Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

One year ago, Dr. Omolayo Famuyide sat down with me to talk about why menopause is not the same for all of us. In the menoverse, a year is an eternity. Since then, the U.S. FDA has stripped most of the 20 year old black box warning off hormone therapy, a major new review has weighed in on hormones and dementia, Health Canada has authorized a new nonhormonal option for hot flashes, and social media has served up a fresh wave of miracle cures and scare stories.So Dr. Famuyide is back for Menopause 2026: a clear, evidence based reset on what menopause actually is, what the science now says, and what it still doesn't. We go myth by myth, from "hormones cause cancer" to "hormones prevent dementia," and we tackle the question too many doctors still can't answer: why do women of colour often go through menopause earlier, longer and harder, and why are they still less likely to be treated?If you're 40 or over, love someone who is, or treat women who are, this is your refresher course.In this episode we coverWhat menopause and perimenopause really are, and why most women are in the transition years before they realize itWhat has changed in the last year: the FDA label change, what it means (and doesn't mean) for Canadian women, and new non-hormonal treatmentsWhat hasn't changed: who is a good candidate for hormone therapy and why timing still mattersTrue or false: can hormone therapy prevent heart disease or dementia?The misinformation still bamboozling women on social media, in supplement aisles and, yes, sometimes in the doctor's officeMenopause in women of colour: earlier onset, longer lasting hot flashes, higher heart disease risk, and the research and care gaps behind itHow to walk into your next appointment prepared, and why this stage can be your power up, not your power downAbout Dr. Omolayo FamuyideDr. Omolayo Famuyide is a menopause doctor practicing in Winnipeg, Manitoba and one of the few menopause specialists in Canada who understands no two people will through this transition the same way. She first joined the podcast for Episode 61, "Why Menopause Is Not the Same for All of Us."Find her on Instagram at @layocentre and @dr.famuyidemd, and at layocentre.com.Listen, watch and join usNew audio episodes drop every Thursday. Full video episodes live on Substack, where paid subscribers also get Substack Live aftershows and first access to Aging Powerfully LIVE events. Find it here. If this episode helped you, share it with one woman who needs it. That's how we change the conversation.This episode is for education and information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your own health care provider about your health.Tech and Audio producer: Drew Garner

She Doesn't Care About Your Excuses (And That's Why We Love Her)October is Menopause Awareness Month! Welcome to it! Fair warning: this episode comes with a swear jar, and Beth Feraco filled it before we hit the ten minute mark.Beth is the personal trainer who built a following of 1.3 million people across social media by doing something wildly radical in the wellness world: telling the truth. No filters, no fluff, no gentle whispers about "honouring your journey." Beth is brash, raw, hilarious, and allergic to nonsense, and midlife women can't get enough of her. Honestly? Same.In this conversation, we get into:Her mantra, "We can do hard things," and why it's the pep talk every woman in the menopause transition actually needs (not the one we've been getting).Why Beth refuses to let influencers cast menopausal women as victims, and how that narrative keeps us stuck on the couch instead of under a barbell.Her takedown of viral wellness claims, including the internet's current obsession with the idea that cortisol spikes are the enemy of women everywhere. Spoiler: Beth has thoughts. Loud ones.The real pillars of aging powerfully, and what we SHOULD be focusing on instead of the latest trend in our feed.How to finally flip the switch ON and turn it UP on strength training, because lifting heavy things is not optional anymore, ladies. It's the whole game.If you've ever rolled your eyes at a wellness reel, felt talked down to about your own body, or needed someone to lovingly kick your butt into gear, this one's for you.Listen on all your favourite podcast platforms, and watch the full video conversation on my Substack: www.melissagrelo.substack.comFind Beth online at @bethferacofitness (just don't follow her if you're easily offended).Tech and Audio producer: Drew Garner

