Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

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 best—physically 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 we’re 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/?aid=MicheleFolan
If you have questions about her coaching program, you can email her at [email protected]
This 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 healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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Top 10 Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ep.34 The Midlife Fitness Formula

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

01/02/23 • 53 min

"I think you always hold back when you have a net," says Debra Atkinson, women's fitness expert. In the thick of midlife changes of her own, at the age of forty-nine, she felt the itch to do more and take a huge risk. Debra quit her very secure positions in academia and as a personal training director, packed up her house, and moved to another city to start her new adventure. Talk about a midlife pivot!
Today, Debra Atkinson is a respected author, lecturer, trainer of other coaches, podcaster, and a leader in the industry, working with women on hormone balancing fitness. Her own menopause journey has provided her important insights into the special challenges that the fifty plus crowd faces in their desire for long-term health. Debra has cracked the code on the hormone-exercise connection for thousands of women in her Flipping 50 programs and coaching services. Her very impressive credentials are just too long to list!
In this episode Debra and I discuss:
-Why she left her secure position to academia to become a fitness entrepreneur
-Perimenopause and menopause changes that require women to look at their fitness routines differently
-The impact of hormones - estrogen and cortisol
-The pros and cons of Keto and intermittent fasting and why we shouldn't work out in a fasted state
-Why weight and resistance training is a MUST and how to safely get started if you haven't done weights before
-Protein - why women need more of it for muscle and bone
-The best protein sources - If it runs (beef/pork) higher in amino acids
If it flies - the next best - If it swims - not as high in amino acids but does contain Omega-3
-High protein smoothies are a great way to get extra, needed protein
Be sure to add fruit, greens, fiber, and healthy fat for a balanced shake
Debra will be holding a May 1-7, 2023, that focuses on the science of midlife women and fitness. The effects of trauma on fitness goals, such as chronic disease and long Covid, will also be discussed. So interesting!
Flipping 50 offers 2 protein products
https://www.flippingfifty.com/product-category/protein-powders/
Debra's bestselling books:
You Still Got It, Girl! The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women
Hot, Not Bothered: 99 Daily Flips to Slimmer, Trimmer, Fitter Faster
You can find Debra Atkinson and her podcast at:
https://www.flippingfifty.com/
https://www.instagram.com/flipping50tv/

_________________________________________
Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling run-down. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan
Have questions about Faster Way? Please email me at:
[email protected]

After trying countless products that overpromised and underdelivered, RIMAN skincare finally gave me real, visible results—restoring my glow, firmness, and confidence in my skin at 61. RIMAN Korea's #1 Skincare Line - https://michelefolan.riman.com
*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.
**This 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 healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep.33 A Fashion Expert Weighs-In

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

12/19/22 • 41 min

"Fashion is like art. It means something different to everyone," says Deborah Sorlie, a former Nordstrom show coordinator and personal shopper. What could be more fun than wrapping up 2022 than talking about fashion and the latest trends for spring?
Deborah Sorlie is now a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, who has a large Instagram following. She is very passionate about helping midlife women feel more confident in embracing their age. I love her clean, classic style and her mission to push aside ageism.
In this episode Deborah and I discuss:
-The basics every woman needs
-Cleaning out the closet
-Hot trends for spring 2023
-Color trends - Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta
-Shoe and boots
-Fast fashion

Deborah loves Herbal Face Food plant-based products for her skin care routine. She is particularly fond of the the Serum and The Cure. She is not a company spokesperson.
You can follow Deborah Sorlie at:
https://deborahsorlie.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/deborahsorlie/
I am a huge fan of Revaree for vaginal dryness, and I have been a very happy customer for almost two years!
Check out all Bonafide's sexual health and wellness products at https://hellobonafide.com/
Use discount code AFAF25 at checkout for 25% off on any subscription purchase.

