Emotional Eats Podcast: Real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, and weight loss for women over 40

Welcome to the Emotional Eats Podcast! So many women spend years creating a home around everyone else's needs. The kids. The schedules. The activities. The expectations. But what happens when midlife arrives and life begins to shift? In this thoughtful conversation, Kim Hynes sits down with Kim Costa to explore a question many women don't stop to ask: Does your home still support who you are today? This episode goes far beyond decorating and organizing. Together, they discuss how your environment, community, relationships, geography, and even the energy of your home can impact your happiness, health, creativity, and overall well-being. From empty nesting and menopause to rediscovering yourself after years of caregiving, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on creating a life that truly fits this season of life. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why feeling frustrated, anxious, lonely, or unsettled at home may be a sign that something needs attention The eight key areas of life that influence whether your environment supports you How your home can either drain your energy or help restore it The connection between your physical space and your emotional well-being Why geography matters more than most people realize How relationships, marriage, empty nesting, and midlife transitions can influence where and how you want to live The surprising impact of color, light, clutter, and unused spaces on your mood How to create a home that reflects your true self instead of the image you think you're supposed to project Practical ways to make your current space feel more supportive, even if moving isn't an option How to decide whether it's time to stay, renovate, or make a bigger change Key Takeaways Your home is more than a place where you sleep at night. It can influence your stress levels, your creativity, your relationships, your physical health, and even how connected you feel to yourself. Midlife is often a season of transition. As children leave home, careers evolve, relationships change, and priorities shift, it's worth asking whether your environment is growing with you. Sometimes the answer is a move. Sometimes it's a renovation. Sometimes it's simply creating a small corner that belongs entirely to you. The goal isn't perfection. It's creating a space that supports the woman you are becoming. Because when your environment aligns with your needs, it becomes easier to feel calm, energized, connected, and at home in your own life. About Kim Costa Kim Costa is a REALTOR®, author, speaker, and creator of the Wheel House Assessment. With more than three decades of experience in residential construction, design, and real estate, Kim helps homeowners, especially women navigating midlife and major life transitions, understand whether their home still supports the life they are living now and the person they are becoming. Her work blends real estate, design, lifestyle alignment, and practical decision-making through her Live In Your Wheel House approach. Connect with Kim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-costa-20668137/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.costa.923 What is your website? : https://lifestylefoundations.com/ If This Episode Resonated With You Please follow the Emotional Eats Podcast, download this episode, and share it with a woman in your life who struggles silently with food, body image, binge eating, or emotional eating. These conversations matter. And if you're looking for ongoing support and connection, make sure to check out the Cool Girl Collective, Kim's community for women over 40 navigating emotional eating, menopause, hormones, cravings, and learning how to nourish their whole lives. Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join: https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Website: https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep? Check out Brain.fm. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. Get 30 days for free here. https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code: KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow. I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join: https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE: This episode felt like coming home. Ren Jones was one of my earliest guests, back when both of our podcasts and businesses were just beginning. Now he's back for Episode 143, and this conversation is full circle in the best way. Two friends reuniting, reflecting on growth, and sharing what midlife women really need, beyond diet culture and noise online. Ren shares the personal story behind why he's so committed to women's health, how his coaching has evolved, and what it actually means to be menopause informed without pretending to be a medical provider. We also go into the emotional side of change and why listening and trust are often the missing pieces for women who have spent years trying to "fix" themselves. We lighten it up with a rapid fire game where he rates some of the biggest wellness trends and gives honest, no fluff answers. In This Episode, We Talk About The full circle reunion: Episode 4 to Episode 143 Ren's personal why and what shaped his mission Coaching with curiosity instead of convincing Menopause noise online and how to find trusted support Why women need health span, not just weight loss Rapid fire ratings on popular fitness and wellness trends Key Takeaways Your health is an experiment, not a pass or fail test. The right plan is the one you can actually do consistently. Focus on strength and independence now so your future self is supported. Lifespan matters, but health span matters more. About Ren Jones Ren Jones is a women's fitness and nutrition coach who helps women 30+ and midlife women build real strength, steady consistency, and confidence with exercise and eating using menopause informed, evidence based training. Check out Ren's first episode on the Emotional Eats Podcast Ep. 4 — Building Strength After 40: How Women Gain Confidence, Independence, and Lasting Health in Midlife https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-building-strength-after-40-how-women-gain-confidence/id1686639038?i=1000614861038 Connect with Ren Follow Ren on IG: @fitnessjonestraining Website: www.fitnessjonestraining.com Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website: https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep? Check out Brain.fm. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. Get 30 days for free here. https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code: KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow. I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join: https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This episode is one of those conversations that feels easy, natural, and surprisingly comforting. I'm joined by Jen, the creator behind the popular TikTok and Instagram account @jenopause_midlife, and what happens is an honest, fun, and deeply relatable conversation about midlife, hormones, and everything women were never really taught about this stage of life. We talk about what it's like to start experiencing changes in your body and mind and not have the language, information, or support to understand what's happening. We explore why so many women feel dismissed or confused in midlife, why symptoms are often misunderstood, and how powerful it can be to finally realize you're not alone. This episode also dives into why humor matters so much during perimenopause and menopause, how social media has unexpectedly become a place for connection and education, and what happens when women finally start talking openly about their experiences instead of suffering quietly. It's lighthearted, real, educational without being overwhelming, and feels more like two friends talking than a formal interview. In This Episode, We Touch On What women are (and aren't) told about perimenopause and menopause Why midlife symptoms are so often misunderstood or dismissed The emotional