Podcast
Living Life Naturally
Hosted by Lynne Wadsworth · EN
Are fatigue, stubborn weight gain, or sugar cravings stealing your spark?
Do you feel like your body has a mind of its own as you move through perimenopause, menopause, or beyond—leaving you dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, or sleepless nights?
If so, you're in the right place.
Welcome to The Living Life Naturally Podcast, where Board-Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner Lynne Wadsworth helps women in midlife take back control of their health, energy, and happiness—naturally.
Each week, Lynne shares empowering conversations, holistic health tips, and real-life strategies to help you balance your hormones, manage stress, boost your energy, and feel more vibrant and confident than ever.
Whether you're navigating perimenopause, tackling menopause symptoms head-on, or embracing post-menopause with fresh purpose, this show will guide you toward feeling strong, calm, and fully alive again.
Because midlife isn't the end—it's your new beginning. 🌿
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5 Ways to Reconnect with Your Feminine Energy in Midlife
1w ago00:25:21Tap to summarizeLiving Life Naturally | Episode 336 Have you spent so long being the strong one, the responsible one, and the one who keeps everything going that you've forgotten how to truly soften and reconnect with yourself? In this Tea & Truth episode, I'm sharing 5 gentle ways to reconnect with your feminine energy in midlife so you can create more peace, self-trust, beauty, and breathing room in everyday life. So many women in midlife have spent years being productive, capable, dependable, and strong — often while quietly disconnecting from their own peace, rhythms, and inner wisdom. In this episode of Tea & Truth, I'm sharing 5 gentle ways to reconnect with your feminine energy in midlife in a grounded, practical, and relatable way. This conversation is about reconnecting with the parts of yourself that may have gotten buried under stress, responsibility, overthinking, and years of pushing through. We talk about creating quiet, honoring your body, allowing beauty and softness to matter, receiving support, and learning to trust your intuition again. I also share a couple of personal stories, including sweet memories of growing up in England with a park behind our house full of open space, swings, dandelions, daisies, and even an old castle wall — and a more humorous story about how being introverted but nervous can sometimes lead to what I call "verbal diarrhea." If you've been longing for a gentler, more connected way of moving through midlife, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath. In this episode, we talk about: why quiet helps you reconnect with yourself how to stop overriding your body and honor your rhythms why beauty, softness, and pleasure matter the importance of receiving support how self-reflection can help you trust your intuition again Free Resource If this episode spoke to you, download my free eGuide: Soften & Reconnect: A Midlife Guide to Feminine Energy. It's a gentle companion to this conversation and will help you reflect on the 5 ways to reconnect with your feminine energy in midlife with more peace, softness, self-trust, and intention. 👉Download your free eGuide here: https://bit.ly/4ujmpK7 And if you'd like a gentle chat about what support could look like for you in this season, you're always welcome to schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Connect with Lynne 💜 Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women 🫶 Gentle Chat: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min ✨ Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did You Enjoy the Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart. Every review helps the Living Life Naturally podcast reach more women in midlife who are looking for support, encouragement, and natural ways to feel healthier, calmer, and more like themselves again. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific health needs.
