Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo

Season 3 of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is a wrap — and before we head into our spring and summer hiatus, we are doing something we have never done before. A full season recap. Every episode. Every guest. Every headline you need to carry with you.Twenty-six episodes. Some of the most brilliant scientists, physicians, researchers, and storytellers in Canada and beyond. Conversations about menopause, brain health, sleep, heart health, sexual desire, cancer, endometriosis, friendship, grief, dementia, skin, strength, and what it actually means to age powerfully on your own terms.In this episode, Melissa recaps every single episode of Season 3 in order — the biggest takeaways, the moments that stopped her cold, and the guests she will never forget. Whether you have listened to every episode or you are just discovering this show, this is your roadmap to one of the most comprehensive libraries of women's midlife health content in Canada.This season featured:Dr. Jen Gunter on hormone therapy misinformation and the MAHA movement. Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple and Dr. Stuart Phillips on why building muscle is the most important thing you can do as you age. A solo episode from the Canadian Menopause Society Scientific Conference. Dr. Omolayo Famuyide on why menopause is not the same for all of us. Kara Murray making us laugh through the hot flashes. Dr. Shafeena Premji on non-hormonal treatments. Dr. Sasha High on weight, menopause, and weight loss drugs. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer on the power of friendship in midlife. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of The Menopause Society, on the latest FDA developments. Pattie Lovett-Reid on the "When I Die" folder. Dr. Liisa Galea on Alzheimer's and the menopausal brain. Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden on her mother's journey with Alzheimer's. Canadian icon Jann Arden on dementia and the long goodbye. A deeply personal episode with Melissa's parents, Frank and Claire Grelo, on shingles. Dr. Lillian Siu and Dr. Miyo Yamashita on cancer research and care in Canada. Dr. Lori Brotto on women's desire and libido. Dr. Kaajal Abrol on pregnancy and perimenopause at the same time. Dr. Tara Sedlak on midlife women's heart health. Dr. Marjorie Dixon on PCOS, fibroids, and perimenopause. Dr. Colleen Carney on why women cannot sleep — and what actually works. Dr. Nicholas Leyland on endometriosis. Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste and Linda Franco on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Pauline Maki busting 25 menopause brain myths. And Dr. Lisa Kellett on your summer skin survival guide.Melissa also looks ahead to Season 4 — and she wants to hear from you. Peptides. The estrogen shortage. Testosterone for women. Advocacy for billing code reform and mandatory menopause assessments at 35 and 40. What do you want covered? Tell her.And while the podcast is on hiatus for the spring and summer — go back. The library is deep, the science does not expire, and there is something in these episodes for every stage of your journey.Keep an eye on Instagram @melissagrelo for upcoming events across Canada — including Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo LIVE in Calgary on May 16th, 2026. Tickets available now. Come be in the room.This episode is proudly sponsored by Canada MedLaser. Canada MedLaser is one of Canada's leading medical aesthetics companies — offering advanced, science-backed treatments to help you look and feel your best at every age. From laser skin resurfacing and body contouring to injectables and skin rejuvenation, Canada MedLaser combines cutting-edge technology with medical expertise to deliver real, lasting results.Because aging powerfully means investing in yourself — inside and out.Visit www.canadamedlaser.ca to learn more and book your consultation.A NOTE OF GRATITUDE Season 3 does not happen without two people who work incredibly hard behind the scenes and deserve to be recognized publicly and loudly.To Beverly Furer — my business manager, my behind-the-scenes anchor, and the person who handles all the official, important, complicated things that make this podcast a real, functioning business. Beverly, you make it possible for me to show up and do what I love. I am so grateful for you.And to Drew Garner — my tech and audio producer, who has been with me since Day 1 of this podcast and has never missed a week. Drew, you make this show sound the way it does — clean, professional, and worthy of the guests and the audience it serves. Every single week, without fail. That kind of consistency and dedication is rare and I do not take it for granted for a single second.This show is a team effort. And I am so lucky to have this team.Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is produced for women navigating midlife with curiosity, humour, and zero tolerance for being dismissed. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with every woman in your life who deserves better information about her own health. Season 4 is coming. Stay tuned.

