The Body Pod

In this powerful episode of The Body Pod, world-renowned performance physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims and endurance expert Selene Yeager break down the latest breakthroughs in women’s health research, longevity, strength training, and female physiology—and why the future of women’s health is finally changing.From the stage with icons like Jane Fonda to cutting-edge conversations on the bone–brain–muscle axis, this episode dives deep into why strength training is essential for women’s longevity, brain health, metabolic health, and hormone balance. You’ll learn why traditional fitness advice has failed women, how underfueling impacts bone density and muscle mass, and why lifting weights is one of the most powerful tools for preventing osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cognitive decline.Dr. Sims also introduces her groundbreaking new initiative, Collective X—a female-specific research and data platform designed to close the gender data gap in health and fitness. By leveraging vetted research, AI, and real-world data, Collective X is working to revolutionize how women understand their bodies, optimize performance, and make informed decisions about their health across the lifespan.This conversation tackles:The massive gap in female-specific health researchWhy women have been left out of medical and fitness dataHow strength training supports brain function, gut health, and inflammationThe truth about DEXA scans, bone density, and hidden health risksWhy every woman deserves to be in the weight roomHow lifting weights improves confidence, resilience, and quality of life as we ageIf you’re a woman navigating midlife, menopause, or simply want to live longer, stronger, and healthier, this episode is your roadmap to understanding the science—and taking action.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

If you're a woman navigating midlife and feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up with, this episode is exactly what you need to hear. We sat down with Dr. Mary Pardee, naturopathic doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and founder of ModrnMed, for one of the most honest, information-packed conversations we've had on The Body Pod.Dr. Pardee pulls back the curtain on why so many women are being dismissed or under-treated by their doctors., from being told they're too young for hormone therapy, handed a prescription with no real explanation, or simply rushed through a 15-minute appointment that barely scratches the surface. She breaks down exactly how estrogen and progesterone affect your gut, why IBS flares are so common during perimenopause, and what the gut-brain axis actually means for your everyday symptoms like bloating, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.We also get into the real numbers behind menopause hormone therapy (MHT), including breast cancer risks, cardiovascular benefits, and how long you can safely stay on it — so you can walk into your next doctor's appointment informed and empowered. Dr. Pardee explains why she recommends DEXA scans for women well before the standard age of 65, what early bone density testing can catch, and why waiting too long could mean missing a critical window to protect your skeletal health.Beyond hormones and gut health, Dr. Pardee shares her approach to preventative and performance medicine. We talk advanced lipid panels and ApoB testing to VO2 max, strength testing, and cognitive assessments. She's not just treating symptoms; she's helping women build a body that feels just as strong and vital in their 80s and 90s as it does today.If you've been curious about concierge medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy for IBS, diaphragmatic breathing, or simply want a doctor who will actually sit down and talk with you instead of at you — this episode covers it all. Dr. Pardee also shares how to find the right specialist for your specific needs and what questions to ask to make sure you're getting the individualized care you deserve.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