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7 Ways to Rebuild Strength and Energy After Menopause With Heike Yates
2w ago00:30:39Tap to summarizeIf the workouts and routines that used to work for you now leave you feeling tired, discouraged, or stuck, you are not alone. In this episode, midlife fitness expert Heike Yates shares 7 realistic ways women can rebuild strength and energy after menopause without guilt, extremes, or feeling like they have to start over. This is an encouraging conversation about listening to your body, adjusting with wisdom, and finding a more supportive path forward in midlife. Many women reach midlife and start to notice that the habits that used to work for their body just do not seem to work the same way anymore. The routines, workouts, and expectations that once felt manageable can suddenly feel draining, frustrating, or completely out of sync with what the body needs. In this episode, I'm joined by Heike Yates, midlife fitness expert, author, and creator of the SPARK Framework, for a thoughtful conversation about what really changes during menopause and how women can rebuild strength and energy in a way that feels more realistic, supportive, and sustainable. Heike shares from both professional and personal experience. With decades in fitness, from teaching classes to bodybuilding, running ultramarathons, and competing in triathlons, she also knows what it feels like when the body begins asking for a different approach. We talk about how hormone changes can affect fatigue, injury risk, confidence, recovery, and motivation — and why midlife often calls for more support, not more self-pressure. A big theme in this conversation is that women do not need to start over. Instead, they can build on what they already know, make small shifts that fit real life, and create momentum in ways that feel kinder and more effective. In this episode, we discuss: How menopause changes the way women respond to exercise and recovery Why pushing harder is not always the answer in midlife How to tell the difference between discipline and the need for more support Small, practical ways to fit movement into everyday life Why joy matters more than willpower when it comes to consistency How to adapt when injuries, arthritis, or limitations change what is possible Why rebuilding in midlife is about moving forward, not starting from scratch About Heike Yates Heike Yates is a midlife fitness expert, author, and creator of the SPARK Framework. She helps midlife women rebuild strength, energy, and confidence without guilt, extremes, or starting over. With more than 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, her approach is compassionate, practical, and designed for real life. She is also the host of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast and author of Pursue Your Spark. Resources from Heike Heike offers a Midlife Reset Guide on her website to help women rebuild strength and restore energy. Connect with Heike Yates Website: https://heikeyates.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ Substack: https://substack.com/@heikeyates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcA Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursue-your-spark-midlife-fitness-nutrition-mindset/id1231586317 Book: https://amzn.to/4mD5xL7 Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another woman who may need this reminder right now. And if you want a gentle chat about next steps, schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min ⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or fitness routine.
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Episode 334: How to Listen to Your Body's Wisdom in Midlife
3w ago00:36:25Tap to summarizeWhat if your fatigue, tension, overwhelm, or emotional ups and downs aren't random — but your body trying to get your attention? In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne shares how midlife women can begin listening to their body's wisdom with more compassion, more clarity, and a lot less self-criticism. How to Listen to Your Body's Wisdom in Midlife What if your body isn't betraying you… but trying to guide you? In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne explores what it really means to listen to your body's wisdom in midlife. So many women have spent years pushing through exhaustion, brushing aside discomfort, ignoring emotional signals, and believing they simply need to try harder. But midlife often becomes the season where the body starts speaking more clearly — and more loudly. In this episode, Lynne shares why body wisdom matters, why so many women lose touch with it, and how learning to listen can become a powerful part of personal and spiritual growth. Inside this episode: what body wisdom really means why women are often conditioned to override their needs common ways the body communicates through fatigue, tension, mood, sleep, and emotion why midlife can make those messages louder the difference between body wisdom and fear simple, grounded ways to reconnect with your body gently why listening to your body can deepen self-trust and clarity in midlife This episode is a reminder that your body isn't the enemy. Very often, it's asking you to slow down, pay attention, and respond with greater care. Companion guide: Body Wisdom Check-In: A Gentle Guide for Midlife Women: https://bit.ly/bodywisdomguide Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Gentle next step: If you'd like a gentle chat about next steps, schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow, share, or leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeaart? Your support helps the Living Life Naturally podcast reach more women looking for grounded, practical support through midlife and beyond. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical or mental health care. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding your personal health needs.
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Dr. Alicia Newsome: – Midlife Rebalanced: How to Restore Your Hormones and Energy
Apr 1300:29:05Tap to summarizeIf you've been feeling unlike yourself lately — exhausted, wired, moody, foggy, or like your body is suddenly playing by a whole new set of rules — this episode is for you. In this conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Alicia Newsome, functional medicine practitioner, bestselling author, and founder of the Powerful & Healthy Academy, to talk about natural ways to support hormone balance in midlife. We dig into how stress affects hormones, why testing matters, and simple lifestyle shifts that can support more steady energy, better sleep, and fewer frustrating symptoms. Hormonal changes in midlife can leave many women feeling confused, dismissed, and frustrated. From low energy and sleep struggles to weight changes, mood swings, and hot flashes, it can feel like your body has suddenly become unfamiliar. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I'm joined by Dr. Alicia Newsome — an international speaker, bestselling author, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of the Powerful & Healthy Academy. Dr. Alicia is passionate about helping women understand what's going on inside their bodies so they can move forward feeling more informed, supported, and confident. Together, we talk about natural approaches to hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause, with a strong focus on looking at the whole picture rather than simply masking symptoms. In this episode, we discuss: · why hormone changes in midlife can affect energy, sleep, weight, and mood · how chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance · why the body often prioritizes cortisol over sex hormones during times of stress · natural ways to support the body, including reducing toxic burden and addressing deficiencies · the importance of testing rather than guessing · how personalized support may include adaptogens and targeted supplementation · hormone-friendly daily routines that support steadier energy and better resilience · the benefits of a savory, protein-rich breakfast · how evening brain-dumping and transition routines can support a calmer nervous system · the role of functional testing, including Dutch testing, 24-hour urine testing, and blood work · how Dr. Alicia works with women virtually and the free resources she offers through her website One of the things I especially appreciated in this conversation is Dr. Alicia's reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one woman may not be what another woman needs, which is why getting clearer information about your body can be so important. This episode is packed with practical insight for women who are tired of guessing and are ready to better understand their symptoms and next steps. Free Resources from Dr. Alicia Newsome: Midlife Hormone Reset Guide A step-by-step starter plan to support energy, improve sleep, and reduce hot flashes with simple daily habits, plus a lab-request checklist. https://www.dralicianewsome.com/hormone-reset-guide Hormone-Friendly Meal Blueprint A free 7-day plan with protein targets, blood-sugar-balanced meals, and a grocery list tailored for perimenopause and menopause. https://www.dralicianewsome.com/meal-blueprint Mini Masterclass: Natural Hormone Balance in Midlife A free 25-minute video on how stress, sleep, and blood sugar influence symptoms — and 5 supportive levers to begin turning things around. https://www.dralicianewsome.com/midlife-masterclass Complimentary 15-Minute Hormone Clarity Call For women who want support interpreting labs or deciding on next steps. https://www.dralicianewsome.com/clarity-call Connect with Dr. Alicia Newsome Website: https://www.dralicianewsome.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralicianewsome YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AliciaNewsome Podcast: The Whole & Complete Woman About Dr. Alicia Newsome: Dr. Alicia Newsome is an international speaker, bestselling author, trainer, and esteemed doctor working in functional medicine. Dr. Alicia empowers women who lack clarity and guidance to receive the steps, strategies & confidence to regain their authentic voice, transform their health and walk boldly into their life purpose. Dr. Newsome has been recognized in USA Today, ABC, NBC, FOX & CBS for her work and contribution to the world. She is the honored recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In private practice, she helps women find out exactly what's happening inside their bodies & resolve those issues without drugs or surgery through advanced lab testing and boutique-style concierge, one-on-one, customized programs that are designed for the individual needs of each woman. Dr. Alicia keeps it real and brings the eye-opening truths about health while breaking down complex medical concepts into simple easy to digest gold nuggets of information. Every audience receives newfound knowledge and roadmap which allows them to walk away more confident, empowered and excited about the next steps in their health journey Connect with Lynne Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club on Facebook for encouragement, practical wellness support, and real conversations for women in midlife and beyond: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth 👉 Grab your free copy of Lynne's "5 Essential Steps for Flourishing in Menopause" here: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com/flourish-in-midlife/ If today's conversation resonated with you and you'd like a gentle chat about next steps, you can schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Did You Enjoy the Podcast? If this episode encouraged you, taught you something new, or helped you feel more supported on your midlife wellness journey, I'd be so grateful if you would subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora. Your support helps Living Life Naturally reach more women who are looking for trustworthy, compassionate support in midlife and beyond. Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or wellness routine.
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From Fatigue to Fired-Up: Boosting Energy Naturally
Apr 600:21:24Tap to summarizeIf you've been feeling tired, flat, foggy, or like your energy has quietly disappeared somewhere in the middle of midlife, this episode is for you. In this Tea & Truth conversation, we're talking about a gentler and more supportive way to think about movement — especially when the idea of exercise feels exhausting before you've even begun. Because if you've been telling yourself you need more discipline, more willpower, or a harder push, I want to offer something different. You may not need more pressure. You may need more support. In this episode, I'm sharing why energy can feel so off in midlife, why the all-or-nothing approach to exercise often backfires, and how the right kind of movement can actually help support your mood, steadiness, blood sugar, stress resilience, and daily energy. We'll also talk about why small movement counts, why walking is still one of the most underrated tools for midlife wellness, and why supportive habits often work far better than punishing plans. Inside this episode, we explore: Why midlife fatigue is not the same thing as laziness What hormone shifts, broken sleep, stress, and blood sugar can do to your energy Why intense exercise is not always the best answer in this season The difference between feeling wired and feeling truly energized Supportive movement ideas like walking, strength work, stretching, and movement snacks Why motivation usually comes after movement, not before it How to begin with gentle momentum instead of pressure Free Resource If this episode resonated with you, download your free mini eGuide: From Fatigue to Fired-Up — a gentle movement guide for midlife energy with simple ideas for walking, stretching, light strength, and daily check-ins. Grab it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rhTYVJDJ21KQ6QYTEjvuwFDyGodQwPFq/view?usp=sharing Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club If you're looking for a supportive place to keep learning, growing, and feeling encouraged in this season of life, come join us inside the Energized Healthy Women's Club. This is a warm and welcoming community for women in midlife who want simple, realistic support for energy, hormone balance, stress, sleep, nourishment, and everyday wellness — without pressure, perfection, or extremes. It's where we keep these conversations going with practical tips, encouragement, and connection with like-minded women walking a similar path. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women If this episode encouraged you… If this episode supported you, encouraged you, or helped you feel a little less alone, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow, share, or leave a review for the Living Life Naturally Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews and shares help more women discover this podcast and find gentle, practical support for this season of life. Thank you for being here and for helping these conversations reach the women who need them most. Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynne-wadsworth Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Schedule a gentle chat: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or wellness routine.