Ep.32 Women and ADHD

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

12/12/22 • 44 min

After a recent conversation about ADHD with a family member, it dawned on me that this subject is not really discussed much in women and is typically considered a disorder in children, particularly boys. I started looking into ADHD in midlife women, and I was surprised to find that it goes largely undiagnosed in women and girls, as the signs are not as obvious as they are in males.
Katy Weber, coach, author and podcaster, took her own diagnosis of adult ADHD to build a platform to support other women, who want to explore and understand who they are through this new lens of ADHD. She wants clients to lean into their strengths and use them to their advantage to move forward, to identify obstacles, and create strategies to live a more fulfilling and gratifying life. Not only does Katy Weber have a successful coaching business, but she has a very popular podcast called Women and ADHD.
In this episode Katy and I discuss:
- Her own journey to get to the diagnosis of ADHD
- Deciding to do a podcast to help other women with ADHD
- The differences between males and females in regard to signs of ADHD and eventual diagnosis
- The impact of ADHD in adult women - relationships/work/dealing with everyday tasks
- Executive Function and its definition
- Medication and self-medicating - the importance of nutrition and movement
- Our children with ADHD
- What Katy has learned from her podcast guests
Recommended reading:
Katy Weber wrote an excellent book on ditching diets and getting back to a whole food philosophy called Worth It: A Journey to Food & Body Freedom: Six Essential Steps to Ditching the Diets & Nourishing Your Body From the Inside Out
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden MS, Michelle Frank PsyD
This is the workbook to which Katy refers in the podcast. Sari Solden has written other books on the topic of women and ADHD.
ADDitude Magazine - https://www.additudemag.com/
ADHD self-test - https://www.additudemag.com/self-test-adhd-symptoms-women-girls/
Where to find Katy:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katyweber.adhd/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/womenandadhd
Women and ADHD Podcast - https://www.womenandadhd.com/episodes
Website - https://www.womenandadhd.com/coaching
I am a huge fan of Revaree fo

Ep.14 Sleep Expert and Your ZZZ's

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

08/08/22 • 41 min

We all know we should strive to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but fewer than two-thirds of women actually get that much sleep. While the number of hours of slumber is very important, sleep quality is vital for top performance during the day. Research has shown that women experience lower quality of sleep than men.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta is a quadruple board certified MD, who specializes in sleep. His energy and passion for helping his patients is palpable!
In this episode Dr. Raj and I discuss:
- How much sleep do we really need
- The impact of perimenopause and menopause and the estrogen connection
- Dietary supplements
- The role of sunlight
- Obstructive sleep apnea and chronic insomnia
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene tips
You can follow Dr. Raj Dasgupta on Instagram @dr_raj_ or Facebook Raj Dasgupta MD
Dr. Raj Podcast
Inside the Boards Podcast
Follow Asking for a Friend on Instagram @askingforafriend_pod or on Facebook

Ep.10 Your Heart - What Women Need to Know

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

07/11/22 • 34 min

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in women, yet studies focused on women's cardiovascular health have been underfunded in the past. Dr. Odayme Quesada not only wanted to change that narrative with women-focused research, but also look at the unique circumstances that present when women experience a cardiovascular event. She is the director of The Christ Hospital Women's Heart Center, which is one of the few, dedicated centers in the world solely-focused on women's heart health.
When it comes to heart attacks, women ARE different than men! Do you know your risks and what symptoms to look for?
In this episode Dr. Quesada and I discuss:
-Traditional risk factors, pregnancy related risk factors and menopause
-Cholesterol and calcium facts
-The role of physical activity and diet
-Beyond BMI
-Post-Covid Syndrome
-Current women's heart studies and why women should be encouraged to participate

Link to Women's Heart Center at The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute https://www.thechristhospital.com/services/heart/specialized-care-and-treatment/womens-heart-disease

The Christ Hospital Lindner Research Center at: 513-585-1777

The Christ Hospital Lindner Research Center Email: [email protected]

