Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause - podcast cover

Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Dr. Sara Poldmae | Healer, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Functional Medicine Practitionerrisingwomanproject.com

Welcome to Menopause Rise and Thrive! I’m Dr. Sara Poldmae, and this podcast is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—women who are ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling.


Every week, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of midlife, sharing helpful tips, real-world advice, and a space where you can feel heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or brain fog—or simply trying to make sense of the emotional shifts that come with menopause—you’re not alone.


Together, we’ll cut through the noise of misinformation and explore real, effective strategies for managing menopause symptoms, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. Menopause Rise and Thrive is about more than just symptom management—it’s about stepping into your strength, prioritizing your well-being, and finding renewed purpose in this chapter of life.


More than anything, this podcast is about community—a place where women like you can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Together, we’ll challenge outdated myths about aging, celebrate our resilience, and approach midlife with clarity, strength, and empowerment.


Offering a unique blend of insights from my experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, yogi, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s advocate, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and rediscover your passions. Every episode is designed to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical steps so you can navigate menopause with confidence. 

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Episodes

118. Your Midlife Health Questions—Answered with Heart & Science

Are These Midlife Health Questions Keeping You Up at Night? Have you ever found yourself deep in a 2 a.m. Google rabbit hole, trying to figure out if collagen powder is worth it, or whether that weighted vest in your closet could actually help your bones? You’re not alone. Midlife brings a flood of changes—and questions—and it can be hard to know what advice to trust. In this episode, I’m answering the most common (and most Googled!) health questions I hear from women in midlife. From supplement...

Aug 14, 202521 min

117. Feeling Like a Fraud in Midlife? You’re Not Alone.

Do you ever feel like you’re just faking it—like you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you’ve got it all together, even as you’re quietly doubting your worth behind the scenes? If that resonates, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deeply personal and honest conversation about imposter syndrome in midlife. This isn't just a mindset issue—it’s something so many women silently carry as we face big life transitions, career shifts, hormonal changes, and old stories from our past. I’...

Aug 07, 202525 min

116. GLP-1 Medications & Midlife Metabolism: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Are GLP-1 Medications Right for You? What You Really Need to Know First Have you been hearing a lot about GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and wondering if they might be the magic fix—or if they’re just another fad? Maybe you’ve already started using one, but feel unsure how to support your body while you’re on it. In this honest and empowering episode, I sit down with certified nutrition coach Danielle McColloch to talk about what no one else is saying: how to use GLP-1s safely, effectively, ...

Jul 31, 202528 min

115. Hair Loss in Midlife

Are you noticing more hair in your brush, thinning at your part, or just feeling like your ponytail isn’t what it used to be? You’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone. Hair loss is one of the most emotionally distressing symptoms women face in midlife, and yet it’s still not talked about enough. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mary Wendel, a board-certified internist and founder of Medi Tresse, a clinic dedicated to women’s hair loss. Dr. Wendel brings her decades ...

Jul 24, 202524 min

114. Mood Swings, Midlife, and Grown-Ass Men

Are mood swings running the show lately—and leaving you feeling like a stranger in your own life? If you've ever cried over a commercial, snapped at your partner for simply breathing, or found yourself thinking “Who even am I right now?” , you’re in good company. In this episode, we’re diving into the emotional whirlwind that so often comes with midlife—and unpacking what’s hormonal, what’s situational, and what’s actually a powerful wake-up call. Yes, estrogen and progesterone are shifting—but ...

Jul 17, 202515 min

113. When your heart races in midlife- hormones and your heart

Is your heart suddenly racing out of nowhere—and you're not even stressed ? You’re not alone. Many midlife women are blindsided by unexpected heart symptoms like palpitations, racing pulses, and sudden spikes in blood pressure. It’s terrifying, confusing, and all too often dismissed as “just anxiety.” In this heartfelt episode, I share my own journey with perimenopausal tachycardia—when my resting heart rate soared to 170 BPM—and the deeper discoveries that followed. If you’ve ever wondered whet...