side of midlife changes Learning about hormones later than expected Finding connection, validation, and support in unexpected places Why humor can be such a powerful coping and teaching tool About Jen Jen is the founder of Jenopause Midlife, a women's health education and advocacy platform dedicated to bringing honesty, support, and empowerment to the midlife experience. Known for her warmth, candor, and humor, Jen brings a refreshing authenticity to conversations many women have been taught to keep quiet. After more than two decades in high-performance ad sales roles, Jen began experiencing physical and emotional changes that were repeatedly dismissed. She later learned she was in perimenopause, a realization that collided with a challenging chapter at work and eventually led to an ADHD diagnosis later in life. These experiences opened her eyes to how often women are misdiagnosed, minimized, or left to navigate midlife without understanding or support. Motivated to change that narrative, Jen earned a menopause coaching certification, not to coach clients, but to deepen her knowledge so she could better educate, validate, and advocate for women who deserve real answers. Through Jenopause Midlife, she helps women understand their options, find quality care, and feel less alone through education, humor, and open conversation. Jen also serves on the Board of Directors of the NYC YMCA and is active in fundraising and community volunteer work. She lives between New York City and the Jersey Shore with her husband. Find and Follow Jen You can find Jen on TikTok and Instagram at @jenopause_midlife Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website: https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep? Check out Brain.fm. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. Get 30 days for free here. https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code: KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow. I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join: https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ To Drink or Not to Drink in Midlife In today's episode, we're talking about alcohol in midlife through a completely non-judgmental lens. If you're still drinking, not ready to let go, or you've tried before and gone back, you're not doing anything wrong. This conversation is here to help you understand what alcohol may be doing to your body, your hormones, your cravings, your mood, and your nervous system so you can make choices that feel right for you, in your own time. I also share my personal story, including my alcohol-free date of January 24, 2022, and what I've learned over the years about why alcohol can feel so different after 40. If you feel you may be dealing with addiction or dependence, please reach out to a support group, your medical provider, or a mental health professional. Highlights My personal journey with alcohol and why this time it finally stuck Why alcohol often feels different after 40, especially through perimenopause and beyond The overlap between alcohol, "hangxiety", low motivation, sleep disruption, and louder cravings How alcohol affects metabolism, blood sugar, hunger cues, and hormonal balance Why alcohol and emotional eating often go hand-in-hand as coping strategies Gentle reflection questions and practical steps if you're curious about changing your patterns The social side of not drinking and how to navigate pressure without shame Key Takeaways Alcohol can disrupt sleep, mood, motivation, and cravings in midlife in ways that feel confusing if you don't realize what's happening physiologically. Many women use alcohol the way they use food, scrolling, or other habits: to soothe and regulate the nervous system. When you begin paying attention without judgment, you gain clarity and choice, which makes change easier when you're ready. Simple pattern interruptions and nervous system tools can help you respond differently, even before you decide what your long-term relationship with alcohol will be. You are not behind. Your timeline is your timeline, and support matters. Closing Thought This episode isn't about perfection or pressure. It's about listening, understanding what your body is asking for in midlife, and creating space to choose what actually makes you feel well. If alcohol has been part of how you cope, you're human. And you deserve support as you figure out what feels right for you. Resources Mentioned This Naked Mind by Annie Grace The Mocktail Mom episode (Year One Episode 3) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-breaking-up-with-alcohol-in-midlife-with-deb/id1686639038?i=1000613979697 Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website: https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep? Check out Brain.fm. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. Get 30 days for free here. https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code: KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow. I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join: https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This special Best of 2025 episode brings together the most listened to, most shared, and most talked about moments from the Emotional Eats Podcast this year. Out of dozens of powerful conversations, these seven clips stood out for the way they resonated with listeners and sparked meaningful reflection around midlife health. The episodes highlighted in this compilation cover a wide range of topics that matter deeply to women navigating midlife, including emotional eating, gut health, hormones, stress, nervous system regulation, and symptoms that often go unexplained or overlooked. Some of the most downloaded conversations weren't necessarily the ones you might expect, which speaks to how curious and open this community has become to exploring root causes and new perspectives. This episode also reflects the depth and variety of the podcast in 2025, blending expert interviews with real, honest conversations that challenged assumptions and helped listeners better understand what may be influencing their health and behaviors. Whether you listened to every episode this year or missed a few along the way, this Best of 2025 is a chance to revisit the conversations that had the greatest impact and discover why these moments stood out among listeners. Episodes Featured in the Best of 2025 Celebration: Holly Bertone-FBI Tactics to Stop Emotional Eating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/116-rewire-your-brain-to-stop-emotional-eating-using/id1686639038?i=1000718298992 Tricia Nelson- Stop Emotional Eating and Sugar Addiction: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/118-break-free-from-emotional-eating-and-sugar/id1686639038?i=1000720584048 Dr. Betsy Greenleaf: Vaginal Health 101 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/127-vaginal-health-101-with-dr-betsy-greenleaf/id1686639038?i=1000730400243 Kim Rogers: The Worm Queen Protects You From Parasites https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/103-the-shocking-truth-about-your-midlife-weight-gain/id1686639038?i=1000704293475 Amber Romaniuk: Stop Emotional Eating by Understanding Your Hormones https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/115-trauma-dopamine-and-the-drive-to-numb-how-to/id1686639038?i=1000717168025 Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp: Aging Well and Biohacking for Women's Health https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/123-why-aging-doesnt-have-to-be-hard-biohacks-that/id1686639038?i=1000725511972 Jennifer Navara: Helping Your Body Feel Safe to Heal https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/130-why-midlife-women-need-a-safe-space-to-reset/id1686639038?i=1000736093284 Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website: https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep? Check out Brain.fm. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. Get 30 days for free here. https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code: KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow. I would be so grateful.