I finally made the return.In this episode, I’m talking about the mundane tasks we avoid — the returns, the laundry, the mail, the subscriptions we never cancel — and why they take up way more space in our bodies and nervous systems than we realize.For years, I told myself these tasks were beneath me. That I had more important things to focus on. That I would do them tomorrow. But what I’ve come to understand in this phase of life is that it was never about time or discipline — it was about capacity.Unfinished tasks aren’t just clutter or procrastination. They’re unfinished business. They hum in the background. They quietly drain our energy. And over time, they contribute to anxiety, overwhelm, and that constant feeling that we’re behind in our own lives.In this episode, I explore:Why “easy” tasks can feel harder than big goalsHow unfinished business affects your energy and nervous systemThe difference between forcing productivity and building real capacityWhy completing small, mundane tasks can actually free up space for the life you wantThis isn’t about fixing yourself or turning into someone you’re not (like June Cleaver). It’s about listening to what your system actually needs — and discovering that the answers might be smaller, quieter, and closer than you think.✨ I’m also writing more about this idea over on Substack — including an essay about how much I hate making returns. You can read it here: I Hate Making ReturnsIf this episode resonated — if you felt it in your bones — I’d be so grateful if you left a review. I read every single one, and they truly mean more than you know.Thanks for being here. I’ll see you in the next phase.

January has a way of turning us into projects.Fix your habits.Fix your body.Fix your mindset.Fix your life.In this episode, Stacey reflects on the familiar New Year self-help spiral—and why, after decades of goal-setting, optimizing, and trying to become “better,” she’s choosing something different.Through a deeply personal New Year ritual, a surprising realization, and one tiny experiment that changed how she experiences time, Stacey explores what it actually means to create more space in your life—without forcing change, quitting your phone, or becoming someone new.This is a conversation about presence, nervous system safety, and learning how to enjoy the life you’ve already worked so hard to build.In this episode, we talk about:Why January can feel so aggressive for self-help-prone womenThe difference between fixing yourself and listening to yourselfHow constant phone consumption quietly steals our sense of time and spaceA simple, ordinary practice that brought Stacey back to herselfWhy small, embodied rituals can be more powerful than big New Year resolutions✨ Mentioned in this episode:Stacey’s Substack, where she shares a deeper reflection on the tooth-brushing practice and explores creating more space and joy through everyday rituals Episode #3: Why You Should Listen to Fewer Podcasts—Including This One Want to drop a note to Stacey? Email her at [email protected] If you’re tired of feeling like a before-version of yourself—and ready to experience your life instead of constantly trying to improve it—this episode is for you.

Have you ever been set off by something that looks small to everyone else — but suddenly your chest is tight, your throat feels blocked, and you can’t fully exhale?Your body feels like it’s under attack… even though nothing “that bad” just happened.That’s spiraling — and if you’re a millennial mom in perimenopause, it may be happening more often than ever.In today’s episode of The Next Phase Podcast, I’m teaching you one of the most powerful nervous system regulation tools I know — one you can use anytime, anywhere, completely on your own.We’re talking about EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) — also known as tapping.I’ll walk you through:What spiraling actually is (and why it’s not a personal failure)Why anxiety feels more intense during perimenopauseWhat EFT is and why it works (yes, there’s real science behind it)How tapping helps calm your nervous system without numbing youA simple EFT formula you can use anytime you feel overwhelmedAnd finally, a guided EFT session you can come back to whenever you need itThis episode is especially for you if:Your anxiety feels physical (tight chest, racing thoughts, shallow breath)You’re tired of trying to “positive think” your way out of stressYou want to calm your body without gummies, wine, or scrollingYou need a tool that works in the moment — not later✨ Guided EFT SessionEFT tapping begins at: 25:32 (Bookmark this section so you can return to it anytime you’re spiraling.)🖐 EFT Meridian Points Used in This EpisodeUse this list to follow along during the tapping session:Karate Chop Point – Side of the hand, below the pinkyEyebrow – Inner edge of the eyebrowSide of the Eye – Outer corner of the eyeUnder the Eye – On the cheekbone, directly below the eyeUnder the Nose – Between the nose and upper lipChin – Crease between the lower lip and chinCollarbone – About 1 inch from the center of the collarboneUnder the Arm – About 3–4 fingers below the armpit, along the side of the bodyTop of the Head – The crown of the head(No need to memorize these — perfection is not the goal. Presence is.)💛 Want More Support?If EFT resonated with you and you want help using it to finally tackle the things you’ve been avoiding, I’d love to invite you to my January Reset Body Doubling Session.We’ll start with a guided EFT to calm your nervous system — then actually do the thing together, from a grounded, supported place.You don’t need more willpower in January. You need nervous system support — and community.👉 Sign up here: stacey-hutson.com/body-doublingIf this episode helped you, feel free to come back to the tapping anytime. There’s no rush, nothing to fix, and nothing you need to figure out right now.Just one breath at a time.Peace 🤍