Jul 10, 202518 min

112. Encore Episode: Hormones 101 – Understanding Perimenopause with Monique Willingham

Big News: Our Midlife Concierge Program Is Launching! Hi ladies, it’s Dr. Sarah here with something incredibly exciting I’ve been waiting to share. Monique, our amazing nurse practitioner, and I are launching a brand-new Concierge Membership Program exclusively for women in midlife right here in Maryland! This high-touch, deeply personalized program is designed to support you through every phase of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We’re combining the best of functional medicine, Chinese med...

Jul 03, 202532 min

111. The Power of Yin: Slowing Down to Wake Up in Midlife

Is your mind constantly racing, your body feeling depleted—and you’re wondering if you’ll ever feel grounded again? If so, this episode is your gentle nudge to slow down and reconnect. Midlife is often a whirlwind of change, and sometimes, what we need most is to simply pause. Today, I’m joined by my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Alicia Sweeney, for a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of yoga in midlife—especially the deeply nourishing practice of Yin Yoga. Whether you're a...

Jun 26, 202526 min

110. Attachment Styles ~ with yourself!

Are your relationships leaving you feeling like a turtle—or a honey badger? If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your instincts in love, friendships, or even with your kids, this episode is for you. We’re exploring how attachment styles don’t just show up in your relationships with others—but in your relationship with yourself. And learning to feel secure with you can change everything. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, I’m joined by Amanda Fuenzalida, an attachment therapi...

Jun 19, 202529 min

109. Breaking Free from Birth Control and Online Quick Fixes in Menopause

Is Online Menopause Care Really Helping You? The Hidden Risks You Need to Know Are you feeling dismissed, rushed, or just plain confused by the options for menopause care? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. In this episode, I’m diving into a growing trend that’s both promising and problematic: online telehealth services offering hormone therapy and quick-fix prescriptions. If you've ever felt tempted to click "buy" on a hormone treatment without a proper medical evaluation, this conversation...

Jun 12, 202515 min

108. From Age-Inappropriate Men to Caring for Aging Parents—The Surprising Parts of Midlife

Have you ever looked around your life in midlife and thought… “Wait, I did what ?!” Whether it’s bold sexual escapades with a 23-year-old, becoming a Mahjong teacher, or finally setting boundaries with that one bossy sibling, this episode is all about the unexpected (and often hilarious or profound) ways women are surprising themselves in midlife. In this soul-stirring, laugh-out-loud solo episode, I’m sharing real stories from women in our community who answered one question: What have you done...

Jun 05, 202511 min

107. What Travel, a Puppy, and My Daughter Taught Me About Reconnecting with My Rhythm in Midlife

Feeling a little off—even when everything seems joyful and full? You’re not alone. In this softer, more personal episode, I’m opening up from my living room (yes, not the usual recording space!) about what it means to feel ungrounded even in the midst of joy. This season of life has been full—travel, speaking, retreats, my daughter home from college—and I’m sharing how a sweet little puppy named Winnie has become the unexpected anchor I didn’t know I needed. If you’ve ever felt like you’re rushi...

May 29, 202515 min

106. Self Belief in Midlife

Are you holding onto old patterns that no longer serve you—and wondering if it’s too late to change? In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that transformation is always possible, no matter your age or history. In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and inspirational teacher Caren Paskel to talk about what it really means to believe in yourself in midlife—and how that belief can radically shift your health, your energy, and your entire life direction. Caren’s story is a deepl...

May 22, 202523 min

105. Hormones, Anger, and the Unexpected Gift of Rage

Are you feeling overwhelmed by sudden bursts of rage—and wondering if it’s just you? You’re not alone. Many midlife women experience emotional intensity that seems to come out of nowhere. That fiery anger, the kind that feels like it’s bubbling just beneath the surface, isn’t just in your head—and it might be telling you something important. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and business coach, Bailey Feldman, as we unpack the rising rage so many women experience in their 30s and 40s. We ...

