Beauty is a Bitch

We hear a lot about sleep—sleep hygiene, bedtime routines, blue light, magnesium… all of it. But what if the real issue isn’t that you’re bad at sleeping? What if you’re simply out of sync with your body? Here’s why this matters, especially in midlife. As hormones shift, many of us suddenly find ourselves exhausted at the wrong times, waking in the middle of the night, dragging through the day, or feeling like our energy, mood, metabolism and even our skin just aren’t functioning the way they used to. And according to today’s guest, it may have less to do with how much sleep you’re getting—and more to do with when. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep specialist and one of the most recognized sleep experts in the world. He’s the author of The Power of When, where he explores how our chronotype—our body’s natural rhythm—impacts everything from sleep and focus to eating, exercise, productivity and aging. We break down what chronotypes actually are, how being out of sync with your biology can affect the way you look and feel, and why forcing yourself into routines that work for someone else may actually be backfiring. We also talk about the connection between sleep timing, hormones, skin, energy and longevity—and how small shifts can make a surprisingly big difference. If you’ve been doing all the “right” things and still feel exhausted, foggy, puffy or just off… this conversation may explain why. Show Notes: Book: The Power Of When Website: Sleepdoctor.com Chronotype Quiz: https://sleepdoctor.com/chronotypesquiz Facebook: facebook.com/thesleepdoctor/ Instagram: instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSleepDoctor

Anxiety can feel like it comes out of nowhere in midlife—and once it shows up, it can feel completely out of your control. One minute you’re fine, and the next your mind is racing, your body is reacting, and you’re wondering… why is this happening now? In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Christopher Paul Jones, a leading Harley Street phobia expert and author of Face Your Fears. After overcoming his own phobias, Christopher spent more than 20 years researching anxiety and fear, developing what he calls the Integrated Change System™—an approach that combines psychology with practical techniques to retrain the brain’s response to fear. We break down what anxiety actually is, why it can feel so automatic, and how years of conditioning shape the way we respond to stress—often without us even realizing it. We also talk about why certain triggers can feel so disproportionate (even when we know we’re overreacting), and how midlife stress—hormones, responsibilities and just the general mental load—can amplify everything. Most importantly, we get into a simple but powerful technique called anchoring—something you can start using immediately to calm your nervous system and interrupt anxious patterns in real time. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or like anxiety is running the show, this episode will give you a completely different way to understand what’s happening—and what you can actually do about it. Show Notes Website: christopherpauljones.com YouTube: youtube.com/user/NewLIfetraining Instagram: @christopherpauljones Facebook: ChristopherPaulJonesTheBreakthroughExpert X: @breakthruexpert LinkedIn: christopherpauljones

As we move through midlife, many of us start noticing subtle shifts in our brains — maybe it takes longer to find a word, focus feels harder than it used to, or multitasking suddenly feels overwhelming. It’s easy to assume these changes are just “part of aging,” but the truth is far more hopeful: our brains are far more adaptable than we’ve been led to believe. That’s one reason this episode feels especially important. For so many years we were told that cognitive decline was inevitable, that once certain abilities slowed down there was little we could do. But today’s research on neuroplasticity tells a very different story — one where the brain can continue to strengthen, retrain, and improve well into later life when given the right kind of stimulation. My guest today, Dr. Tere Linzey, is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and founder of BrainMatterZ, a program dedicated to optimizing core cognitive skills like processing speed, attention, memory and executive functioning. With more than 30 years in education and research at institutions including Harvard and UC Berkeley, she has focused her work on helping people understand how the brain can be trained to function more efficiently at any age. Together, we talk about what’s actually happening in the brain during midlife, how to tell the difference between normal aging and cognitive skills that can be improved with training, and why strengthening foundational brain functions can have such a powerful effect on confidence, focus, and everyday performance. Dr. Linzey also explains how menopause, stress and modern lifestyle pressures influence cognitive health — and what we can begin doing today to support our brains for the long term. A few things we discuss: • What neuroplasticity really means and how it allows the brain to improve at any age• How to distinguish normal aging changes from cognitive skills that can be strengthened• The impact of menopause, stress and lifestyle factors on focus, memory and processing speed• Practical steps to support long-term brain health and cognitive resilience If you’ve ever wondered whether the changes you’re noticing are simply aging — or something you can actually improve — this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and far more hopeful about what’s possible. Show Notes: Website: https://www.brainmatterz.com/ Instagram: @tclinzey