If you're lying awake at 3am, waking up exhausted, or spending hours in bed just waiting for sleep to come you are not alone, and more importantly, it is not your fault. In this deeply informative episode of The Body Pod, we sit down with Dr. Aric Prather, clinical health psychologist, sleep researcher at UC San Francisco, and author of The Sleep Prescription, to have the most comprehensive conversation about sleep you've probably ever heard.Dr. Prather breaks down exactly what happens to your body and brain during sleep, walking us through the critical stages of sleep — from light sleep and deep slow-wave sleep to REM sleep — and why each stage matters more than you might think. He explains why your Oura Ring or Apple Watch sleep data might be stressing you out more than helping you, and how to actually use wearable sleep tracking data to your advantage without spiraling into what researchers call "orthosomnia."We dive deep into insomnia and what it actually means clinically, how many people truly have it, and why so many women in midlife and the menopausal transition experience some of the worst sleep disruptions of their lives. Dr. Prather explains the powerful hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle factors at play, from fluctuating estrogen and hot flashes to peak career stress, caregiving demands, and revenge bedtime procrastination.Most importantly, Dr. Prather walks us through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBTI — the gold standard, evidence-based treatment that works better than medication for over 70% of people — and shares the exact behavioral strategies that his patients use to reclaim their sleep without pills. From setting a consistent wake-up time seven days a week, to understanding your homeostatic sleep drive, to why spending too much time in bed is actually making your insomnia worse, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed tools you can start using tonight.Whether you've struggled with sleep for years or are just starting to notice changes in your sleep quality as you get older, Dr. Prather leaves you with real hope — and a very clear message: sleep is in there, your body knows how to do it, and sometimes the best thing you can do is just get out of your own way.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this bonus episode, board-certified urologist and menopause expert Dr. Kelly Casperson joins host Hailey Babcock to answer your most pressing questions about perimenopause, post-menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Whether you've been told you can't take hormones, you're confused about estrogen patches vs. pills, or you're wondering why your belly fat, brain fog, and joint pain suddenly showed up — this episode is for you.Dr. Casperson breaks down why the majority of women who believe they can't take hormones are actually mistaken, debunks the outdated 10-year rule, and explains why transdermal estrogen carries far less risk than oral estrogen. She covers the science behind vaginal estrogen for bladder health and labial thinning, the role of progesterone for sleep and bone health, and why testosterone for women is underutilized and under appreciated.You'll also hear the truth about breast cancer risk and HRT, why visceral fat increases during menopause (and why it's not your fault), how hormones affect cognitive function and dementia prevention, and what the research is pointing toward in the next five years. Plus: what products to skip, when peptide therapy may not be worth it, and why — even with all of her hormone expertise — Dr. Casperson still says nothing is better than exercise.Topics covered include: HRT myths and contraindications, vaginal estrogen, bladder leakage and Botox for overactive bladder, progesterone without a uterus, testosterone for low libido and beyond, perimenopause vs. post-menopause, abdominal fat and the metabolic syndrome of menopause, brain fog, tinnitus, hair loss, foot pain, gum/bone health, LP(a) and cardiac risk, peptide therapy, and how to find a hormone-informed provider.🎙️ Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, author of You Are Not Broken, and host of the You Are Not Broken podcast. Find her at kellycaspersonmd.com.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this episode, performance psychologist and sleep scientist Dr. Raymond Prior breaks down the psychology behind why so many women struggle to make lasting changes — in their health, relationships, fitness, and everyday life. Dr. Prior unpacks the difference between a fixed mindset vs. growth mindset, how childhood beliefs shape adult anxiety and self-sabotage, and the neuroscience behind why failure feels so personal — and how to rewire that response.We dive deep into performance psychology for everyday women, how to build stable confidence (hint: it's not a feeling, it's a skill), the dangers of helicopter parenting and enabling behavior, and why teenagers are struggling with motivation in the age of social media and dopamine addiction. Dr. Prior also shares why the anxious generation is real — and what parents can do about it.In the second half, we get into sleep science for women over 40, including why perimenopause and menopause wreck your sleep, the truth about over-the-counter melatonin (and why it could be doing more harm than good), how body temperature regulation impacts sleep quality, and proven strategies for falling back asleep at 3am without reaching for your phone.Whether you're a high achiever, a woman in midlife, or just someone who feels stuck — this episode will change how you think about your mind, your sleep, and your potential.Topics covered: fixed mindset vs growth mindset, performance psychology, sleep science for women, menopause and sleep, melatonin safety, confidence building, anxiety and mindset, dopamine and social media, parenting and core beliefs, sleep hygiene, women's mental health, personal development, behavior change.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this episode of The Body Pod, we sit down with leading fat loss researcher Bill Campbell, professor and director of the Performance & Physique Enhancement Lab, to break down the latest science on menopause, weight loss resistance, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), GLP-1 medications, and sprint interval training.If you’re a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman struggling with belly fat, stubborn weight gain, muscle loss, or changes in body composition, this episode is packed with evidence-based answers.We cover:The largest menopause fitness survey ever conducted in resistance-trained womenWhy menopausal women experience accelerated abdominal and visceral fat gainThe science behind weight loss resistance in perimenopause and postmenopauseHormone replacement therapy (HRT): risks, benefits, and why usage is rising in active womenGLP-1 medications for menopause fat loss (Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide) — who benefits and whySprint interval training vs. Zone 2 cardio for visceral fat lossCortisol myths in menopause (does HIIT “spike cortisol” and cause weight gain?)Muscle loss, estrogen decline, and how resistance training protects lean massSupplements for menopausal women: protein, creatine, vitamin D, fish oil, caffeine for fat lossPeptides, metabolism boosters, and what’s science vs. marketingDr. Campbell explains how estrogen decline affects fat distribution, why abdominal fat increases during the menopause transition, and what resistance-trained women can do to preserve muscle mass and metabolic health.If you’re navigating:Perimenopause weight gainPostmenopause belly fatMenopause body recompositionHRT vs. natural menopauseGLP-1s for weight lossCortisol and stress hormonesFat loss after 40 or 50Strength training for menopausal womenWhether you're a fitness-focused woman, coach, or health professional, this conversation bridges lab research and real-world application for menopause fitness, fat loss, hormone therapy, and metabolic health.🎧 Listen now to learn how to work with your hormones — not against them.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

