The Embraced Life

This episode of Grown Woman Talk brings together powerful voices for an honest, eye-opening conversation about menopause, aging, and women’s health. From personal stories to expert insight, the panel dives into everything from brain fog and body changes to the emotional and physical realities women face in midlife. For many, menopause was never discussed growing up—and this conversation breaks that silence in a real, relatable way.Led by Dr. Sharon Malone, the discussion explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT), common misconceptions, and how women can better advocate for their health. The panel also touches on topics like libido, weight changes, bone density, and the importance of lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and exercise. Whether you’re approaching menopause, in it, or just want to be informed, this conversation is packed with knowledge, humor, and empowerment.

In this episode of The Embraced Life, we talk with Suzanne Deegan, a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs who is often called in during moments of crisis and high-stakes decision-making. Suzanne shares insights on leadership, executive presence, navigating power, and making clear decisions under pressure.She also opens up about intuition, knowing your worth, and how personal growth and motherhood have reshaped the way she works and leads. This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it truly means to live and lead well.Timestamps:0:00 – The Role of a Crisis AdvisorSuzanne explains why companies call her in high-stakes moments and how outside perspective breaks “bunker mentality.”2:01 – Welcome to The Embraced LifeIntroduction to Suzanne Deegan — trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs and business leaders when everything is on the line.2:50 – From Politics to CEO AdvisorSuzanne shares her career journey: city government, global PR firms, and advising executives through mergers, crises, and global disruptions.4:15 – What Happens in the Room During a CrisisHow Suzanne walks into high-emotion situations and brings focus, trust, and clarity.7:00 – Speaking Truth to PowerWhy strong leaders need someone willing to challenge them — and how Suzanne does it.8:05 – The Psychology of Presence & PowerFrom “the higher the heel, the tougher the client” to strategic body language — how physical presence shapes influence.9:17 – First Impressions in Two MinutesWhy where you sit, how you shake hands, and what you wear matters more than people think.11:31 – Planning for Worst-Case ScenariosIs preparing for impact negative thinking? Suzanne explains why anticipating problems is actually strategic leadership.13:36 – What the Best Leaders Do in CrisisCharacteristics of effective CEOs: clarity, consistency, humility, and surrounding themselves with truth-tellers.16:24 – Growing Up CompetitiveHow Suzanne’s upbringing — a gym teacher mom, orthodontist dad, and two older brothers — shaped her resilience and drive.18:33 – Working at 13 & Early IndependenceHow starting work young built confidence, identity, and self-reliance.19:57 – Academic Failure & ReinventionFrom high school rebellion to college setbacks — and the self-advocacy that changed her trajectory.21:04 – Changing Majors & Finding Her PathHospitality to advertising and PR — discovering where she truly belonged.22:14 – The Political Internship That Changed EverythingHer internship with the Mayor of Providence and how it sparked her passion for public leadership and communications.

Jeanine Liburd reflects on a career spent shaping culture, community, and leadership at the highest levels. But this episode of the Embrace Life Podcast goes deeper, host Robert Brace explores how Jeanine helped define BET as a year-round cultural force, long before “Black Excellence” became a mainstream phrase.Together, they unpack storytelling as power, leadership through transition and grief, and how community, sisterhood, and intention sustain a life beyond titles. From creating iconic moments like Love and Happiness to taking a sabbatical and redefining success, Jeanine shares lessons on resilience, presence, and living well, insights that resonate far beyond media.

Chris Hansen takes on Roblox in his latest investigation, uncovering shocking dangers in one of the world’s most popular platforms for kids. But this episode of the Embrace Life podcast goes deeper — host Robert Brace explores how Hansen has built brand longevity and media influence from To Catch a Predator to launching TruBlu.Together, they break down what it takes to expose predators, hold platforms accountable, and still craft a career that lasts. Hansen reveals the power of authenticity, resilience, and storytelling — lessons that apply to anyone building a lasting personal brand in today’s fast-changing world.

Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/Learn More From Dr. Chiomahttps://nyweightlossmd.com/In this episode of the "Embrace Life" podcast, Dr. Chioma, a family medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist, joins host Robert Brace to discuss the complexities of weight management and the impact of aging on health. They explore the role of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic in weight loss, emphasizing their mechanisms and effectiveness. Dr. Chioma highlights the importance of a holistic approach, including maintaining muscle mass, addressing hormonal changes, and ensuring proper nutrition. The episode underscores that weight loss should be part of a broader strategy for long-term health and wellness, rather than a quick fix.

