In this episode, we tackle a common seasonal challenge: sticking to intermittent fasting goals during the holidays. We explore the balance between festive joy and health commitments, ensuring holiday enjoyment without derailing fasting routines. First, we address the holiday season's unique pressures. Breaking fasting schedules can spark guilt, and balancing health choices with family expectations adds stress. We emphasize understanding these emotions as key to managing fasting during these time...
Dec 14, 2023•26 min•Ep 202•Transcript available on Metacast In this podcast episode, we welcome Susan Salenger, the inspiring author of "SIDELINED: How Women Can Navigate A Broken Healthcare System." At 80 years old, standing at 4'10", Susan is an accomplished author and an avid powerlifter, a testament to her belief in personal strength and resilience. She shares her journey from working in Salenger Films, a company specializing in corporate training films, to becoming a voice for women struggling within a healthcare system that often fails them. Susan'...
Nov 30, 2023•50 min•Ep 201•Transcript available on Metacast Today isn't just another day; it's a milestone—the 200th episode of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast! I can't begin to express how grateful I am for each and every one of you. You've been the driving force behind this amazing journey, and today’s episode is a heartfelt 'Thank You' dedicated to you! We're kicking things off by taking a stroll down memory lane. From a small boutique studio in Maryland to this global platform, I share how the brand evolved and why I am passionate about helping midlife...
Nov 16, 2023•28 min•Ep 200•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we're chatting with Wendy Valentine. Wendy's is not just a writer and speaker but also a top-ranked podcast host who helps people over 50 improve their lives. Wendy has an extraordinary story. After hitting midlife, she faced a series of life-altering events - a divorce, the loss of her brother, and crippling debt. These led her into a deep depression, pushing her to confront various aspects of her life. However, she didn't let these trials define her. Instead, she leveraged her experienc...
Nov 02, 2023•51 min•Ep 199•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, we embarked on an insightful journey into the world of Sober October. We kicked things off by asking, 'What's Sober October?' It's more than just a month; it's an opportunity to hit the reset button on our relationship with alcohol. Many use alcohol for stress, hormonal changes, or societal pressures. But what if I told you there are other ways to unwind, celebrate, and cope without that trusty wine glass? So, this episode is for you whether you're curious about Sober October...
Oct 19, 2023•35 min•Ep 198•Transcript available on Metacast We're excited to welcome the innovative and compassionate Dr. Efrat LaMandre, also known as Dr. E. She is a Functional Medicine expert with a deep understanding of misunderstood chronic conditions, including Fibromyalgia. The feeling that your body doesn't feel right, and you know it's not all in your head, is our topic for today. Dr. E is the driving force behind The Knew Method, a unique blend of modern and functional medicine. This groundbreaking approach originated from her journey when her ...
Oct 05, 2023•46 min•Ep 197•Transcript available on Metacast Find out how to boost your health and feel incredible as you hit midlife on the Purse Your Spark podcast. So, here's the scoop – we're exploring this fantastic guide called '3 Ways to Reclaim Your Health and Thrive in Midlife.' And trust me, it's packed with goodness. First up, let's talk about intermittent fasting. And no, it's not just about skipping meals. This gem can seriously rev up your energy levels and give you a new focus. It's like a secret weapon for feeling fantastic, and I can't wa...
Sep 21, 2023•54 min•Ep 196•Transcript available on Metacast In 2013, at the age of 50, Debbie faced one of the most devastating losses imaginable - the death of her partner, George, of 32 years. A year spent as a caregiver, watching him fade, left her with a profound void, alone for the first time in her life, grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. But Debbie's resilience emerged in her widowhood, guiding her through the enveloping loneliness, bit by bit. She shares how she embraced her lifelong passion for writing and earned her Master in Fine A...
Aug 01, 2023•50 min•Ep 195•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast, titled "Why Regular Exercise Can Be the Key to Long-Term Financial Stability," I'll share some personal insights that might change your perspective on exercise and its value. We've all had those days when we feel super energized and happy after a workout, right? But as we age, we seem to be at the doctor's office more often. Here's a thought: what if we could cut down those visits by moving our bodies more? Ignoring regular exercise isn't a sm...