Your eyes do so much more than help you see — they quietly reveal how well you’re aging. In this episode, I’m joined by optometrist, author, and dry eye specialist Dr. Pam Theriot, whose decades of experience have made her a true expert on the intersection of eye health, longevity, and midlife wellness. We get into the surprising ways your daily habits, beauty routine, and environment affect the skin around your eyes, your tear film, and even your vision. Dr. Theriot also shares her own journey with chronic dry eye and how it shaped her mission to help people feel at ease in their eyes again. We talk about the biggest mistakes women over 40 make with their eyes, the beauty trends doing more harm than good, and the simple, everyday habits that help your eyes look brighter, feel more comfortable, and age more gracefully. Some of the things we’ll be discussing are:• How your eyes reflect internal health — and early signs of aging you shouldn’t ignore• Whether certain beauty trends (hello, lash extensions) are quietly damaging your eyes• What women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond should avoid to protect long-term eye health• The link between dry eye, screen time, and hormone changes in midlife If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes feel irritated, look tired, or seem to be aging faster than the rest of your face, this conversation is your roadmap to understanding what’s really going on — and what you can do starting today. Tune in to learn why caring for your eyes is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of aging well. Show Notes Website: www.pamtheriot.com Book: https://www.pamtheriot.com/dry-eye-book CLEAN beauty handout: https://www.pamtheriot.com/remover

We’ve made real progress in talking openly about menopause, women’s health, and how to live longer, healthier lives. But there’s still one topic too many women shy away from in midlife: money. For a lot of us, conversations about finances were considered impolite, unfeminine, or just not our responsibility. Add in the realities of divorce, career changes, caregiving, or years of putting everyone else first, and it’s no wonder so many women hit midlife feeling financially unprepared or even ashamed. But what if shifting the way we think and talk about money could actually be the most empowering move we make? On this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Amanda Barclay, Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill, A Bank of America Company. She’s not only one of Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” in 2024 & 2025, but she’s also deeply passionate about helping women take control of their financial futures. Together, we’re digging into the money conversations we need to be having — with ourselves, our friends, our partners and even our kids. We’ll explore questions like: How can we make finances a regular, unapologetic part of our midlife conversations? What steps should women take to prepare for the unexpected — whether it’s divorce, illness or time away from the workforce? And what money mistakes do women make most often, and how can we avoid them? Amanda also shares her perspective on building confidence, narrowing the wealth gap, and why financial independence is about so much more than numbers. This episode is all about giving you the tools and mindset shifts to feel secure, confident, and powerful with your money. Show Notes: Amanda Barclay Senior Vice President | Wealth Management Senior Financial Advisor Senior Portfolio Advisor The Barclay Group Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 805 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 498-3308 Amanda.Barclay@ml.com http://www.fa.ml.com/amanda.barclay Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-barclay

This week on Beauty is a Bitch, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: how to age stronger, smarter and on our own terms. My guest today, Dr. Vonda Wright, is an orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized expert on active aging and mobility. She’s spent 25 years helping everyone from elite athletes to professional dancers stay strong, injury-free and performing at their best—and now she’s sharing her expertise with the rest of us. Her new book, UNBREAKABLE: Go Strong. Live Long. Age with Power (coming out August, 26, 2025) is a powerful guide to building what she calls “shields” against the timebombs of aging—so we can extend not just our lifespan, but our health span. In this episode, we talk about why strength training is essential—especially in midlife—what push-ups and jumping can tell us about our longevity, and why it’s never too late to get stronger and feel better in your body. We also bust some of the biggest myths about women and aging—and Dr. Wright shares what she hopes every woman takes away from her book. If you’re ready to shift how you think about aging—and take back your power—this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. Show Notes: Pre-Order: UNBREAKABLE: Go Strong. Live Long. Age with Power Website: drvondawright.com Instagram: @drvondawright Facebook: VondaWrightMD