After watching K-Pop Demon Hunters, my daughters asked me if they “should want abs”… and that moment changed the entire direction of this episode.Today we’re talking about meno belly — why your belly is changing in perimenopause, what’s actually happening biologically, and the stories we’ve carried since growing up as millennial girls raised on Friends, Ally McBeal, The O.C., and the Victoria’s Secret angels.This episode isn’t about flattening your stomach. It’s about healing your relationship with it — so we don’t pass our body shame down to our daughters.Inside, we cover:What “meno belly” really isHow hormones, stress, sleep, and muscle loss affect your midsectionThe moment I caught myself judging my own body on the matA cultural reframe inspired by Pulp Fiction and Sarah Landry (@thebirdspapaya)Next week, we’ll talk about how to support your metabolism in your 40s — without restriction or punishment.👉 Download my Cycle Syncing Food Guide + Cycle Syncing Map here.

You know that low-key identity crisis that hits somewhere around 38–42? The mood swings, the random rage, the 3 AM wakeups, the nostalgia for your 90s life and the feeling that you’re somehow running out of time?It might not just be burnout. It might be perimenopause.In this episode, I’m talking with Lauren Tetenbaum — therapist, former lawyer, certified menopause practitioner, and author of Millennial Menopause — the bright pink book I found in Barnes & Noble that basically helped birth this podcast.We get into:Why so many millennial moms feel “off” but can’t put their finger on whyWhat perimenopause actually is (and why the label matters less than your symptoms)The sandwich-generation pressure cooker: little kids, aging parents, and a changing bodyMillennial rage, overstimulation, and feeling like a “different person” overnightHow to ask for what you need at home and with your doctor without feeling stupid or dramaticWhy surrounding yourself with women in their 50s can make turning 40 feel less terrifyingHow perimenopause can become a permission slip to rest, reset, and re-write this next phaseIf you’ve ever wondered, “Is this perimenopause or am I just losing it?” this conversation is your sign you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless.

Between kids, work, and mom-life chaos, no one has the bandwidth to reinvent a grocery list every week based on their hormones.Today I’m teaching you how to make cycle syncing automatic with four reusable grocery lists—one for each phase. Instacart or in-store, it works either way.Just tap → add to cart → done.By the end, cycle syncing won’t be something you try—it’ll be something you actually do.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✨ Why cycle syncing works for energy, PMS, mood, metabolism & digestion ✨ The four phases (menstrual → follicular → ovulatory → luteal) & what foods support each ✨ How to build automatic grocery lists for each phase using Instacart ✨ How to do the same thing using checklist apps (for in-store shoppers) ✨ Why warm vs. cold foods matter, and how metabolism changes each week ✨ Why PMS is largely fixable through nutrition alone ✨ How systems thinking (à la Chelsi Jo) makes wellness way easier ✨ How to join my first Perimenopause Party & upcoming body-doubling sessionsReferenced Episodes & LinksCycle Syncing ResourcesEpisode 2: Explain Cycle Syncing To MeEpisode 4: How to Eat With Your Cycle Download the Cycle Syncing PDF Chart: Food lists for every phase → https://stacey-noelle-llc.kit.com/6426d3a1fbApps & Tools MentionedInstacart App → https://www.instacart.com (Features used: Saved Lists under Profile → Collections → Saved Lists)Microsoft To Do (Checklist App) → https://todo.microsoft.comOther list apps you can use:TodoistAnyListTickTickClearGoogle KeepPodcast MentionedSystemize Your Life with Chelsi Jo https://chelsijo.co/systemEvents✨ The Perimenopause Party — December 10 at 8:30 PM MT (FREE!) Warm drink. Soft pants. A cozy night getting your tedious tasks done… together. Sign up here: https://stacey-hudson.com/periparty✨ Body Doubling Sessions Starting January 2025 Join other millennial moms as we knock out the “I’ll do it later” tasks in real time. (Details shared first inside the Perimenopause Party!)A Quick Food Phase Refresher (from the episode)MENSTRUAL (Days 1–5) — Your WinterWarm, grounding, mineral-rich foods: Beets, mushrooms, lentils, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, warm soups/stews.FOLLICULAR (Days 6–13) — SpringFresh, light, energizing foods: Smoothies, leafy greens, chicken + eggs, berries, fermented foods, artichokes, flaxseed.OVULATORY (Days 14–15) — SummerCool, hydrating, antioxidant-rich foods: Cucumbers, leafy salads, citrus, tomatoes, peppers, salmon, sardines, oysters, cooling herbs.LUTEAL (Days 16–28) — FallComforting, stabilizing foods that support blood sugar: Root veggies, squash, oats, quinoa, turkey, almonds, pumpkin seeds, apples, lentils, chickpeas.(Your full PDF guide with all the details is linked above.)