Brain fog. Word-finding trouble. Walking into a room and having no idea why. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, you know the feeling — and you've probably wondered: is this real, is it permanent, and should I be worried?In this latest episode, Melissa speaks with one of the world's leading researchers on menopause and the brain, Dr. Pauline Maki — Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology — to separate myth from medicine and bust 25 menopause brain myths wide open.We cover what's actually happening inside your brain during the transition, why estrogen matters far beyond your reproductive system, and whether what you're experiencing is permanent damage or something far more temporary. We get into hot flashes as a neurological signal, the hormone therapy confusion that has scared women away from care for decades, and what the science actually says about dementia risk.We close on what you can do right now — and how to reframe this entire transition as something other than loss.Menopause is not a cognitive collapse. It is a neurological transition. And you deserve accurate information, not fear.About Dr. Pauline Maki (Instagram: @pauline.maki)Dr. Pauline Maki is a Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she serves as Director of Women's Mental Health Research and Senior Director of Research at the Center for Research on Women and Gender. University of Illinois College of Medicine She is Past President of the North American Menopause Society and a recognized authority on how hormonal changes and menopause symptoms affect cognition, mood, and brain function in midlife women. Psychology With over 175 published research papers, her work has shaped clinical practice guidelines for the North American Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, and beyond. University of Illinois College of Medicine Her current NIH-funded research is examining the relationship between hot flashes and memory deficits, ischemic brain lesions, and functional changes in the brain at rest University of Illinois at Chicago — work that is redefining how we understand and treat the menopause brain.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew GarnerProducer: Melissa GreloEpisode supported by:AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY, MAY 16, 2026!Tickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo is produced for women navigating midlife with curiosity, humour, and zero tolerance for being dismissed. Subscribe wherever you listen.

If you’ve ever been told that debilitating period pain is “normal,” this episode is for you. Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated conditions in women’s health. It can impact fertility, work, relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life — often for years before a diagnosis is made. Today, I sit down with one of Canada’s leading experts in women’s health, Dr. Nicholas Leyland, to cut through the myths, the confusion, and the medical gaslighting with clear, evidence-based answers. Dr. Leyland is a renowned gynecologic surgeon, researcher, educator, and incoming President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). With decades of experience treating complex gynecologic conditions, he offers trusted insight into what endometriosis really is, how it’s treated, and how women can advocate for the care they deserve.In this episode, we discuss:What endometriosis actually is — and why it hurts so muchThe most common (and often overlooked) symptomsWho is at risk and how many Canadians are affectedWhy diagnosis is often delayed for yearsTreatment options: medications, surgery, and what actually worksWhether endometriosis is a lifelong conditionFertility considerationsBarriers to getting proper care in CanadaMidlife, menopause, and hormone therapy considerationsHealth-care inequities affecting womenHow to advocate for yourself at medical appointmentsRapid-fire myths and misconceptionsResources & Support:Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC): sogc.orgThe Endometriosis Network Canada: endometriosisnetwork.comTalk to your primary care provider if you suspect endometriosisTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY! May 16, 2026, Hotel Arts, Calgary, AlbertaTickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

This special double episode drops in recognition of World Sleep Day — March 13th.Are you exhausted but wide awake at night? Melissa sits down with sleep expert Dr. Colleen Carney to unpack why sleep gets harder as we age, what actually works to fix it, and why so much of what we think we know about sleep is wrong. With a special focus on women in perimenopause, midlife, and menopause — this one is packed with real answers.IN THIS EPISODE:Insomnia vs. occasional poor sleep — how to tell the differenceSleep stages, how much you actually need, and why quality mattersHow hormones, stress, and anxiety disrupt sleep in midlifeWhy sleep apnea is so often missed in womenSleep's critical role in heart health, brain health, mood, and metabolismSleep medications, CBT-I, and what the science actually supportsCommon sleep myths — bustedABOUT DR. COLLEEN CARNEY:Dr. Colleen Carney is a licensed clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, and one of the world's leading experts in insomnia and CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia). Her research has shaped international clinical guidelines for treating sleep disorders.RESOURCES:Canadian Sleep SocietyNational Sleep FoundationSleep Foundation: sleepfoundation.orgAlways speak with a qualified health-care provider about sleep concerns or treatment options.THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY STARBUCKS CANADA PROTEIN DRINKS.Learn more at https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beveragesTech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

