The Hotflash inc podcast 166: From Scotch to hot flashes: Carin Luna-Ostaseski’s journey to perimenopause
In this episode of the Hotflash inc Podcast, founder and host Ann Marie McQueen talks with serial entrepreneur Carin Luna-Ostaseski – creator of Hot or Just Me?, a comprehensive online platform supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.
Carin’s path from successful whiskey founder to menopause advocate is anything but ordinary. After launching the first American woman and Hispanic-created Scotch whisky (SIA), and pioneering a grant program for underserved entrepreneurs, she found herself navigating hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia and more. Rather than suffer silently, she launched a new venture focused on offering trusted products, expert advice, and a supportive community for other women going through the same.
They talk candidly about hormonal sensitivity, the pressure to take HRT, entrepreneurial lessons, how to optimize sleep (even if your partner snores like a bear) and the most helpful (and unhelpful) products in the menopause space. If you'd like to check out Carin's marketplace Hot or Just Me? use our exclusive discount code for Hotflash inc listeners, HFINC, here for 25 percent off.
Episode highlights:
- Carin’s journey from tech and whisky to menopause advocacy
- How her own symptoms inspired Hot or Just Me?
- How she selects products for the site and what she avoids
- Her top-selling tools for cooling, comfort, and sexual wellness
- Why she’s cautious about one-size-fits-all supplements
- Thoughts on the “menopause gold rush” and consumer choice
- Why she isn’t on hormone therapy and how that’s played out
- Navigating hormonal sensitivity and IVF struggles
- The nuance around HRT pressure and platform responsibility
- Non-hormonal solutions that work for her (starting with sleep!)
- Caffeine and alcohol hacks that actually help
Sponsor shoutout: Has your doctor told you that you're too young for perimenopause, but you just don’t feel like yourself? You’re not alone – perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why MenoLabs is here, to support you with a range of products and the information you need to confidently speak up and get the care you deserve. They also offer science-backed solutions like their best-seller, MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and more – all while supporting your overall health and wellness. Visit menolabs.com and get 20% off your order using code: HOTFLASH20
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Relevant links:
- Website → https://hotorjustme.com
- IG → @hotorjustme
- Find a certified menopause practitioner →
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