You know that low-grade shame storm that hits every time you look at the piles, the laundry baskets, the boxes you never unpacked?In this episode, I sit down with certified professional organizer and “clutter whisperer” Star Hansen to completely flip the script on what your mess actually means. Instead of treating clutter as proof you’re lazy, scattered, or “bad at adulting,” Star shows us how it can be evidence of your genius, your sensitivity, and your nervous system trying to keep you safe.We talk about how clutter impacts women in the “next phase” of life—especially ADHD and neurodivergent moms who are already living in a constant state of overstimulation—and why the answer is not shaming yourself into a color-coded pantry.Instead, Star walks us through how to see your home as a mirror of who you’re becoming, how to create systems that actually work for your brain, and why sometimes the first step in getting organized is… taking a nap, eating an apple, or turning vacuuming into a disco dance party.If you’ve been feeling the pull to “grow up” your home in your 40s without losing your personality or your fun, this one’s for you.In this episode, we talk about:🧠 What your clutter is doing for you How piles, overpacked closets, and paper stacks can actually be meeting deep needs like safety, security, identity, and connection.🌶️ ADHD, neurodivergence & organizing “rules” Why 70% of organizing advice was not written for your brain—and how to stop making yourself wrong when traditional systems don’t work.🌬️ Clutter, nervous systems & energy How your stuff can both overstimulate you and help your body feel safe—and why your nervous system has to feel secure before real decluttering can stick.🧺 Real-life examples: the bedroom, laundry piles & that empty wall above your bed Star coaches me through turning my “catchall” bedroom into a haven—and how something as simple as hanging art can shift your energy.🍽️ The kitchen as the heart of the home Why having less in your kitchen can feel like a breath of fresh air, and how to decide what actually deserves to live there.🎨 Kids’ artwork, memorabilia & letting things go without guilt How to handle the endless stream of art, what to keep for them vs. for you, and how to include your kids in the process so it feels empowering, not violating.🎉 Embodiment over decluttering Why Star says she’s “not in the business of decluttering, but in the business of embodiment”—and how to let your home reflect the version of you you’re growing into in this next phase.Connect with Star📖 Grab Star’s free book Why the F Am I Still Not Organized? and explore her organizing community: starhansen.com/podcast📸 Find her on social @star.hansen for more clutter + energy wisdom.🎉 Join the Perimenopause Party (It’s Free!)Got clutter? Unpaid bills? Stuff that's been sitting on your to-do list for YEARS? Come to my free Perimenopause Party — the monthly “get-your-life-together” hangout for millennial women entering their next phase.👉 Get the Zoom link + all the details: stacey-hutson.com/periparty✨ Free Guide for Your Next PhaseDownload my Cycle-Syncing Food, Fitness & Energy Guide to support your hormones and energy all month long.

What if you hit 40 and realized you still hadn’t really grown up?In this week’s episode, Stacey gets brutally honest about the behind-the-scenes chaos of adulthood — from forgotten bills and overflowing inboxes to that constant hum of anxiety that comes from not having systems in place.This isn’t a how-to or a list of tips. It’s a confession.If you’ve ever:Let a medical bill go to collections because you forgot to pay itMissed important emails buried in your 10,000+ unread inboxSigned up for free trials you never canceledOr waited for the “adulting fairy” to come sprinkle some magical get-it-together dust on you...Then lean in — you’re about to feel really seen.Stacey opens up about the $499 wake-up call that pushed her to finally start growing up — not in the Pinterest-perfect way, but in the real, uncomfortable, messy middle of figuring it out.✨ In this episode:The “rock bottom” adulting moment that changed everythingWhy anxiety fills the space where systems should beHow ADHD and avoidance show up in our day-to-day responsibilitiesWhat it actually means to grow up — at 40💌 Join The Next Phase ListIf this episode hits home — if you’re ready to slow down, reset, and actually feel like the CEO of your own life — join my email list and grab my free Cycle Syncing Food & Energy Guide.It’s your roadmap to understanding how your hormones affect your focus, energy, and emotions — so you can finally stop fighting your body and start flowing with it.👉 Get the free guide here.You’ll also get exclusive weekly letters, podcast updates, and first access to new workshops and resources for millennial moms in their perimenopause era.Listen now, and if this episode made you feel seen, take 30 seconds to share it with a friend who’s also “still waiting for the adulting fairy.”