May 15, 202532 min

104. Menopausal Brain Fog

Are you constantly walking into a room only to forget why you're there? Or maybe you’re mid-sentence and suddenly lose your train of thought? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not losing your mind. In today’s solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that so many of my patients bring up: brain fog during perimenopause and menopause. We’ll explore what’s really behind this frustrating symptom and, most importantly, what you can do to start feeling clearer, calmer, and mo...

May 08, 202516 min

103. Pleasure

Are you feeling stuck in the "shoulds" of midlife — checking all the boxes of success but still wondering, is this all there is? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken. In this inspiring episode, we're talking about how pleasure, self-discovery, and nervous system healing can reignite your midlife revolution. Today, I’m joined by Natty Frasca, a pleasure coach, speaker, and fierce advocate for midlife women owning their full power. Natty shares her deeply personal story of transforma...

May 01, 202530 min

102. Learning to Trust My Gut

Are you second-guessing your gut feelings—or brushing them off in the name of being “nice”? If you’ve ever doubted what you were seeing or feeling in a relationship—whether personal or professional—this episode is for you. In the first episode of the newly rebranded Menopause: Rise and Thrive , I’m opening up about a recent working relationship that challenged me to reconnect with one of the most essential midlife tools: self-trust. With warmth and vulnerability, I invite you into my journey of ...

Apr 24, 202520 min

101. Why Midlife is the Perfect Time for Your Big Adventure

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this it?”—like you’ve checked all the boxes but something still feels...off? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the fabulous Sue Willoughby, a fearless midlife trailblazer whose journey will make you laugh, cry, and most of all, feel inspired. From her VW bus named Arlo to her unique work with horses through Equus coaching, Sue is on a mission to help women over 40 drop the roles that no longer serve them and live a life that feels authen...

Apr 10, 202530 min

100. Why We Need Boundaries Now More Than Ever with Monique Willingham

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost touch with the vibrant, energized version of yourself? Maybe you’re juggling work, family, and changing hormones—and wondering where you went in the process. If you’re nodding yes, this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by our beloved nurse practitioner Monique Willingham for a heartfelt, real-talk conversation about how to reclaim your sense of self in midlife. We’re pulling back the curtain on what we see in our clinic every day—and how boundaries, emotion...

Apr 03, 202518 min

99. Rewire Your Brain for Lasting Change with Adele Spraggon

Are you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Do you struggle with habits, behaviors, or beliefs that feel impossible to change? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of neuroplasticity and how you can rewire your brain for lasting transformation. My guest today is Adele Spraggon, an award-winning author, internationally recognized thought leader, and expert in behavioral change. She’s here to share her groundbreaking four-step method, which is backed by neuroscience and has he...

Mar 27, 202527 min

98. The Mindset Shift That Can Transform Your Midlife Journey

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of midlife—perimenopause, shifting relationships, changing roles—and wondering how to navigate it all with confidence? In this episode, we’re diving into the one thing you can control: your mindset. Your thoughts shape your experience, and by making small shifts in perspective, you can change the way you feel, the way you show up, and even how your body responds to this transformative time. I recently spoke about mindset at a retreat, and the respons...

Mar 20, 202522 min

97. Perimenopause & Mood Swings: Why It’s Not Just in Your Head with Dr. Sarah Daccarett

Feeling off balance, moody, or just not yourself? If you're struggling with brain fog, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, your hormones may be to blame—and you don’t have to just suffer through it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett , a hormone specialist and anti-aging expert, to dive deep into how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help midlife women reclaim their energy, mood, and overall well-being. Dr. Daccarett is on a mission to break the silence around hormone health an...