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Women's Heart Center at The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute at 513-585-2140
Follow Asking for a Friend o social media on Facebook and Instagram @askingforafriend_pod
#smarternotyounger #bettersideof50 #midlifewomen #midlife #behealthy #loveyourage

Ep.5 A Breast Cancer Warrior

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

06/05/22 • 26 min

After having a mammogram just eight months earlier, a self-exam and immediate trip to her doctor, Amy Wullenweber's world was turned upside down. While there were the expected side effects of her breast cancer treatment, she quickly realized that everyone's experience is unique, and each patient finds what works for them in making the best of the situation.
It was important for Amy to tell her story with a broader audience, in order to provide possible life-saving advice, to share her passion for fighting like a warrior and the journey to feeling normal again.
In this episode we discuss:

The diagnosis and what to look for
Treatment and outcomes
Side effects on the family
Amy's world today

Please follow Asking for a Friend on Facebook and Instagram @askingforafriend_pod
#breastcancer #warrior #selfexam #getyourmommogram #smarternotyounger #cancersucks #bettersideof50 #midlifewomen #behealthy #loveyourage #badasswomen #womenover50 #nevertoolate #agepositive

Ep.137 Michele Folan on Unlocking Midlife Metabolism, GLP-1 Insights, and Sustainable Fat Loss

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

01/01/25 • 29 min

It's me speaking with you this week offering my perspective on midlife health, focusing on building long-term vitality through strength training, mindful eating, and sustainable lifestyle changes. It's time to ditch the quick-fix mentality and embrace lasting results. Together, we'll explore the importance of being mindful about sugar consumption, the crucial role that muscle plays in metabolism, and the often-overlooked implications of relying on medications for weight loss.

We dive into the unique challenges women face during midlife and how to navigate them with confidence and clarity. One of the key topics we cover is the importance of maintaining muscle mass, not just for aesthetics, but for overall health and well-being. In a world dominated by dieting culture and the pressure of caloric restriction, we challenge these limiting ideas and encourage a healthier, more balanced approach to nourishment.

Hidden sugars in processed foods are another major topic, as they can impact cravings and derail our best intentions. We'll uncover how to make smarter food choices, emphasizing balanced nutrition rich in protein and fiber. We’ll also explore the distinction between weight loss and fat loss, empowering you to prioritize sustainable fat loss strategies that support long-term health.

Additionally, we take a closer look at GLP-1 medications and their role in health, helping you understand their potential benefits and limitations. Plus, we offer practical advice on incorporating regular exercise and hydration into your daily routine, helping you feel strong, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

If you’re ready to take the next step and want to learn more about coaching or working with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s no pressure, just a chance for us to chat and explore what’s best for you. This is the perfect time of year to reassess your health and lifestyle.
Take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve in the next 6 to 12 months, but also think about the bigger picture—what do you want your life and health to look like in the next 10, 20, or even 30 years? The power to create lasting change is in your hands.

Ep.65 Why She Chose a Hangover-free Life

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

08/07/23 • 39 min

Allow me to introduce you to Jen Butler. She is a self-proclaimed imperfectionist, who wanted to reach some of her own personal goals, but she knew deep down that her wine habit was going to hold her back from being successful.
Removing alcohol is a courageous act of self-care, and she made the decision at the end of 2017 to hand sauvignon blanc a pink slip and started her sober journey. Jen wants to help other women find their joy in a sober curious or sober serious life through 1:1 and group coaching.
This wife, mom, and kick boxing enthusiast has a fun and refreshingly self-deprecating approach that makes her a relatable and true supportive partner for women wanting to go alcohol-free. Her BYOB (Build Your Own Break) 31 Day self-paced, online course is a great place to start!
Gray area drinking is a term often-used these days, but how exactly is it defined?
1. You silently worry and fret about your drinking.
2. You aren't drinking one glass of champagne at a party a few times a year, nor have you hit rock bottom.
3. You can stop drinking and have done so - maybe even for weeks at a time, but you easily fall back into your old habits.
4. People around you don't see that you have a problem with drinking, but it still creates anxiety for you.
5. You've lost count how many times you've woken and said to yourself, "Never again. I can't keep drinking like this."
In this episode Jen Butler and I discuss:
- The catalyst for making the decision to go alcohol-free
- How chronicling her journey on social media kept her accountable
- Resources she used to stay on track
- The first things she noticed both physical and emotional when she quit drinking
- Her thoughts on moderation
- Why she became a sobriety coach
Check out Jen's engaging and motivating social media at https://www.instagram.com/jenbutlercoach/