Have you felt it lately?That pull to rearrange, clean, and reimagine your space — not for your kids this time, but for you?In this episode of The Next Phase Podcast, Stacey explores the nesting energy that comes back during perimenopause — the intuitive urge to clear out the old and create space for the woman you’re becoming.This isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about energy work. Because every drawer you clear, every object you release, every time you light sage or a candle with intention — you’re telling your body: It’s safe to let go.You’ll learn: 🌿 Why nesting instincts return in perimenopause — and what they’re trying to tell you 🧺 How clutter creates stagnant energy (and the fastest way to shift it) 🔥 How to perform a simple smudging ritual to clear your home’s energy field 💫 And how to join our new community — The Next Phase Collective — for live body-doubling sessions starting in JanuaryIf you’ve been craving a reset — in your home, your mood, and your energy — this one’s for you.🕯️ Mentioned in this episodeJoin The Next Phase Collective on Facebook Get Stacey’s Cycle Syncing Guide to balance your food, fitness, and energy with your hormones Follow Stacey on Instagram → @stacehutsonEmail Stacey → [email protected]💛 Connect + ShareIf this episode resonates, share it with a friend who’s feeling stuck in her space — or tag @stacehutson on Instagram and tell me your favorite takeaway. Your stories help other millennial moms find this show — and remember they’re not alone in this wild, beautiful phase of life.

This episode is my love letter to turning 40 — and to the woman who helped me do it with less fear and more fire.As I step into this next phase, I’ve been thinking a lot about how our culture taught us to see women in their 40s and 50s: tired, stressed, and quietly disappearing. But then Diane Keaton came along and flipped the script.In this episode, I talk about:The fear of losing relevance as we ageHow movies like This Is 40 (and Something’s Gotta Give) shaped our expectations of midlifeWhat Diane Keaton taught me about presence, weirdness, slowing down, and pleasureWhy I’m rewriting the rules of aging — starting with a fabulous hatAnd of course, I’ll share the seven lessons I’m bringing into my forties, inspired by Diane herself.So if you’re hovering around forty — or already in it — and you’re wondering what comes next, this one’s for you.🎂 Join the 40 Club: DM me @stacehutson and tell me how you’re celebrating your next phase.

What if the “woo” you’ve been side-eyeing all these years is actually the missing piece in your perimenopause puzzle?In this episode, Stacey peels back the layers on energy work — not as a mystical concept, but as a real, biological, and emotional process that every woman experiences as her hormones shift.She breaks down how changing estrogen and progesterone levels make your nervous system more sensitive (a.k.a. why you cry over dog food commercials and snap at your partner), and how that same sensitivity might actually be your superpower.You’ll learn: 🔹 How hormonal changes make you more intuitive and energetically aware 🔹 What “energy work” really means (and why it’s not all linen dresses and crystals) 🔹 Why slowing down — not pushing through — is the secret to feeling better 🔹 Simple daily rituals that help you regulate your energy and reconnect to yourselfThis isn’t about becoming more “woo.” It’s about finally listening to your body’s language — your energy — and realizing it’s been trying to guide you all along.Listen now and discover how to work with your energy instead of against it.💌 Want to keep the conversation going? Join Stacey’s email list for early access to upcoming Woo Series episodes and energy-regulating tools for your next phase (and get your free cycle syncing guide when you do).Stay in touch here: [email protected]: @stacehutson

You know that feeling when you’ve been eating the same breakfast for years — same coffee, same smoothie, same handful of nuts — and one day your body just says nope?Yeah… same.In this episode, we’re talking about what it actually means to eat with your cycle — and why your body doesn’t want the same foods every day. I’ll walk you through how your hormones shift each week, what your body is craving (and why), and how the temperature of your food might be the most overlooked key to digestion, energy, and mood.You’ll learn: ✨ How your hormones change through the four phases — and what to eat in each one ✨ Why digestion (and even your body temperature) play a huge role in how you feel ✨ My favorite foods to reduce bloating, boost energy, and balance mood ✨ How to start cycle syncing your meals without overhauling your dietThis episode will help you see food differently — not as something to control, but as one of the most enjoyable, affordable, and intuitive forms of hormone support out there.Oh — and you’ll never look at a cold smoothie in winter the same way again. 😉📘 Mentioned in the EpisodeCycle Syncing Food Guide — your free cheat sheet with what to eat in each phase + easy breakfast ideas. 👉 Download it hereDandy Blend (the dandelion coffee alternative I love)Fermented vs. shelf-stable pickles — how to tell which ones actually have probiotics🩸 Phases in a NutshellMenstrual (Winter): Warm, mineral-rich comfort food — think soups, stews, and cozy meals that feel like a weighted blanket. Follicular (Spring): Fresh and vibrant — leafy greens, berries, and foods that support detox and energy. Ovulatory (Summer): Light, colorful, cooling foods — salads, fruit, and omega-3s. Luteal (Fall): Grounding, fiber-rich comfort — roasted veggies, root foods, cinnamon tea, and dark chocolate.🧘‍♀️ Join The Next Phase CommunityIf this episode made you rethink your morning smoothie or late-night snack, share it with a friend who’s ready to work with her hormones, not against them. Follow me on Instagram [@stacehutson] for more cycle-syncing tips and hormone-supportive living.

