

The Midlife Realignment
Esther Blum
The Midlife Realignment is where humor meets hormones. Join bestselling author and menopause expert Esther Blum as she disrupts the narrative on perimenopause and menopause with fierce self-advocacy, functional medicine, and real-talk conversations about what it means to thrive in midlife. Because there’s a light at the end of the vaginal tunnel—and it’s a damn good one.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 2min
The “Crone” Era: How Midlife Women Reclaim Power, Metabolic Health, and Confidence with Jenn Pike
What if midlife isn’t the beginning of the end… but the beginning of your wise woman era?In this episode, Esther sits down with Jenn Pike, Medical Exercise Specialist and Functionally Integrative Diagnostic Nutritionist, for a conversation that hits hard (in the best way). Jenn reframes the word “crone” as the empowered, intuitive, no-permission-needed version of you… and explains why perimenopause and menopause can be a portal to deeper self-trust, stronger boundaries, and real metabolic health.They dig into why women are so often dismissed in conventional medicine, how we learn to gaslight ourselves, and why “all or nothing” thinking keeps us trapped in shame cycles. Jenn also breaks down what actually works for body recomposition in midlife… and why the boring basics (walking, strength training, sleep, nourishment, and boundaries) beat expensive trends every time.If you’ve felt exhausted, puffy, dismissed, or like you “should be past this by now”… this episode is your permission slip to come back home to yourself.What You’ll LearnWhat “crone” really means… and why it’s a powerful midlife identityWhy women feel gaslit by the medical system (and how to stop internalizing it)The difference between metabolism and metabolic healthHow to break the “good week/bad weekend” shame loopWhy biohacking trends can backfire when your foundation is shakyHow to start strength training safely (and why bodyweight matters first)Why waking up hungry can be a good metabolic signThe real timeline for midlife body recomposition (hint: it’s not 30 days)The simplest mindset shift that builds self-trust fastConnect with Jenn:Jenn Pike Website: www.jennpike.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennpike/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JennPikeBooks: The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Kitchen, The Simplicity BodyConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherDisclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.

Dec 29, 2025 • 40min
The Invisible Epidemic: Trauma, Burnout & Midlife Women with Claudia Chan
In this episode, Esther sits down with leadership coach, author and entrepreneur Claudia Chan to talk about what happens when you “do everything right” on paper... and still feel burned out, disconnected and unfulfilled in midlife.Claudia shares her journey from building a multimillion dollar “girls’ night out” brand in New York City to creating the Whole-Self Leaders movement, helping high-achieving women move from pressure and productivity to purpose, courage and inner wholeness.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What Claudia calls the “Invisible Epidemic” hiding underneath success• How childhood patterns, trauma and attachment show up in midlife achievement• Why so many high performers hit a wall in their 40s and 50s• What “whole-self leadership” actually means in real life• How faith, inner work and aligned decisions can reshape your next chapterConnect with Claudia: ClaudiaChan.com and @claudiachanofficial on Instagram.Connect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherDisclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.

Dec 22, 2025 • 40min
Vaginal Estrogen, Thyroid Labs & HRT Myths: A Midlife Hormone Deep Dive
In this solo episode, Esther breaks down what hormones really do in perimenopause and menopause... and why so many women were scared away from HRT after the Women’s Health Initiative study. If you’ve ever been told hormones are “too risky” or “just something you have to live without,” this is your crash course in hormone literacy.Esther explains how estrogen, progesterone and testosterone impact your brain, thyroid, heart, metabolism, pelvic floor, vaginal health and weight, and why “normal labs” don’t always match how you feel.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the original HRT scare was based on a flawed studyThe difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRTHow hormones affect brain fog, mood, thyroid and midlife weight gainWhy vaginal estrogen, pelvic floor support and strength training matterThe key labs Esther wants women to ask for in midlifeIf this episode hits home, follow The Midlife Realignment, leave a review and share it with a friend, sister or doctor who still thinks “hormones are dangerous.”Connect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherResources & LinksJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteDisclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h
Hormone Therapy Myths Debunked: HRT Safety, Cancer Risk, and the Real WHI Story
Hormones are risky. Hormones cause cancer. Hormones are dangerous.Esther hears these myths every day. In this solo episode, she breaks down where the fear came from (including what actually happened with the Women’s Health Initiative study), what the research says now, and why hormone support can be one of the most protective tools we have for midlife health.You’ll learn how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact the brain, thyroid, heart, metabolism, bones, and the genitourinary system. Esther also shares the exact labs to request, why “normal” is not the same as optimal, and how to think about hormone timing, dosing, and delivery methods.What you’ll learnWhy the 2002 WHI study created a hormone panic, and what was flawed about itWhy timing and delivery method matter (topical vs oral, bioidentical vs synthetic)How hormones affect mood, brain fog, sleep, cholesterol, insulin resistance, and belly fatThe truth about HRT and cancer risk, heart disease, and clottingThe “cheat sheet” for progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, and vaginal estrogenThe bloodwork Esther recommends for midlife women (thyroid, metabolic, inflammation, hormones)Why birth control is not hormone replacement, and what to consider in perimenopauseAlcohol’s impact on sleep, thyroid, and hormones in midlifeConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherResources & LinksEsther’s book: See Ya Later, Ovulator (testing chapter mentioned)Dr. Lisa Mosconi (menopause brain)Dr. Pam Smith (cardiovascular protection and hormones)Dr. Will Cole quote: “Let no be your multivitamin”Mentioned names: Jonathan Wright, Alan Gaby, McCall McPhersonJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteShare this episodeKnow someone who’s been told “hormones are dangerous” or “just deal with it”? Send them this episode. Esther made it to be shared with friends, sisters, daughters, and yes, doctors.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.