Women’s desire is often misunderstood — and oversimplified. In this candid, science-backed conversation, melissa sits down with psychologist and leading sexuality researcher Dr. Lori Brotto to unpack why libido changes, especially during midlife, perimenopause, and menopause — and why that doesn’t mean something is broken.We explore the difference between desire and arousal, whether women’s sexuality is wired the same way as men’s, and why searching for a “pink pill” or quick pharmaceutical fix may miss the bigger picture. Dr. Brotto also weighs in on testosterone and libido, debunks common myths about women’s sexuality, and explains how desire can be cultivated through evidence-based approaches like mindfulness.Dr. Brotto is the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness and one of Canada’s foremost experts in women’s sexual health.Where to find Dr. Lori Brotto: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/about/dr-lori-brotto/This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reframe for any woman who has ever wondered where her libido went — and what really matters when it comes to desire.EPISODE SPONSORED BY: @StarbucksCanada (Instagram) Protein Beverages Website: https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace. In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally.Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world.This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us.In this episode, we discuss: What cancer is — and how it developsCancer staging and how classification has evolvedWhy there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstoodWhich cancers are now considered highly treatable or curableWhy cancer rates are rising as our population agesThe concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adultsLifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risksWhat prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fearScreening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remainBreakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatmentsThe future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detectionWhy philanthropy and research funding are essential to progressWhat gives cancer experts the most hope right noAbout The Guests:Dr. Lillian SiuDr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research.Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide.Dr. Miyo YamashitaDr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation.Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized.Resources & Learn More:Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaretPrincess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.caCancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.htmlWorld Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org**Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.** Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]

In this deeply personal episode of Aging Powerfully, I sit down with Jann Arden to talk about her family’s journey through dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — with both of her parents. Jann shares the emotional realities of caregiving, the challenges of watching someone you love change, and how humour, resilience, and connection help navigate the hardest moments.Together we explore: • What it’s really like caring for parents living with dementia • How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and family roles • The emotional weight of the “long goodbye” • Jann’s biggest lessons and hopes for other caregivers • Why self-compassion and support matter for everyone involvedThis episode is a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the power of showing up — even when it feels impossible.Plus, Jann shares if she’s making new music and what and WHO is bringing her joy, love and happiness these days. Spoiler alert: Someone is getting married! Support & ResourcesIf this episode resonates with you — whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, friend, or thinking ahead — know that you are not alone and there are supports available across Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada • National hub of information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, education, and support services; https://alzheimer.ca/en If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reaching out to your local Alzheimer Society or caregiver support service can help you find practical tips, connection, and support tailored to your situation.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and this episode tackles a critical — and often overlooked — reality: nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women.Melissa is joined by returning guest Dr. Liisa Galea (previous Episode #46), a world-renowned neuroscientist, inaugural womenmind Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, where she helps guide evidence-based research and innovation focused on brain health and aging.Dr. Galea shares the latest science on women’s brain health, the menopausal brain, and why decades of male-focused research have left dangerous gaps in our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk in women. Together, they explore what we know, what we’re still learning, and where research must go next to close the gender gap in neuroscience.In this episode, we discuss:Why women account for the majority of Alzheimer’s casesHow menopause and hormonal changes affect the brainThe role of inflammation, stress, and aging in cognitive healthEmerging research in dementia preventionWhat women can do now to support brain health — without fearThis is an empowering, evidence-based conversation about awareness, advocacy, and protecting women’s brains across the lifespan.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa GreloFor any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]

In this episode of Aging Powerfully, Melissa digs into one of the most emotional (and common!) midlife topics: hair loss, with medical and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Renée A. Beach (@dermabeach). From thinning at the crown to shedding in the shower, we talk about why it happens, what’s normal, and when to investigate further.We cover:How perimenopause, menopause, stress, and genetics impact hairThe difference between “normal shedding” and true hair lossMedical causes to rule out (like thyroid issues, iron levels, and hormones)Evidence-based treatments vs. overhyped “miracle” curesPractical strategies to protect hair health from the inside outThe emotional toll of hair loss and how to protect your confidence and identityIf you’ve ever felt panicked by the hair in your brush or avoided looking at your part in photos, this episode will give you clarity, options, and a lot of compassion.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]

This week on Aging Powerfully, we’re getting brutally honest about one of the most avoided — yet most essential — topics in midlife: preparing your family for the unexpected.Most people think they’re organized.Spoiler: they’re not.To cut through the confusion and give us the real roadmap, I’m joined by Canada’s financial powerhouse Pattie Lovett-Reid. Together, we break down the exact documents, details, and conversations every family needs long before a crisis hits.In this eye-opening and empowering conversation, we explore: The non-negotiable documents every adult should haveLast Will & TestamentPowers of Attorney (financial + personal care)Healthcare directivesTrust documents (where applicable)Life insurance and beneficiary designationsDigital access planning (passwords, accounts, social media, subscriptionsWhy planning ahead isn’t morbid — it’s mature.It’s not about control — it’s about caring. Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact [email protected]