We live in a world that tells us to “optimize every moment” — even the ones when we’re brushing our teeth. As overachieving, multitasking moms, we’ve replaced boredom with productivity and filled every quiet space with someone else’s voice.In this episode, Stacey explores what happens when we never stop consuming and how the Default Mode Network in our brains literally needs silence to process, heal, and create.You’ll learn:Why silence feels uncomfortable — and what’s really happening in your brainHow perimenopause shifts our body’s need for rest and recoveryThe science (and woo) behind why quiet healsEasy ways to create more “blank spaces” in your day — from silent showers to music-only drivesThis is your permission slip to turn down the noise, stop fixing yourself, and start listening to your own voice again.And yes, Stacey fully gets the irony of it all — a podcaster telling you to listen to fewer podcasts. We'll talk to Alanis about it later.If you try a “blank space” moment this week — tell Stacey about it! 📩 Email her at [email protected] or DM her on Instagram @stacehutson

Remember 5th grade health class? Pads, tampons, cramps, done.But what if your gym teacher had told you this: your period isn’t just five days of bleeding. It’s a map of your body’s hormonal changes. And if you learn to listen, you’ll discover a different set of superpowers every single week of your cycle.That’s the foundation of cycle syncing — and it’s what we’re diving into today.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why so many of us high-achieving millennial moms are burned out and disconnected from our bodiesHow diet and fitness culture has been wrecking our hormonal healthThe difference between the male 24-hour cycle and the female 28-day infradian cycle (and why it matters)The four phases of your cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal — and how to align food, fitness, and energy with each oneWhat cycle syncing actually looks like in real life (yes, including naps and Gilmore Girls marathons)This isn’t about doing more. It’s about finally listening to your body — and discovering that your hormones aren’t the enemy, they’re the instruction manual.✨ Grab your free Cycle Syncing Map — the fridge-friendly cheat sheet that breaks it all down for you 🎧 And make sure to hit subscribe — cycle syncing will be a recurring theme on this show, and you’ll want to come back to this episode again and again.

Remember TRL after school, low-rise jeans that never passed the squat check, and crying through Titanic in theaters (every single time)? We were unstoppable in our 20s—CrossFit at dawn, cocktails at midnight, living on four hours of sleep and audacity. Then we became moms… and suddenly our gold-star perfectionism turned into exhaustion, anxiety, and maybe even a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis.Now? Our bodies aren’t letting us “just push through” anymore. The gray hairs, the 2 a.m. doom spirals, our hormones losing the plot—welcome to perimenopause, the era nobody prepared us for.I’m Stacey Hutson—wellness chef, health coach, mom of two, and former cohost of the Mother Plus Podcast—and this is The Next Phase Podcast. Each week I’ll bring you the wellness tools and the woo practices that help us navigate perimenopause with more energy, more clarity, and a lot more fun.Subscribe now so you don’t miss the first full episode—because if we do this right, our 40s might just be the best years yet.

Welcome to The Next Phase Podcast! I’m Stacey Hutson—wellness chef, health coach, mom of two, and former co-host of the Mother Plus Podcast. This show is for millennial moms who are staring down a season of life we never thought would actually come: perimenopause.If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking things like:Why don’t I have any energy anymore?Is it just me, or did my body change overnight?Can I balance my hormones naturally, without hormone treatment? Wait… am I really old enough for perimenopause??Then you’re in the right place.In this first episode, I’m sharing why I started The Next Phase, what you can expect each week (think wellness meets woo, science meets soul, and a lot of honest conversations about our capacity), and how we’re going to figure this out together—without shame, confusion, or feeling like you’re completely alone in it.This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for the questions—and finding a better way through this next phase of life.