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Sacred Rest: The Forgotten Wellness Pillar
Mar 3000:47:36Tap to summarizeAre you tired… but not just physically tired? In this episode, we're talking about a kind of depletion that so many midlife women feel but struggle to explain. You may be sleeping, slowing down, or trying to take better care of yourself, and still feeling drained, foggy, snappy, or emotionally stretched. If that sounds familiar, this conversation is for you. Today we're talking about sacred rest — the kind of rest that goes deeper than sleep and supports your mind, body, and soul. If you've been feeling like you can't quite catch up with yourself, this may be the missing piece. Full Show Notes In this episode of Living Life Naturally, we're exploring one of the most overlooked parts of wellness for women in midlife: sacred rest. So often, women are told that if they're exhausted, they simply need to sleep more, push through less, or "take better care of themselves." But midlife depletion is rarely that simple. Many women are carrying mental overload, emotional strain, sensory fatigue, decision fatigue, and the invisible weight of always being the one who holds things together. That kind of tired runs deep. In this episode, I'm unpacking the difference between sleep and real rest, why so many women in midlife feel depleted in ways they can't quite explain, and how sacred rest can become a gentle but powerful support for your overall wellbeing. This is an honest, supportive conversation about learning to step out of survival mode and into a more sustainable rhythm — one that includes space to restore, breathe, and come back to yourself. In this episode, we explore: Why sleep and rest are not the same thing The hidden ways midlife women become depleted How emotional, mental, sensory, and spiritual overload affect your energy Why rest is a wellness pillar, not a luxury Small ways to create intentional moments of restoration A gentler approach to supporting your mind, body, and soul Free Resource To go along with this episode, I created a simple companion resource: The Sacred Rest Guide + 7-Day Sacred Rest Challenge Inside, you'll be invited to pause each day and ask: What kind of rest do I need today? Then at the end of the day: Did that restore me? It's a gentle practice, but it can shift so much. Download the Sacred Rest Guide here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sKkXQpQTex4CiDKP_bzMoS6EQUREvl3q/view?usp=sharing Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club If you're looking for encouragement, practical support, and a lovely community of women walking through midlife together, come join us inside the Energized Healthy Women's Club. We talk about real-life wellness, energy, hormones, stress, nourishment, and how to support ourselves in ways that feel doable and kind. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Connect with Lynne 🌿 Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com 🌿 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynne-wadsworth 🌿 Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women 🌿 Schedule a gentle chat: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min 🌿 Email: lynne@holistic-healthandwellness.com Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode supported you, encouraged you, or helped you feel a little more understood, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more women discover the show and remind them they don't have to navigate midlife alone. Thank you for being here and for helping this message reach the women who need it most. Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
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LLN Episode #330: Is Stress Causing Your Perimenopause Symptoms? The Cortisol Truth Nobody Tells You
Mar 2300:49:32Tap to summarizeMidlife can feel confusing enough without adding stress, poor sleep, cravings, mood shifts, and that strange feeling of being tired, wired, and unlike yourself. In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne dives into the powerful connection between cortisol and hormone balance and explains why chronic stress can make midlife symptoms feel so much more intense. If you've been wondering why you're doing all the "right" things but still feeling exhausted, edgy, foggy, puffy, or out of sync, this conversation is for you. This episode unpacks what cortisol actually is, why it's not the enemy, and what happens when stress becomes chronic. Lynne also explores how cortisol can influence progesterone, estrogen, insulin, thyroid function, sleep, cravings, blood sugar, mood, and weight, especially during perimenopause and menopause when the body is already navigating change. You'll also hear a compassionate reminder that your body is not failing you. It is responding. And often, what it needs most is not more force, more discipline, or more pressure — but steadiness, nourishment, boundaries, and support. This is a warm, honest, practical conversation for the woman who feels like her body has become more sensitive, less forgiving, and harder to understand in midlife. In this episode, we talk about: What cortisol actually is and why it matters Why cortisol is not the "bad guy" How chronic stress affects hormonal balance The connection between cortisol, progesterone, and estrogen How stress influences blood sugar, insulin, and cravings Why stress can make weight