This episode we’re diving into the intersection of aging and technology. My guest is Brent Franson, the Founder and CEO of Death Clock (yes, that’s really what it’s called), the world’s most downloaded longevity app. It may sound scary but promise it isn’t. It’s been named one of the “Techs That Will Change Your Life in 2025” by The Wall Street Journal, and has ranked in the top five of the U.S. App Store’s Health & Fitness category—so clearly, something’s working. We talk about how AI and tech are transforming the way we think about aging, prevention, and longevity, especially for women in midlife. Brent created Death Clock out of frustration with a system that only reacts when we’re already sick. His mission? Help people take proactive steps—before it becomes a health crisis. We explore why it’s never too late (or too early) to start investing in your future self, how tech can empower women over 50, and why tracking your habits might be the most life-affirming thing you do. Here is some of what you can expect in this episode: What the Death Clock app actually does (and why it’s not morbid at all) Why the healthcare system is reactive—and how tech helps you get proactive How AI can empower women in midlife to stay informed, independent, and healthy The surprising connection between daily habits and longevity How wearables and digital wellness tools are changing the game for aging If you’re curious about AI, aging, or just want to live longer—and better—this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Website: https://www.death-clock.org/ App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/death-clock/id6499554412 Twitter: https://x.com/brentfranson

This week on Beauty Is a Bitch, I sit down with @phdfemininehealth CEO and co-founder Dee Seymour to talk about something we all need to get better at: how we talk about our bodies—and how we can Raise Our Vagina iQ™. We covered it all—from the shame many of us were raised with, to why so many women still don’t have the words to describe what’s happening in their own vaginas. (Yes, we say the word—and you should too.) Dee shares why language is a form of self-care, how their new campaign is changing the conversation around menopause, discharge and dryness—and why smart women deserve smart words about their bodies. The campaign launches today with a billboard in Times Square and a powerful call to action: Raise your Vagina iQ™. SHOW NOTES Take the Vagina iQ Quiz; phdfemininehealth.com/pages/vagina-iq-quiz Raise the iQ of the people you love www.phdfemininehealth.com

In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Aziz, a board-certified internist, regenerative medicine expert, and author of the bestselling The Perfect 10 Diet. His latest book, The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer, explores how we can slow down aging and prevent disease—starting at the cellular level. We dive into some of the top anti-aging foods you should be eating now (hint: your kitchen may already have a few), and why gut health and healthy fats play a critical role in how well we age. Dr. Aziz also shares why certain restrictive diets—including vegetarian, low-carb, and keto—may not be the best choice for long-term health and vitality, especially for women in midlife. If you’re curious about how to support your body from the inside out and make smarter food choices that align with graceful, healthy aging—this episode is packed with insight, practical tips, and maybe even a few surprises. Don’t miss it! Show Notes: Book: The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer Book: The Perfect 10 Diet: 10 Key Hormones That Hold The Secret to Losing Weight & Feeling Great – Fast!

In midlife, our bodies start speaking louder—whether through hormonal shifts, chronic inflammation, or the wear and tear of years of stress. Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, while Eastern healing philosophies emphasize root-cause healing, balance, and longevity. But what if we could blend the best of both worlds for a truly comprehensive, patient-centered approach to health? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade (Anu Lala), a renowned cardiologist specializing in heart failure management, cardiometabolic disease, and holistic patient care. She believes in a patient-centered approach, integrating medical advancements with emotional and spiritual well-being to create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Lala serves as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Cardiac Failure, leads research for major cardiology networks, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for her contributions to cardiovascular education and awareness. In this episode we discuss; How Western medicine & Eastern healing complement each other in midlife health Why treatment ≠ healing and how to shift from symptom management to whole-body wellness The role of chronic inflammation in aging & how to reduce it naturally How stress, trauma, and emotional health impact heart disease and longevity The best lifestyle strategies to balance hormones, improve metabolism & boost energy How to navigate medication vs. lifestyle interventions to create the best health plan If you’re ready to explore a more balanced, integrated approach to health and healing in midlife, this episode is for you.

