SHE2.0

After years of conversations about menopause, hormones, sleep, weight, relationships, aging, and women's health, the She2.0 podcast is evolving. In this episode, I share why I believe many women in midlife are not lacking information, but struggling to make sense of it. Midlife brings changes to our bodies, identities, relationships, priorities, and sense of self, often all at once. Yet we are frequently left wondering why we no longer feel like ourselves. This conversation explores why midlife can feel so disorienting, why so many women interpret change as personal failure, and why understanding what is happening may matter more than collecting more advice. Moving forward, She2.0 will continue to feature expert conversations on health, menopause, and aging, while also exploring the deeper questions surrounding identity, self trust, expectations, and what it means to navigate change well. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I don't feel like myself anymore," this episode is for you.

If you've reached midlife and suddenly feel like the strategies that used to work no longer do, you're not imagining it. Many women notice changes in their weight, energy, metabolism, and overall health during perimenopause and menopause. The challenge is figuring out what actually works and what is simply another wellness trend. One approach that continues to generate both interest and controversy is intermittent fasting. Can intermittent fasting help with menopause weight gain? Is it safe for women in perimenopause and post menopause? Does fasting support metabolic health or can it negatively affect hormones? In this episode, we explore the science, myths, and practical realities of intermittent fasting for women over 50. Together we discuss: • Why weight loss becomes more challenging during menopause • The connection between hormones, metabolism, and body composition • Whether intermittent fasting is effective for women in midlife • Common misconceptions about fasting and women's health • How to get started safely and realistically • Simple strategies to improve energy, health, and long term wellness Most importantly, we explore how women can feel more informed, empowered, and in control of their health during this stage of life. If you've been curious about intermittent fasting or frustrated by changing health and weight loss patterns in menopause, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction.

Can simple lifestyle changes make a meaningful difference during menopause? For many women, menopause brings frustrating changes that seem to arrive overnight. Weight gain, poor sleep, low energy, brain fog, mood shifts, and changes in overall wellbeing can leave you wondering what happened and what to do next. In this episode, Jacquie sits down with Dr. Daniela Steyn, physician and author of Thrive Through Menopause, to discuss practical, evidence informed ways women can support their health during perimenopause and menopause. Together, we explore: • Why menopause symptoms can affect far more than hormones • The connection between sleep, stress, weight gain, and overall wellbeing • How nutrition and gut health may influence your menopause experience • Lifestyle strategies that can help improve energy and resilience • Common misconceptions about menopause and aging • How women can feel more informed and confident during this stage of life This conversation takes a whole person approach to menopause, focusing on practical tools that may help women improve quality of life while navigating hormonal change. If you've been wondering whether lifestyle changes can really make a difference during menopause, this episode offers an informed and encouraging place to start.

The other week I scrolled through one of my favourite newsletters and came across an image of Kate and Meghan. I am so over the royal family and their war. And just as I was about to carry on, the headline hit me. "The ugly truth about girl power'. Wow. I always thought girl power was a good thing. So how does this relate to aging and menopause? As I read quite a few articles online about menopause and how the author/journalist felt about the experience, I expected to read words of support and encouragement in the comments section. You know – girl 'power'. Not so. In fact, not at all! I reached out to Monica, the author of the newsletter that caught my eye, and I wanted her take. Why do women do this to each other? Is it our fault or have we been positioned like this by society and the patriarch? This is a time when we should be supporting each other so what gives? MONICA CORCORAN HAREL is a journalist, screenwriter, and the founder of PRETTY RIPE, If you haven't heard of it, you'll want to subscribe right away like I did. Pretty Ripe is a multi-media platform for women (proudly) over 40. Monica is a self-described I "midlife midwife," easing women over 40 into middle age. As a journalist who's written for The New York Times for over 20 years, Monice brings research and reporting to all her content. She has been profiled in WWD and quoted in Time and InStyle. She also writes about beauty, fashion, midlife and the culture of modern women for The New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter. She has moderated programming for South by Southwest (SXSW), The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Soho House—and created award-winning content for companies like Estee Lauder and Morgan Stanley. Monica's first feature film about two middle-aged women who swap bodies with Gen Z influencers is set up at Netflix with Eva Longoria attached to star and direct. She is currently adapting her magazine essay "My Mom Has No Friends" into a sitcom for 20th Television and Mandy Moore. She lives in L.A. with her family and really loves being an "older woman."

For the past couple of years, we've talked all about perimenopause as the runway to menopause. This is the opportunity for us to acclimatize our bodies and brains for what comes next. But imagine not having that lead time? Imagine being told you're going to skip it all together and head straight into menopause by the time you wake up tomorrow or the next day? Most women that go into post-surgical or post-treatment menopause report feeling completely overwhelmed and completely under educated or informed. This can lead to a lot of stress adding to their existing health conditions. Kim MacDonald, Weather Network Anchor Breast Cancer Canada spokesperson, wife, mom of two daughters, dog mom, and a survivor shares her experience on how chemotherapy threw her into sudden menopause which had a huge impact on her life. Few people even know that menopause is a side effect of breast cancer chemotherapy. Tune in!

Did you know that 1 in 10 women leave their jobs because of menopause? Just when we're at the pinnacle of our careers, the hotflashes and brain fog come in to sabotage our success. We look at our younger, fertile colleagues who experience similar symptoms but because of their fertile status, their symptoms are 'adorable'. They get 'baby brain' and we get fired. Doesn't seem fair. Not only are companies treating women with discrimination when they don't support them during menopause, they are losing quality talent. Women in their menopausal years bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. How can we just let them go or leave on their own accord because of their symptoms? Join Sharon MacArthur - AKA Miss Menopause. Sharon works with companies to help them support women through menopause and considering 100% of women will go through it - we all owe Sharon a round of applause! Here what she has to say about menopause in the workplace.

Lou Featherstone is embracing menopause and taking it on the road in her 'Self Love Revolution Tour'. It's a tour like no other! As she roams across the U.S, Lou is helping women to rediscover their confidence and fall back in love with their minds and their bodies. She's teaching us to step out of our comfort zone to join the Zero F*cks Club. Join Lu in Luland! Tune in! Tune in and don't forget to follow Lou's tour on Instagram. You'll wish you were there!

When we talk about menopause, the conversation usually focuses on hot flashes, sleep problems, and weight gain. But what about mental health? Many women experience anxiety, overwhelm, irritability, low mood, brain fog, loss of confidence, and emotional changes during perimenopause and menopause. Yet these symptoms are often misunderstood, dismissed, or attributed to stress alone. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ariel Dalfen, psychiatrist, women's mental health expert, and co-founder of BRIA, a virtual clinic dedicated to supporting women through major life transitions, including perimenopause and menopause. Together, we discuss: • How hormonal changes can affect mental health during midlife • The connection between perimenopause, anxiety, depression, and mood changes • Why many women feel unseen or unsupported during this transition • When therapy may be helpful during menopause • How to recognize when emotional symptoms need professional support • The importance of integrated care for women's mental and physical health Dr. Dalfen shares practical insights for women who are struggling emotionally and wondering whether what they're experiencing is "just stress" or something more. If you've ever felt unlike yourself during perimenopause or menopause, this conversation offers information, reassurance, and evidence based guidance.