Heart disease doesn’t always look the way we think it does — especially in women. In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by cardiologist and women’s heart health expert Dr. Tara Sedlak to dismantle the biggest myths surrounding women’s cardiovascular health — and explain why so many women’s symptoms are overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. We discuss: why heart disease in women often looks nothing like what we’ve been taughtthe most common misconceptions about women’s heart healthwhy women are more likely to be dismissed when reporting symptomshow heart risk changes during perimenopause and menopauseconditions that disproportionately affect women, including scad and minocathe role of pregnancy, stress, inflammation, and hormones in heart diseasewhat women should ask their doctors — and how to advocate for better careThis episode is empowering, eye-opening, and essential listening for women of all ages — especially those navigating midlife and beyond.Listen now, share this with the women in your life and take charge of your heart health.Resources:Women's Heart Health Clinic at VGH (@Women__Heart)Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre (@CWHHAlliance)Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (@DilawriCVI)Episode supported by @StarbucksCanada Protein Drinks https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

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 beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health & Medical Director of The Menopause SocietyPart One: Menopause Myths & MedicineMenopause has gone viral — but not always for the right reasons. From claims that a woman’s brain “eats itself” in menopause to this week’s breaking FDA news about estrogen therapy, it’s harder than ever to know what’s true.In this first half of the episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Stephanie Faubion, one of the world’s leading voices in women’s health, to cut through the confusion with evidence, empathy, and straight talk.Together, they unpack: The latest FDA decision and what it means for hormone therapy and women’s health Whether estrogen can protect against heart disease or stroke The state of research and funding in women’s health and menopause AI and Menopause Care: helpful or hurtful? How to discern who you should — and shouldn’t — trust for menopause information onlineAbout Dr. Stephanie Faubion:Dr. Faubion is the Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, and author of The New Rules of Menopause. A professor and chair at Mayo Clinic, she’s a globally recognized expert on hormone therapy, sexual health, and healthy aging — leading groundbreaking research through the DREAMS Registry and beyond. The Menopause Society Mayo ClinicPart Two: Aging Powerfully — The Retreat DebriefThen, Melissa switches gears to share a heartfelt recap of her inaugural “Aging Powerfully” retreat weekend — a three-day experience designed to help women reconnect with their strength, wisdom, and joy in midlife and beyond.From expert-led workshops on menopause, mental health, fitness, and nutrition to unforgettable moments of laughter, vulnerability, and sisterhood — Melissa reflects on what truly made the weekend magical, what surprised her most, and what’s next for the Aging Powerfully movement.www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com/retreat Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and tag a friend who deserves to age powerfully, with truth, community, and confidence.Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)For any partnership inquires, contact: beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Episode supported by Starbucks Protein at Starbucks Canada @starbuckscanada https://protein.starbucks.ca/When it comes to aging powerfully, there’s one thing we can’t afford to lose: muscle.In this episode, Melissa sits down with one of the world’s foremost experts on muscle health and aging — Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health and Aging, and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. With over 400 scientific papers and 31,000 citations, Dr. Phillips is one of the most cited researchers in the world when it comes to how nutrition and exercise shape our bodies over time.Together, Melissa and Dr. Phillips unpack why building and maintaining muscle is essential for women — not just for strength or appearance, but for metabolic health, independence, and longevity. They dig into:The truth about muscle loss through menopause — and how to fight itWhat the data actually says about how to build muscle after 40Why protein and resistance training matter more than endless cardioThe biggest myths and misconceptions women have about strength trainingHow just a little bit of movement can make a massive difference in aging wellBecause when it comes to longevity, strength isn’t optional — it’s powerful.As Melissa says, there are those who “do their research,” and then there are those, like Dr. Phillips, who are doing the research. This is your chance to hear directly from the scientist changing how we think about aging, health, and the power of muscle.ResourcesLearn more about Dr. Stuart Phillips’ research:https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) – https://pace.mcmaster.ca/home/about-pace/Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner Producer: Melissa Grelo