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Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a FriendAuthor: Michele Henning Folan
Are you ready to make the most of your midlife years but feel like your health isn't quite where it should be? Maybe menopause has been tough on you, and you're not sure how to get back on track with your fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.Asking for a Friend is the podcast where midlife women get the answers they need to take control of their health and happiness. We bring in experts to answer your burning questions on fitness, wellness, and mental well-being, and share stories of women just like you who are stepping up to make this chapter of life their best yet.Hosted by Michele Folan, a health industry veteran with 26 years of experience, coach, mom, wife, and lifelong learner, Asking for a Friend is all about empowering you to feel your bestphysically and mentally. It's time to think about the next 20 years of your life: what do you want them to look like, and what steps can you take today to make that vision a reality?Tune in for honest conversations, expert advice, and plenty of humor as we navigate midlife together. Because this chapter? It's ours to own, and were not going quietly into it!Michele Folan is a certified nutrition coach with the FASTer Way program. If you would like to work with her to help you reach your health and fitness goals, sign up here:https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aidMicheleFolanIf you have questions about her coaching program, you can email her at mfolanfasterway@gmail.comSign up for Michele's weekly newsletter at: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqThis podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their he Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep.182 The Real Science of Healing: Trauma, Epigenetics & Midlife Burnout with Dr. Karyn Shanks
Episode 182
Monday, 24 November, 2025
A lot of women in midlife are walking around feeling like they’re broken. You’ve done the labs, seen the specialists, tried the supplements… and you’re still exhausted, inflamed, and wondering if this is just your new normal. My guest today says absolutely not.Dr. Karyn Shanks is a physician, author, and pioneer in whole-person healing whose work sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science, trauma-informed care, and what she calls “soulful personal agency.” For over three decades, she’s helped thousands of patients recover from chronic illness, burnout, and emotional disconnection—not by chasing symptoms, but by teaching them to listen to the intelligent messages their bodies are sending. Her new book, Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness, challenges the old medical model that fragments us (mind over here, body over there) and reframes illness as a call to reconnect with ourselves rather than proof that something is wrong with us.In this conversation, we dig into what it really means to heal from the inside out—especially in midlife, when chronic stress, caregiving, perfectionism, and old narratives can keep us stuck in survival mode. Dr. Shanks breaks down the science of epigenetics and neuroplasticity in simple, hopeful language, shows how trauma and limiting stories shape our biology, and shares practical “micro-practices” anyone can use to begin moving toward wholeness today.We cover:Why “you are not broken” is more than a comforting phrase—it’s biologyHow epigenetics and neuroplasticity give us real power to change our health storyThe hidden ways trauma and productivity culture keep midlife women sick and depletedSimple daily practices to check in with yourself, build intuition, and create safety in your own bodyHow to start advocating for yourself when you’ve felt dismissed or unheard in the medical systemIf you’ve ever felt unseen by your providers, stuck in a diagnosis, or disconnected from your own body, this episode will give you both a new lens—and a starting place—for true healing.You can find Dr. Karyn Shanks at https://www.karynshanksmd.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karynshanksmd/Her book, Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness, is now available wherever books are sold._________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq 🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