Jul 20, 2023•45 min•Ep 194•Transcript available on Metacast Julia Goodfellow-Smith is no ordinary woman; at 50, she took a health scare as a wake-up call and decided to start living her bucket list, embracing life more adventurously. She's hiked England's 630-mile South West Coast Path solo, wild camped on her own, cycled King Alfred’s Way, and even walked parts of the challenging Camino de Santiago, not once but twice! Julia shares her midlife adventure by defying age with a fitness bucket list. Julia isn't just an adventurer. She's a storyteller, using...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 193•Transcript available on Metacast If you are experiencing menopause or are in the postmenopausal stage (or if you are just curious about learning more about your body!), this is THE podcast episode dedicated to helping postmenopausal women reclaim their health, strength, and vibrancy. With a focus on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being, I share invaluable insights that will inspire all of you to take charge of your health. Discover the importance of an active lifestyle, explore secret weapons against osteoporosis and hear...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep 192•Transcript available on Metacast How can someone who hasn't been "fit" or super active start to focus on that without hurting themselves, feeling embarrassed, or having to train for a marathon? Moreover, what does lifestyle fitness look like? If these are questions that are on your mind, this episode is a must-listen! Hope Zvara, the CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga , is a woman of mystery, a fitness expert with a unique perspective on wellness. What I find most interesting about Hope's approach is that it is centered around yoga and...
Jun 08, 2023•44 min•Ep 191•Transcript available on Metacast May is National Osteoporosis Month, and it's a great reminder of how crucial it is for women over 50 to prioritize bone health. Osteoporosis, a condition more common in women, weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, often without any symptoms. In this episode, we dive deep into the causal factors of Osteoporosis and what we can do to stay strong! Osteoporosis can lead to loss of height, severe back pain, changes in posture, and even permanent disability. Often referred to as the "sile...
May 25, 2023•53 min•Ep 190•Transcript available on Metacast Pilates is always a hot topic in the health and wellness world. It has a rich history, and the variations of this exercise method are as diverse as the people who practice them. But at the heart of Pilates lies a set of fundamental principles that guide every movement: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. It was my pleasure to invite Pilates coach Shari Berkowitz to the show this week to help us understand our bodies' biomechanics and completely transform our outdated ...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep 189•Transcript available on Metacast Intermittent fasting has recently gained popularity as a weight loss and health-promoting strategy. It involves restricting food intake for a certain period of time, followed by a period of normal eating. In today’s episode, I share with you the science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting and how to decide if it is right for you. I also take you through how to start fasting and what to (realistically) expect! One of the main benefits of intermittent fasting is that it can lead to weight loss...
Apr 27, 2023•43 min•Ep 188•Transcript available on Metacast Intuition. That feeling where you “just know,” but how? What is the nature of this sixth sense, and how do we foster it? I was happy to invite Dr. Melissa Bird to this week’s podcast to answer our questions about intuition and how we can tap into this powerful force within us. Dr. Melissa Bird, Ph.D., MSW , is a passionate feminist whose education in social work has led to a career advocating for children, women, and their families. One of Melissa's key focus areas is helping women overcome thei...
Apr 13, 2023•55 min•Ep 187•Transcript available on Metacast Have you heard about resistant starch foods? Resistant starch foods have gained increased attention as a potential tool to improve gut health and support a healthy microbiome. Today I'll share what resistant starch foods are and why they are good for you! I will also discuss the much-debated claim that these foods can aid in weight loss and help you decide if starch resistant foods can be of additional benefit to you. Essentially a type of fiber, noted benefits of starch resistant foods include ...
Mar 30, 2023•25 min•Ep 186•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Podcast, we're talking about wants and desires! And how to get real clear as to what exactly it is that we want. I believe we do know what we want and desire. But we struggle with the cost and consequences of having what we want! Are we willing to pay the price (and that doesn't always involve money) or live with the consequences of having what we desire? Unfortunately, that's really where most of us get hung up, and at the extreme end of this, we may find ourselves or someone w...
Mar 16, 2023•51 min•Ep 185•Transcript available on Metacast You decided to exercise 5 times weekly with cardio, Pilates, weights, and stretching. By planning everything out, you know that you can make exercise a consistent habit. You also understand that you can make the time, but then stuff happens… you forget that you wanted to exercise, and suddenly it's dinner time, a meeting was rescheduled into your exercise time, and you tell yourself not now because you are busy and will work out later at some point. But then exercise never happens! You may think...
Mar 02, 2023•37 min•Ep 184•Transcript available on Metacast Especially now that the kids are gone, you don’t have to hide anymore or wait for the right moment for intimacy. Sensuality and pleasure are essential parts of nourishing our bodies and soul. Sexpert and licensed marriage therapist Dr. Juliana Hause helps us rethink sex, reimaging sexuality and pleasure, and how to reignite your sexy spark in midlife. Sex and intimacy are something that we don’t discuss enough, at least not openly. The shame associated with this topic is holding us from asking q...