Mar 13, 202535 min

96. Midlife Supplement Secrets: What You Need, What You Don’t, and Why

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of supplements filling your cabinet—and unsure if any of them are actually helping? In this solo episode, I'm tackling the issue of "supplement overload," a common challenge many midlife women face in their quest for better health. Join me as I share why more supplements aren't always better, how to determine what your body truly needs, and the critical importance of personalization when selecting supplements. We'll discuss the common mistakes women make, ...

Mar 06, 202518 min

95. Managing Fatigue in Midlife – My Personal Journey & Sleep Solutions

If you’ve ever woken up exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get, or if you’re finding that midlife has left you feeling depleted, you are not alone. Fatigue can creep up on us in so many ways—through stress, hormones, poor sleep, or simply doing too much. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with lifelong fatigue, how I’ve learned to manage it, and the strategies that have made the biggest difference in my energy levels. This episode is a continuation of last week's conversation,...

Feb 27, 202522 min

94. Why Am I So Exhausted? Unpacking Midlife Fatigue & How to Fix It

If you're constantly feeling drained, like no amount of coffee or sleep can fix your exhaustion, you’re not alone. In this solo episode, I am sharing my insights into why midlife women often feel completely wiped out—and what to do about it. We’re going beyond the usual “just get more sleep” advice and uncovering the real culprits behind midlife fatigue—hormonal shifts, stress overload, poor sleep quality, and even diet. I’ll break down what’s really going on in your body, why you might feel lik...

Feb 20, 202529 min

93. Reclaiming Connection and Healing Through Community and Retreats

As women, we often carry the weight of multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes without a space to exhale or process life’s overwhelming moments. In this episode, I sit down with Trish, a trauma-informed breathwork coach and Reiki master, and Rebecca, a past retreat participant, to dive into the importance of community for women’s healing and empowerment. We discuss how retreats provide the opportunity to reset, reconnect with ourselves, and build supportive relationships with other women....

Feb 13, 202523 min

92. Choosing Yourself: How Meditation Can Change Your Life with Katy Rexing

After breaking down on her kitchen floor surrounded by crying babies, Katy knew something had to change. In this episode, she shares how meditation, self-care, and small shifts transformed her life—and how it can do the same for you. Katy shares her powerful journey from anxiety and burnout to finding peace and purpose through meditation, sobriety, and self-discovery. With four kids, a demanding life, and societal pressures weighing her down, Katy hit a breaking point that ultimately led to prof...

Feb 06, 202531 min

91. Awaken Your Warrior Goddess: Finding Balance and Freedom with HeatherAsh Amara

As women in midlife, we sometimes lose touch with our inner 'warrior goddess'—HeatherAsh Amara joins the podcast to share the roadmap to reignite that power and step into your fullest potential! HeatherAsh shares her wisdom on balancing three key archetypes—wild, willing, and wise—to help us step into our fullest potential. This conversation is filled with insights on self-discovery, finding joy, and releasing perfectionism while embracing vulnerability. Best-selling author, mentor, land steward...

Jan 30, 202524 min

90. Unwinding Perfect: Choosing Yourself with Christine Clyne-Spraker

What if the perfect life you've been striving for is the very thing holding you back? Christine Clyne-Spraker, author of Unwinding Perfect and former co-CEO of a best-in-class healthcare technology company, Eon, joins the podcast today to talk about her book, Unwinding Perfect. Christine shares her journey from being a serial people-pleaser to choosing herself, leaving a high-powered career, and embracing imperfection. Her story is a reminder that true joy and contentment come from within, not f...

Jan 23, 202527 min

89. Wake Up Maggie: A Coming of Middle Age Story with Katie Prentiss

What if midlife isn’t an end but a bold new beginning? In today’s episode, Sara welcomes Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work reflects her passion for connection and creativity. After losing her mother to dementia, Katie found herself drawn to acting and storytelling, culminating in her upcoming feature film, Wake Up Maggie. She’s also a portrait photographer and an acting coach who inspires others to take risks and follow their passions. Katie’s story reminds us that ...

Jan 16, 202528 min
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