Ep.74 Getting Your Groove Back - A Return to Pleasure and Intimacy

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

10/09/23 • 54 min

When it comes to our intimate partnerships in midlife, this can be a moment for us to get back to a more fulfilling and meaningful sex life, but in this season of change, do we want and need the same things that lit us up twenty years ago?
Emma Schmidt & Associates is a sex and relationship therapy group practice with a mission is to help make therapy more accessible, locally, nationally and globally. As a sex therapist, Emma believes you deserve to have a great sex life and relationship that fires on all cylinders.

Emma started the practice in 2011, because she found that the sex therapy field was significantly under-served in her area. Sex and intimacy play a big part in our lives, and when it isn’t going well, it can have a huge impact on relationships and ourselves, and we know that 30-40% of men and women struggle with some sort of sexual challenge.
What Emma sees, is that through guided conversation and exercises, clients are able to not only have a greater bond and connection but tell her that after therapy, they are happier than they have ever been in their relationship. That’s pretty impactful, and that’s why she does what she does.
Website: https://heyemma.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heyemmatherapy/
https://www.facebook.com/emmaschmidtsextherapy
Maude massage candles
https://www.getmaude.com
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Ep.45 It's Never Too Late

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

03/20/23 • 50 min

What does the phrase, "It's never too late," mean to you? I like to think that for me, it means that I am never too old to be whom I've always wanted to be or live a life that I love. Our guest on this episode decided in her early sixties it was time to change up her health and her mindset. The first step was to find a coach and then kick her Chardonnay and Thai food habit.
Tired of living a life of being invisible, Susan Guidi began a physical transformation that was astounding, but not just due to her more than fifty pound weight loss, but also how finding courage and self love and putting herself first, opened up a whole new world of opportunity, joy, and confidence.
You are just going to love Susan's life journey, energy, and sense of humor. She is a 66 year-old digital creator, comedian, business owner, body builder, and motivational speaker, who wants to be an example of what is possible for women at any age!
In this episode Susan Guidi and I discuss:
- Susan's childhood and how this formed her attitude and confidence in adulthood
- Her marriage and having the courage to walk away
- The beginning of her comedy career and how humor helped her deal with the pain of her childhood
- How her career in research propelled Susan to becoming an entrepreneur
- Her son's trip to Haiti was the catalyst for Susan's desire to get in shape and take better care of herself
- The importance of Wonder Woman in Susan's life journey
- How Train with Joan (Joan McDonald) transformed her body and mindset
You can find Susan Guidi at:
https://www.instagram.com/kikimousegetsfit/
https://www.facebook.com/susan.guidi

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FAQ

How many episodes does Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife have?

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife currently has 159 episodes available.

What topics does Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife cover?

The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Society & Culture, Healthy Lifestyle, Women'S Health, Podcasts and Relationships.

What is the most popular episode on Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

The episode title 'Ep.44 Pivot on Purpose' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

The average episode length on Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife is 40 minutes.

How often are episodes of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife released?

Episodes of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

The first episode of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife was released on Apr 11, 2022.

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Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

Michele Henning Folan

Top 10 Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife have?

What topics does Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife cover?

What is the most popular episode on Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

What is the average episode length on Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

How often are episodes of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife released?

When was the first episode of Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife?

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