Want To Learn More About Robert? | CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/robertbrace/?hl=enWant To Learn More About Nadja? | CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/nadjabellan/Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/In this episode of the "Embrace Live Podcast," host Robert Brace, owner of brace life studios interviews Nadja Bellan-White, a veteran in brand building and advertising. Nadja, known as "the fixer," shares her journey through senior leadership roles, including being the first CEO of SNK and global CMO at Vice Media. She discusses her transformation post-divorce, emphasizing wellness and self-care, and the challenges of being a Black woman in corporate America. Nadja highlights the importance of resilience, community support, and spiritual grounding. Her story underscores the power of prioritizing well-being and cultivating meaningful connections amidst professional and personal challenges.

In this episode of the "The EmBraced Life Podcast," Robert Brace interviews Cara Robinson, former CEO of Shea Moisture. They discuss Cara's impressive career journey, including her roles at Clinique and L'Oréal Paris, and the cultural significance of Shea Moisture in the Black community. Cara shares the challenges she faced after the brand's sale to Unilever, her personal growth, and her evolving spirituality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, authentic leadership, and self-discovery. Cara also highlights the need for Black entrepreneurs to view selling businesses as a wealth-building strategy and the significance of taking breaks for mental and emotional well-being.

In this episode of the "Embrace Live Podcast," host Robert and guest Mori Taheripour, author of "Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly," explore the theme of negotiation, focusing on self-negotiation and cultural contexts. Mori shares her journey as an entrepreneur, her struggles with self-doubt, and her 2010 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The discussion underscores the importance of self-compassion, recognizing achievements, and positive self-talk. Mori highlights the impact of supportive relationships and finding the right medical care. The episode aims to inspire listeners to honor their journeys and face life's challenges with resilience and confidence.Check Out Brace Life Studios!https://bracelifestudios.com/

In this episode of The EmBraced Life Podcast, host Robert Brace engages with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, an expert in women's health, to discuss "Menopause 101." Dr. Poynor shares her insights on menopause, perimenopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The conversation covers the physiological changes women experience during menopause, the benefits of HRT, and the importance of proactive healthcare. Dr. Poynor emphasizes the need for better education on women's health issues and encourages women to take charge of their health. She also discusses the impact of lifestyle changes and the role of testosterone in women's well-being.Timestamps:Perimenopause Insights (00:00:07)Discussion on how perimenopause can motivate lifestyle changes like exercise and nutrition.Hormone Replacement Therapy Overview (00:00:13)Exploration of HRT's role in managing menopause symptoms and physiological changes.Integration of Technology in Women's Health (00:04:56)Exploration of how technology and data can improve women's health interventions.Preventive Medicine's Future (00:06:32)Discussion on the need for a new system integrating preventive strategies in healthcare.Personal Experience with Menopause (00:09:01)Dr. Poynor shares her journey through menopause and its impact on her career.Education Gaps in Women's Health (00:10:20)Highlighting the lack of education on midlife women's health in medical training.Physiological Changes During Menopause (00:10:53)Discussion on significant physiological shifts and their implications during menopause.Defining Menopause (00:16:36)A straightforward explanation of what menopause is and its significance.Perimenopause Explained (00:17:53)Perimenopause begins years before menopause, marked by fluctuating estrogen levels and menstrual irregularities.Recognizing Symptoms (00:21:36)Subtle mood changes, brain fog, and libido issues are early signs of perimenopause.Clarifying HRT Risks (00:29:40)Natural progesterone combined with estrogen does not increase breast cancer risk, contrary to popular belief.The Missing Treatment (00:32:01)For nearly 25 years, effective treatments like HRT have been overlooked, impacting many women's lives.Discussing Testosterone (00:33:11)Transitioning to a discussion on the role of testosterone in women's health and menopause.Testosterone's Importance (00:33:14)Discussion on the significance of testosterone for women and its under-researched status.Menopause and Body Fat (00:36:30)Effects of menopause on body fat distribution and the importance of proactive hormone therapy.Brain Function and Menopause (00:39:19)Impact of fluctuating estrogen levels on brain function, including risks of dementia.Metabolism Changes (00:42:17)Link between menopause, insulin resistance, and changes in metabolism.Skin and Bone Health (00:42:53)Effects of menopause on skin elasticity and bone density, emphasizing early intervention.Ovarian Aging (00:44:06)Overview of ovarian aging and its implications for estrogen production.Emotions and Mood Changes (00:45:18)Discussion on increased anxiety and depression during menopause and the role of hormone fluctuations.Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles in chronological order:Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits (00:49:32)Discusses how HRT can improve sleep and self-confidence for women experiencing menopause.Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (00:51:48)Covers situations where HRT may be dangerous, such as a history of breast cancer or stroke.Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones (00:52:59)Explains the differences and similarities between bioidentical and synthetic hormone treatments.Testosterone Administration Methods (00:58:37)Discusses different ways to administer testosterone and the importance of physiological dosing.Final Advice on Menopause and HRT (01:00:21)Dr. Poynor shares three key pieces of advice for women regarding health during menopause.