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The Hotflash inc podcast

Latest episodes

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Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 8min

140: Unpacking estrogen: myths, realities and menopause and midlife health with Lara Briden

Send us a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host Ann Marie McQueen is joined by naturopathic doctor and women’s health expert, Lara Briden. With decades of clinical experience, she is the author of three books: Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and her newest release, Metabolism Repair for Women. Lara’s work focuses on empowering women with evidence-based knowledge to navigate their hormonal health, including through perimenopause and menopause. Together, they unravel the intricate world of estrogen, its role in women’s lives and how it connects to the challenges and opportunities of midlife health. From estrogen metabolism to hormone therapy myths and best practices, Lara provides actionable insights and science-backed advice to empower women on their health journeys.Key topics: Why estrogen is both celebrated and misunderstood.The evolution of hormone therapy and what’s changed since the Women’s Health Initiative.How progesterone fits into the midlife health equation.The relationship between estrogen metabolism, gut health, and lifestyle factors like diet and alcohol.Lara’s perspective on a renewed need to find  balance in modern hormone therapiesExplainer: Dr Ray Peat, who passed away in 2022,  was an American biologist and researcher, and he believed metabolism was a foundation of health – helping to spawn the pro-metabolic movement. He was a progesterone researcher who believed estrogen is an inflammatory stress hormone that causes more health problems than it helps. The term we spoke about where you feel you need more and more of something that is actually making you feel worse is tachyphylaxis, and it's something that the British Menopause Society issued a warning about in 2023.When Lara mentions a “four-fold” increase in dementia risks, she is referring to studies associated with heavy, long-term use. Other studies have found lower risks. If you are concerned about whether the medication you are taking is anti-cholinergic, and by how much, check out the Anticholinergic Burden Calculator. Thank You To Our Sponsors For Making This Episode Possible:Timeline: Use code HOTFLASH33 for 33% off your order of Mitopure at Timeline Nutrition.The Hotflash inc Podcast has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 60 Menopause Podcasts on the web.Guest linksWebsite: larabriden.comInstagram: @larabridenX: @LaraBridenJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Jan 11, 2025 • 39min

139: Exploring the untold symptoms of menopause with Andrea Donsky

Send us a textAndrea Donsky is a holistic nutritionist, TikTok star and co-founder of Morphus, a company devoted to supporting women through menopause with research, community and a range of supplements. She is also an avid data collector and has published her findings on symptoms, sleep, anxiety and doctor’s visits in Menopause, the journal of the Menopause Society.She is here to talk all about how there are actually 103 menopause symptoms, as well as data on sleep, anxiety and doctor’s visits – and some preliminary research on menopause at work.The conversation also touches upon the need for better education and awareness among healthcare providers and the importance of community support for women undergoing these changes.Journey into menopause researchSurvey findings and community insightsDoctor visits and healthcare challengesSleep and anxiety issuesWorkplace challenges during menopausePhantom smells and all the other symptomsThank You To Our Sponsors For Making This Episode Possible:Timeline: Offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Visit timeline.com/HOTFLASH and use the code HOTFLASH.Where you can find Andrea: IG: @andreadonsky @wearemorphusTikTok: @andreadonsky Morphus: Use the code save10hotflash to get 10 percent off your orderJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Jan 7, 2025 • 54min