Dr. Andy Galpin joins the BodyPod to break down intelligent training programming for real life bodies—especially midlife fitness, fat loss, and long-term health. He explains what intelligent programming actually means, why midlife bodies do not need a totally different training rulebook, and how elite athlete training principles apply directly to everyday people with limited time.This episode covers how to balance strength training and cardio for busy schedules, how to plan workouts across the day, week, month, quarter, year, and decades for muscle growth, metabolic health, and longevity, and how to keep progress from falling apart when life gets hectic. Galpin introduces a simple sleep and recovery quadrant system, explains why biohacking often distracts from the fundamentals, and clarifies how to approach fat loss in midlife without falling victim to conflicting fitness advice.The conversation also explores how to properly interpret exercise science and research, separating what science says is true from what a coach actually recommends in real-world training. If you’re looking for evidence-based fitness, sustainable training plans, and long-term performance and health, this episode delivers.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

Sarah Rusbatch joins the podcast to share the pivotal moment she reexamined her drinking and transformed her life. She opens up about the pressures of mummy wine culture, the impact of alcohol on midlife hormones, sleep, mental health, relationships, and identity, and why so many women in their 40s and 50s are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. Sarah offers refreshing honesty and science-backed insights into sober curiosity, alcohol-free living, and the emotional and physical shifts that happen during perimenopause and midlife reinvention.Listeners will learn how to navigate social circles while cutting back, how to build confidence without relying on wine, and what true freedom, vitality, and well-being can look like on the other side of alcohol.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this women’s health and fitness episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein breaks down how women can protect, strengthen, and maintain joint health through every stage of life. We explore the powerful connection between estrogen, inflammation, bone density, muscle mass, and recovery, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Wittstein shares expert strategies for training smart for joint longevity, including how to modify workouts for joint pain, improve mobility and flexibility, and build strong bones and resilient muscles with strength and impact training.We also uncover what the latest science says about collagen supplements, arthritis prevention, and how hormonal changes influence joint stability and injury risk. Whether you’re navigating midlife, recovering from joint pain, or simply want to stay strong, mobile, and active, this episode will help you optimize your training and longevity through smarter, evidence-based strategies.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this episode of The Body Pod, we sit down with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky — The GLP-1 Doc to uncover the truth about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, and what they really mean for women’s health, hormones, and sustainable weight loss.We dig into the real science behind appetite, metabolism, and obesity, and why weight gain isn’t a failure of willpower but a matter of biology and hormones — especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Nadolsky explains the myths around diet culture, Big Pharma, and compounded GLP-1 medications, plus how the medical system often overlooks women struggling with weight, fatigue, and hormonal changes. Whether you’re curious about GLP-1 drugs, navigating menopause weight gain, or frustrated by conflicting weight loss advice, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and hopeful about your health journey.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this episode of The Body Pod, we’re joined by Dr. Kristi DeSapri, founder of Bone and Body Women’s Health, to dive deep into bone health during perimenopause and menopause. Discover why osteoporosis prevention starts earlier than you think, how hormones and family history influence your bone density, and what women over 40 can do to stay strong.We cover DEXA scans, bone scores, strength training, calcium, vitamin D, and lifestyle tips for optimal bone health. Walk away with practical strategies to support healthy aging, improve posture, and reduce the risk of fractures—so you can feel strong, confident, and active through midlife and beyond.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this eye-opening episode, elite physique coach Brandon DaCruz shares how women can build strength and transform their bodies through evidence-based fitness and holistic coaching. Learn why stress, hormones, metabolism, and sleep matter just as much as training and nutrition. Brandon dives into women’s unique physiological needs, the risks of chronic dieting and low energy availability, and how high-flux and metabolic restoration approaches can promote sustainable fat loss and muscle growth.Whether you're a fitness coach, athlete, or simply striving for better energy, performance, and hormonal balance, this episode delivers actionable science and real-world results. Discover how smarter training, better recovery, and personalized nutrition create strength that lasts—beyond the scale.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →

In this episode of The Body Pod, we talk with Dr. John Rusin, renowned doctor of physical therapy, performance coach, and creator of the Pain-Free Performance Training System (PPSC). With nearly 20 years of experience working with professional athletes, Olympians, and everyday clients, Dr. Rusin shares how to train for longevity, strength, and injury prevention — without sacrificing performance.We explore his six pillars of physical fitness: prehab, mobility, power, strength, hypertrophy, cardio, and athleticism, and how they form a foundation for sustainable fitness and pain-free movement at any age. Discover how to train like an athlete — even if you're not one — and learn practical strategies to build resilient joints, bulletproof your body, and stay strong for life. Whether you're a coach, trainer, athlete, or someone looking to move better and feel better, this episode delivers expert insights on functional training, injury prevention, and fitness longevity — all without the burnout or breakdown.The Hailey Happens Fitness Membership is the only fitness investment that grows with you! Get instant access to my full training system and design a training year that fits your life, your goals, and your body right now. Start training now with a 10-day free trial →