changes and belly weight more noticeable The sleep-stress-hormone loop Why midlife can feel like the perfect storm Real-life signs stress may be affecting your body Simple daily anchors that support a steadier nervous system and more balanced body If this episode resonates, here are a few gentle reminders: Your body is not betraying you. Your symptoms are not "all in your head." And you do not need to push harder to feel better supported. Sometimes the next best step is not doing more. It's learning how to work with your body in a kinder, steadier way. Free Cortisol Calm Quick Tip Sheet If this episode resonated with you and you'd like a simple companion resource, download my free Cortisol Calm Quick Tip Sheet for Midlife Women here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dmg2jdCrIBFo5pXHk0Wyf9lk_98n-lFi/view?usp=sharing Free support for your midlife journey If you'd like more support, encouragement, and real conversations around hormones, energy, stress, and nourishment, come join us inside my Facebook community: Energized Healthy Women's Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Enjoyed this episode? If this conversation encouraged you, helped you feel seen, or gave you a new perspective, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps the Living Life Naturally podcast reach more women who are looking for calm, clarity, and practical support through midlife and beyond. Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Email: lynne@holistic-healthandwellness.com Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns, symptoms, or treatment decisions. The views shared in this episode are intended to support and educate, not provide individual medical advice.
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LLN Episode 329: The Window of Tolerance: Why Midlife Women Are More Stressed Than Ever | Owen Marcus
Mar 1600:31:07Tap to summarizeWhy does stress seem to hit so much harder in midlife? If you've ever found yourself feeling anxious, emotionally flat, overwhelmed, reactive, or strangely disconnected from yourself, this conversation may help make sense of what's going on beneath the surface. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I'm joined by Owen Marcus, Founder and CEO of MELD, to talk about stress, emotional resilience, and the concept of the window of tolerance — the range in which your nervous system feels safe enough to think clearly, respond calmly, and stay connected to yourself and others. Owen explains how chronic stress can gradually shrink that window, especially during seasons like midlife and menopause when the body may already be carrying more load. We talk about why common advice like "just breathe" or "think positive" often falls flat when you're already in a survival state, and why nervous system support needs to start with understanding what your body is actually experiencing. This conversation explores the difference between hyperarousal and freeze, why disconnection can become such a common midlife experience, and how body awareness, co-regulation, and gentle somatic tools can support greater steadiness and emotional resilience. If you've been feeling wired, numb, overly emotional, or not quite like yourself, this episode offers an eye-opening and compassionate look at what stress may really be doing — and how you can begin to support yourself more effectively. In this episode, we discuss: what the window of tolerance means and why it matters how chronic stress affects the body and brain why midlife and menopause can make stress feel more intense the difference between fight-or-flight and freeze responses why common stress-management tools sometimes don't work how body awareness can help shift your nervous system the role of co-regulation and connection in feeling calmer why understanding your stress response is the first step toward change About Owen Marcus Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD (Men's Emotional Leadership Development), a pioneer in men's emotional health, and the author of Grow Up: A Man's Guide to Emotional Maturity. His work integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, somatic mindfulness, and relational skill-building to support emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. Resources mentioned MELD: meld.community MELD resources: meld.community/resource/ Facebook: MELD Men X: @meldmen Instagram: @meld.men YouTube: @MELD-men LinkedIn: MELD Men's Community Join my community If you're a woman in midlife looking for grounded, natural support for energy, hormones, stress, and emotional wellbeing, come join us inside the Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a warm and welcoming community where we talk honestly about what midlife really looks like — and how to support mind, body, and soul with more ease, wisdom, and encouragement. Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, taught you something new, or helped you feel a little more understood, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening app. Your reviews help more women discover the show and get the support they need through midlife and beyond. Connect with Lynne If you'd like a gentle conversation about your next steps, you can schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, health concerns, or treatment decisions. The views shared by podcast guests are their own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