138: Revolutionizing Perimenopause with EJ Kim and Marina Pen of NNABI

Send us a textIn this episode of Hotflash inc host and journalist Ann Marie McQueen talks to EJ Kim and Marina Pen, founders of Nnabi, one of the few companies exclusively focused on perimenopause. EJ and Marina share their personal journeys through perimenopause and the challenges they faced that inspired them to create Nnabi.Nnabi's mission is to educate and support women navigating the complexities of perimenopause, and they’ve launched two innovative supplements aimed at enhancing overall well-being during this transformative life stage. These supplements are crafted with carefully selected, clinically tested ingredients to address key areas of health impacted by hormonal fluctuations, including mood, energy, digestion, and stress management.Highlights: EJ and Marina's personal experiences with perimenopause and the struggles they faced.The lack of resources and awareness about perimenopause when they started Nnabi.The science and philosophy behind Nnabi's flagship products, such as the Peri Essential 5 supplement, formulated to provide holistic support for women.Insights on the importance of community, education, and empowerment for women in perimenopause.How Nnabi is addressing perimenopause as its own stage, separate from menopause, to provide tailored solutions.The broader conversation about hormonal health, the role of supplements, and the ongoing need for research in this field.Key Takeaways:Perimenopause can affect every aspect of life, and understanding symptoms is a crucial first step.Education and holistic support can help women navigate this life stage with confidence and clarity.Supplements like Nnabi’s Peri Essential 5 are designed to complement other strategies, such as lifestyle changes, and even hormone therapy.Guest Links:Learn more about Nnabi and their products: NnabiLife.comFollow Nnabi on Social Media:Instagram: @nnabilifeFacebook: Nnabi LifeTwitter: @nnabilifeLinkedIn: NnabiThank You To Our Sponsors For Making This Episode Possible:Timeline: Use code HOTFLASH33 for 33% off your order of Mitopure at Timeline Nutrition.Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Jan 4, 2025 • 52min

137: From Diet Struggles to Metabolic Health: Kitty Blomfield's Approach to Diet and Exercise

Send us a textKitty Blomfield is a powerful voice in helping women navigate all the BS around food and movement and get their metabolism back. She is co-founder of the comprehensive fitness and nutrition program Nustrength, with her husband Craig, where she helps women get out of the never-ending cycle and get the bodies and minds they want – many of them in perimenopause. She’s also co-founder of Saturee, a skin-care and supplement company. In this podcast, Kitty shares her journey from struggling with restrictive diets and stress-induced health issues to discovering the benefits of metabolic health and strength training, inspired by the work of Dr. Ray Peat. Their discussion delves into the importance of consuming nutrient-dense foods, like liver and oysters, the power of proper strength training, and the transformational impact of addressing emotional health. She gives practical advice on starting simple exercise routines, the significance of nourishing the body, and the positive changes that embracing a realistic, long-term approach to health can bring.Highlights:Going from diet struggles to discovering metabolic healthThe transformative power of nutrition (and why you might not need to eat all the nuts, seeds and vegetables you think you do)Understanding metabolic health and hormonesWhy you need to address emotional wellbeing and personal growthDr Ray Peat, progesterone, and an alternative view of estrogen Where hormone therapy fits into the conversation Empowerment of strength trainingFocusing on incremental progressIntroduction to Nustrength The power of liver and oysters The Impact of Polyunsaturated FatsHer experience on Survivor Australia Why you might need a relationship renovationWhere to find Kitty:Instagram: @KittyBlomfieldWebsite: NuStrength, SatureeThank You To Our Sponsors For Making This Episode Possible:Timeline: Use code HOTFLASH33 for 33% off your order of Mitopure at Timeline Nutrition.Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Jan 1, 2025 • 54min

136: Navigating midlife with purpose and intention: Coach Stef Ziev's choice approach

Send us a textIt's the perfect podcast for a brand-new year. Aren't you tired of abandoning yourself choose things that make other people happy? Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and host of the Hotflash inc podcast, is joined by Stef Ziev, a New York-based executive life coach. Ziev draws from her extensive career in the entertainment industry and her background in psychology to help individuals regain control over their choices and lives. Connect with Stef Ziev:Website: https://stefziev.comLinkedIn: @stefziev/Instagram: @stefziev/Twitter: @stefzievJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Dec 28, 2024 • 48min

135: Loving your inner child with Srini Bhat

Send us a textHotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen interviews Srini Bhat, a former monk and life enhancement coach she met at Kamalaya Wellness in Koh Samui, Thailand. Ann Marie discusses her transformative session with Srini, which set her on a path of positive change over the past 18 months. Srini shares insights on embracing the truth of one's current state, being present, and overcoming unconscious patterns that limit happiness. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, self-awareness, and genuine desire for happiness to lead a more fulfilled life. Srini also touches on the concept of living authentically and energetically by avoiding the 'five viruses' - complaining, blaming, self-pity, feeling like a victim, and comparison. This episode offers deep reflections and practical advice on living a conscious and joyful life.Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Dec 21, 2024 • 29min