Dec 8, 2025 • 48min
Tubes Tied & Hormones Crashed: Pellets, Progesterone, Weight Gain & Early HRT with Dr. Betty Murray
After a routine tubal ligation, Dr. Betty Murray’s hormones spiraled — heavy 21-day cycles, hair loss, estrogen dominance, sleep disruption, and rapid weight gain after testosterone pellets. In this episode, she explains how altered ovarian blood flow post-surgery can trigger early perimenopause and why women are so often dismissed when symptoms begin.Dr. Betty also breaks down the case for early HRT, why progesterone alone isn’t enough for many women, and how airway issues (even without snoring) can worsen cortisol, sleep, and weight.About Dr. BettyDr. Betty Murray is a functional medicine practitioner, PhD, hormone researcher, and host of Menopause Mastery. She founded Minerva (gethormonesnow.com), a national telemedicine platform focused on individualized hormone replacement for women in perimenopause and beyond.What You’ll LearnTubal ligation + ovarian signaling changesWhy pellets can trigger weight gainWhen estrogen helps even if you’re estrogen dominantOxygen, airway, and sleep in perimenopauseEarly HRT as protection, not riskConnect with Dr. BettyWebsite: drbettymurray.comTelemedicine HRT: gethormonesnow.comPodcast: Menopause MasteryConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherResources & LinksJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteSubscribe & ConnectIf you loved this episode, subscribe to The Midlife Realignment wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other women find this show.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
What’s Really Happening in Perimenopause? A Deep Dive with Nicole Jardim
Gorgeous, this episode is a ride.Today, I’m joined by my dear friend and perimenopause truth-teller, Nicole Jardim, hormonal health educator, practitioner, and author of Fix Your Period. Nicole is in the thick of her own perimenopause journey right now and — in true Nicole fashion — she’s breaking it down with honesty, wisdom, and the humor that makes you feel like you’re having wine on a couch with your best friend.If you’ve ever wondered…“Is this perimenopause… or is my life just unhinged?” “Why is my doctor telling me I’m ‘too young’ when I’m very much falling apart?” “What if I’m the ‘healthy one’ who still feels like a shell of myself?” “Will hormones help? How do I even start?”…pull up a chair, Gorgeous. This one’s for you.Connect with NicoleNicole is a Certified Women’s Health Coach, creator of The Fix Your Period Collective, founder of The Institute for Menstrual Health, and author of the bestselling book Fix Your Period.She helps women understand + heal their hormones with evidence-based, compassionate, common-sense guidance — and now, she’s becoming a perimenopause guide through her own lived experience.Find Nicole at:Instagram: @nicolejardimWebsite: https://nicolejardim.comFix Your Period Collective: https://nicolejardim.com/collective/Institute for Menstrual Health: https://instituteformenstrualhealth.com/Fix Your Period (Nicole’s Book) — https://nicolejardim.com/book/Connect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherResources & LinksJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteSubscribe & ConnectIf you loved this episode, subscribe to The Midlife Realignment wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other women find this show.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
How to Get Strong Without a Gym — Fitness Tips for Women in Midlife with Jennifer Kirsch
In this episode of The Midlife Realignment™ Podcast, Esther sits down with her friend and fellow powerhouse Jennifer Kirsch, strength coach and founder of Jennifer Kirsch Fitness. Together they dig into what it really takes to build strength, confidence, and longevity in midlife without needing fancy gym equipment or endless hours of workouts.Jen shares her philosophy behind her signature program, Straight Up Strength, an 8-week, dumbbell-based fitness experience designed to help women rebuild muscle, boost energy, and reconnect with their power.If you’ve ever wondered how to make strength training accessible, doable, and even fun in perimenopause and beyond, this conversation will light a fire under your glutes (in the best way possible)!What You’ll LearnWhy strength training is essential for hormone balance and longevityHow to get strong without needing a full gym setupThe mindset shift that helps women stay consistent with movementJen’s favorite routines and rituals for confident, energized agingThe secret power of community when it comes to sustainable fitnessConnect with Jennifer KirschWebsite: jenniferkirschfitness.comInstagram: @jenniferkirschfitnessProgram: Straight Up Strength — 8-week dumbbell-based program for women 40+Connect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherLinkedIn: Esther BlumResources & LinksDownload Esther’s free guide: Top Hormone Tests Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to KnowJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteSubscribe & ConnectIf you loved this episode, subscribe to The Midlife Realignment wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other women find this show.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