What if your medications are secretly sabotaging your bladder health? In this must-listen episode of Beauty is a Bitch, we’re tackling an often-overlooked topic: how certain medications can impact bladder function, particularly for women over 50. If you’ve ever struggled with incontinence or noticed changes in your bladder control, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you understand what’s happening and how to take control. Joining me is Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant specializing in sexual medicine, women’s health, and urology. Aleece is a medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology and the founder of the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health, where she provides groundbreaking care for women navigating complex health challenges. She’s also the founder of the Fosnight Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to training sexual health professionals and improving access to healthcare services. In this episode, Aleece unpacks the most common medications that can cause or worsen incontinence, the symptoms to watch for, and the key questions you need to ask your doctor. We’ll also discuss alternative options for managing medication-related bladder issues, the role of pelvic floor health, and practical lifestyle changes to help you regain control. Plus, Aleece shares tips on breaking the stigma around bladder health and encouraging open conversations in midlife. If bladder issues have been holding you back—or you simply want to be better informed—this episode is your guide to reclaiming your confidence and improving your quality of life. Don’t miss it! Show Notes Fosnight Center For Sexual Health Urology Heath Organization: urologyhealth.org Voices for PFD: voicesforpfd.org    

Dating in midlife can feel overwhelming. If you’ve watched The Later Daters on Netflix, you’ve likely seen the unique challenges that come with navigating love later in life. A lot has changed since we were dating in our younger years—hello, social media and dating apps! But while the landscape may be different, finding lasting love is still very much possible. That’s where today’s guest, Evan Marc Katz, comes in to guide us through the complexities of midlife dating with his expert advice. Evan Marc Katz is a pioneer in the world of dating coaching. Since 2003, he’s helped smart, successful women create the lasting love they deserve. The author of four books and host of the Love U Podcast with over 2 million downloads, Evan has been featured in major outlets like Today, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Known for his honest and direct approach, Evan helps women understand men—what they think, how they act, and what they want—so they can set higher standards and build fulfilling relationships. With 15 years of marriage under his belt and thousands of success stories from his Love U coaching program, Evan is proof that it’s never too late to find the love of your life. What We’ll Be Discussing: Today, we’re diving into the unique challenges and opportunities of dating in midlife. Evan will share insights on everything from being a widower or divorcee in today’s dating marketplace to whether marriage in midlife is a good idea for those who’ve been married before. We’ll discuss how dating in your 50s and 60s differs from dating in your 30s, how to navigate online dating successfully, and whether finding a high-value partner at your same level in midlife is realistic. Evan will also reveal how your taste in a partner should evolve as you age, the key traits every happy couple needs, and why moving slower before committing to marriage at this stage is critical. It’s an episode packed with wisdom, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on finding love later in life. Stay tuned! Show Notes Website: EvanMarcKatz.com Instagram: @realevanmarckatz YouTube: Evan Marc Katz Podcast: The Love U Podcast

Are you struggling to figure out if what you’re feeling is anxiety or depression? It can be tricky to tell the difference, but don’t worry. That’s exactly what this episode is here to help with. I’m joined by Laura Rhodes-Levin, LMFT, a licensed therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma. Laura is also the founder of The Missing Peace Center for Anxiety, a facility that offers a range of therapies designed to calm the nervous system and bring the mind and body back to a state of peace. Plus, she’s recently released her book The Missing Peace: Rewire Your Brain, Reduce Anxiety, and Recreate Your Life—and let me tell you, it’s a must-read. In this episode, Laura and I dive into how to recognize whether you’re dealing with anxiety, key takeaways from her book, and how anxiety can actually be a superpower. We also explore the concepts of our “Wounded Child” and “Capable Adult” selves, how to change that negative inner dialogue, how to choose peace without guilt in midlife, and what tools we need to keep anxiety in check. We even cover how to support others during their most anxious times. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation! Show Notes: Book: The Missing Peace: Rewire Your Brain, Reduce Anxiety, and Recreate Your Life by Laura Rhodes-Levin Website: missingpeace4anxiety.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.rhodes.311/