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LLN Episode #328: Overwhelmed After 40? A Simple Calm Reset That Actually Works
Mar 1000:22:51Tap to summarizeOverwhelmed after 40 and feeling wired, tense, or easily overstimulated? In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne shares a simple calm reset that actually works—fast breathwork, gentle herb support, and daily rituals to help your nervous system feel steadier without adding more to your day. Free download: Midlife Calm Toolkit (Mini eGuide) https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1f2n1XMAwR8c8fsMrN6vTZ4ykPquY8ESw Show Notes: Midlife stress can feel different—less tolerance for overwhelm, more nervous system activation, and that "wired but tired" feeling that affects sleep, mood, cravings, and energy. If you've been telling yourself you should be coping better, let this episode be your permission slip to stop pushing and start supporting. In today's Tea & Truth, Lynne shares a simple calm reset that actually works—real-life breathwork you can do in under a minute, daily micro-rituals that help shift your baseline, and gentle herb support with a quick Q&A (what to use, when to use it, and what to be careful with). Free download for this episode: Midlife Calm Toolkit (Mini eGuide) https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1f2n1XMAwR8c8fsMrN6vTZ4ykPquY8ESw In this episode, we cover: Why stress often feels louder after 40 Breathwork tools you can use anywhere (30–60 seconds) Daily micro-rituals that calm your nervous system The "Calm Trio": light + movement + downshift A stress-budget approach (where stress leaks) Herbs for stress support + a quick Q&A A simple weekly challenge to feel calmer without overwhelm Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club If you're tired of trying to figure out midlife health on your own—stress, sleep, energy, cravings, belly bloat, hormone shifts—come join us inside The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a private, supportive community of like-minded women who want real-life, doable wellness (without perfection). You'll get practical tips, simple routines, recipe ideas, encouragement, and a place to ask questions and feel understood—because midlife is a lot easier when you're supported and you've got a plan. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Private Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did You Enjoy the Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, the best way you can support the show is by leaving a quick 5-star rating and review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora. Reviews help more women find this show—women who are navigating midlife changes and looking for calm, energy, and real support. Thank you for being here… and for helping us reach the women who need these conversations most. 💜 Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns, medications, supplements, or health conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you heard on this podcast.
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LLN Episode #327: Katie Hardie - The "Normal Labs" Trap: What Midlife Women Must Know to Get Better Testing
Mar 200:24:39Tap to summarizeHave you ever been told your labs are "normal"… but you still feel off? In this episode, Lynne sits down with Katie Hardie, a board-certified holistic nutritionist and FDN practitioner, to unpack what so many midlife women experience: symptoms that don't always show up clearly on standard bloodwork. Katie explains the difference between standard lab ranges (which are designed to identify dysfunction) and functional optimal ranges (which are designed to support how you actually feel). They discuss why it's worth advocating for more comprehensive testing, how inflammation can play a role in midlife symptoms, and why stress support — including simple breathing tools — can be a game-changer for overall wellbeing. They also touch on hormone profiling options like the DUTCH Plus test, and why ongoing support and education can help women feel more confident and less stuck when navigating perimenopause and midlife changes. What You'll Learn · How to start listening to your body's signals in midlife · Standard lab ranges vs functional optimal ranges · Why symptoms matter even when labs look "normal" · Inflammation support through food (simple starting points) · Stress physiology and how it can show up (sleep, anxiety, fatigue) · Simple breathing practices for nervous system support · DUTCH Plus test overview for hormone + cortisol patterns 🎁 Spring Renewal (FREE) — my gift to you: subscribepage.io/GqjyUW 💗 Want extra midlife support? Come join my free Facebook community, The Energized Healthy Women's Club — practical tips, encouragement, and simple mind-body-soul support. 👉Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Complimentary Consult with Katie: https://www.mypeak365.com/ Connect With Katie: Website: https://www.mypeak365.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypeak365/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardiepeakperformance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-hardie-hermanson-860a874/ Connect with Lynne: Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora helps us reach more women who want practical midlife support. Thank you — together, we make a difference!
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