Health, Power & Feminine Energy: Redefining Strength in Midlife with Rachel Godfrey
What happens when fierce meets focused? In this episode, Esther and high performance coach Rachel Godfrey dive into what it really takes to become unapologetically strong—physically, mentally, and emotionally.Together, they dive deep into the connection between strength, identity, and feminine power and how embracing all three can transform not just your body, but your entire life. Rachel brings her signature fire, challenging listeners to stop waiting for change and start backing themselves fully… because the version of you you’ve been isn’t the one who’s going to get you to the next level.This episode is equal parts motivation, truth serum, and permission slip to step into your next chapter unapologetically.What You’ll LearnHow health and fitness fuel confidence, magnetism, and leadershipWhy strong women are vital for strong families and communitiesThe importance of divorcing your old identity to create lasting transformationWhat it means to embody feminine strength without losing softnessWhy investing in yourself is the ultimate act of self-respectConnect with Rachel GodfreyWebsite: chaselifeconsulting.comInstagram: @therachelgodfreyConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherLinkedIn: Esther BlumResources & LinksDownload Esther’s free guide: Top Hormone Tests Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to KnowJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteSubscribe & ConnectIf you loved this episode, subscribe to The Midlife Realignment wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other women find this show.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Why Midlife Is the Perfect Time to Reinvent Yourself — A Conversation with Nora Neiterman
Welcome back to The Midlife Realignment™ Podcast! In this episode, Esther sits down with her long-time friend and creative powerhouse Nora Neiterman, a creative director, brand strategist, and spiritual guide who helps women reconnect with their identity and creative energy during the wild, transformative season of midlife.Together, they explore what it means to reclaim your creativity, rewrite your identity, and trust your inner guidance when life, hormones, and career shifts collide. This one’s equal parts real talk and soul talk… proof that midlife isn’t a crisis; it’s a creative awakening.What You’ll LearnWhy creativity is the secret key to self-healing in perimenopause and menopauseHow to reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve silenced or outgrownThe role of intuition, spirituality, and feminine energy in personal reinventionHow to channel midlife transitions into purpose, power, and playSimple practices to reignite your creativity and rediscover joyConnect with NoraWebsite: https://www.unsweetenednewyork.com/Instagram: @unsweetenednewyork and @noraneitermanConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherLinkedIn: Esther BlumResources & LinksDownload Esther’s free guide: Top Hormone Tests Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to KnowJoin the Midlife Realignment community: estherblum.com/communityLearn more about Esther’s program: Make Menopause Your B*tch™ Elite estherblum.com/eliteSubscribe & ConnectIf you loved this episode, subscribe to The Midlife Realignment wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other women find this show.Connect with Esther on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at estherblum.com.

Nov 3, 2025 • 52min
How to Feel Like Yourself Again (Starting Today!) with Dr. Mariza Snyder
Dr. Mariza Snyder, a bestselling author and hormone expert with over 17 years of experience, shares her journey through perimenopause and the impact of hormonal shifts. She discusses the importance of understanding lab results to advocate for your health. The conversation explores practical strategies like morning rituals, family-friendly recipes, and the use of a continuous glucose monitor to manage metabolic health. Dr. Mariza empowers listeners to take control of their hormone health immediately, urging them not to wait for change.