Feb 16, 2023•55 min•Ep 183•Transcript available on Metacast Heart disease is the number one killer of women. In fact, after age 50, nearly half of all deaths in women are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. Once women reach the age of 50, about the age of natural menopause, their risk for heart disease increases dramatically. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease for people over 50 is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart b...
Feb 02, 2023•39 min•Ep 182•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever thought that it was too late to achieve a goal? That being past 50 years old meant that certain things were out of your reach forever? This week on Pursue Your Spark, our guest, Dierdre Wolownick, tells us how we can truly achieve anything we put our mind to, even when we’re older than 70. 4 Steps To Achieve Any Goal, No Matter Your Age Dierdre is an author, mother, professor, marathoner, and musician, speaks 8 languages, plays several instruments, and founded and conducted the Wes...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep 181•Transcript available on Metacast Why is it important to eat protein? What are the health benefits of adding more protein to your daily meals? Many women undereat protein and overeat carbohydrates. Because eating quick carbs like bread, bagels, croissants, pretzels, or protein bars is easier to carry when you get hungry. Getting enough protein is essential for your overall health. It’s time to look at protein. If you thought about starting a diet to lose the extra weight, go on a sugar buster diet or some form of detox, then tak...
Jan 05, 2023•38 min•Ep 180•Transcript available on Metacast How about this year, instead of sneaking cookies, we sneak in exercise during the holidays? It's simple, and I'll show you how with my 7 simple ways to sneak in exercise during the holidays. The holidays are such a wonderful and magical time of the year. We are cooking and baking wonderful delicacies we don't make any other time of the year. We decorate our houses inside and out. So many tenfeel frustrated that we stopped doing our exercise, which we know would help us deal with stress and the p...
Dec 29, 2022•23 min•Ep 179•Transcript available on Metacast According to several studies, mid-life divorce is on the rise throughout the US. Instead of making things work, midlife couples are calling it quits. 66% of Baby Boomers said that they would prefer to divorce in an unhappy marriage. The mid-life divorce statistics support those numbers. Since the 1990s, the divorce rate of people aged 50 and older has doubled. Martha Bodyfelt is a dating and relationship coach. Martha went through a painful divorce and was forced to question everything she knew ...
Dec 08, 2022•53 min•Ep 178•Transcript available on Metacast What is an empty-nest syndrome? Empty nest syndrome isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a phenomenon in which parents experience feelings of sadness and loss when the last child leaves home. Heike shares that of the 5 reasons for the empty-nest divorce, being an empty-nester is only one of them. Remember the time at the beginning of your relationship with your significant other? You were head over heels. Then you had kids, and the time together got shorter, and you were busier. Intimacy wi...
Nov 24, 2022•32 min•Ep 177•Transcript available on Metacast It is National Family Caregiver month. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the United States, it is highly likely that if you aren't already, at some point, you will become a caregiver to your aging parent or parents. Yet, traditionally most of the care aspect falls on us, "the daughter." So how can we, the daughters, best prepare for the eldercare of our parents and minimize the impact on our career and health? Listen as Liz O'Donnell and Heike share how you can navigate your caregiving ...
Nov 10, 2022•52 min•Ep 176•Transcript available on Metacast I recently listened to a podcast about finance and a downturn in our economy, suggesting that a slowdown has already occurred for the past 6-months of our economy. As a result, gas prices are rising, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates, food is getting more expensive, and we may see our nest egg shrinking when we look at our financial portfolios. Are you feeling your heart racing at the thought of not having a nest egg? When you go to the grocery store and are unsure if you can make yo...
Oct 27, 2022•38 min•Ep 175•Transcript available on Metacast We are discussing many women's objections to taking care of themselves and prioritizing themselves in midlife. We know how it can feel to be stuck. We know how it feels to be doing all the things for everyone else and to put your needs last. So we love when women decide they will give themselves the gift of health, freedom, and feeling great! Kelly Howard has been connecting women to fitness, freedom, and fun by guiding them to apply consistency, mindset, and adventure to their lives for over 20...
Oct 13, 2022•57 min•Ep 174•Transcript available on Metacast There are so many benefits to adding Pilates to your workouts. Pilates helps with back pain, makes you stand taller, and focuses on strong and lean muscles. It creates a strong core, and as a bonus, it helps with flexibility because we almost never stretch enough, all with low impact. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can only do Pilates on those machines seen in Pilates studios which look more like torture devices. You might still be intrigued and want to try Pilates over 50 as you have he...
Sep 29, 2022•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