134: SOLO episode: Magical mish-mash

Send us a textIn another solo episode, Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen talks about her frustration with unrealistic expectations for women, Peter Attia, weighted vests, people who use the words “misinformation, disinformation” and who like to “debunk” things, what happens when you start to choose yourself, the song that got her crying in the gym and why It’s all a great way to get you excited about who’s going to be on the podcast next week. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Dec 14, 2024 • 60min

133: Navigating peri-to-post menopause, spiritual growth, trauma and more (with really good protein powder) with XO Jacqui's Jacqui Burge

Send us a textIn this episode, Jacqui Burge joins me (Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen) for a magical conversation that ranges from why perimenopause needed an easy-to-digest, simple and clean protein powder to how much better life can be without sugar. Jacqui is a thoughtful, post-menopausal American health and wellness entrepreneur. A workplace wellness pioneer, she has more than three million views on LinkedIn for sessions offered by her company Desk Yogi. She’s been a figure skater, a rock star, a mom and a drug addict. She’s also a woman who found herself a bit lost when menopause hit, and it was unexplained weight gain that led her to launch XO Jacqui. And this is where I found her, because Jacquie’s clean, vegan, organic and gluten-free protein powder is literally the only one in the world my tummy can tolerate. You can literally count the ingredients on your hand. It’s delicious and I actually import it from the US to the UAE. (If you want some of your own, use code HOTFLASHINC15 at checkout) Jacqui’s mantra aligns with mine here at Hotflash inc: be your own advocate, stay curious and a step outside of your comfort zone. The episode emphasizes embracing change, the non-linear nature of healing, and promoting self-acceptance and mental well-being.Highlights:The power of nudgesWhy she works on Sundays How to edit your to-do list to cut overwhelm How to make the first person you take care of youHow not to turn yourself into a mashed potato What drove her to start making her own protein powder (and what’s going on with a lot of varieties that seem healthy) The one thing about the obsession with protein you need to knowPerimenopause is asking about ‘what can you simplify’Why perimenopause should be a recognized rite of passageThe stability, knowingness and awareness that gets solidified in menopauseWhat is “pretend connection” and why does it hurt us? Re-examining alcohol in perimenopause What happens after you kick sugar for 10 daysHow neurofeedback cut through the trauma and finally helped her feel safeWhy she wants you to get support in tackling your traumaThe two sides of asking for helpWhat radical acceptance really meansHer best advice for going through perimenopause Menopausal creativity burstsWhy “post-menopause” needs more loveJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Dec 5, 2024 • 10min

132: Introducing YOUR Perimenopause Game Plan

Send us a textToday host and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen introduces an ambitious project: the Perimenopause Game Plan. This compiles 5 years of research, more than 100 interviews, many conversations with women and her own experience. This is unrolling over on Substack. Listen to the podcast to find out how. Send a text if you have questions or there is anything you want to know. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
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Dec 4, 2024 • 42min

131: NEW INTRO! Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist

Send us a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dianne Wist, CEO of Violet Daily, about the importance of breast health and the benefits of molecular iodine. In the new intro, Ann Marie relays a conversation she had with women's hormone expert Lara Briden about why it works and why it's better than potassium iodide (because it shelters the breast from estrogen and is preferentially taken up by more estrogen-sensitive tissues like the breast rather than the thyroid gland.Disclaimer: Anyone with a thyroid problem who is considering taking iodine should check with their doctor first. Dianne shares insights on why women often overlook breast pain, how hormone therapy can trigger it, and the need to be proactive about breast care. They discuss the clinical research behind Violet Daily's molecular iodine supplement, its impact on both women and men, and its role in alleviating breast pain and supporting overall breast health. Dianne also offers advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office and shares her personal menopause journey.Why we ignore our breast painWhat can trigger breast pain (including hormone therapy)Why you need to have a relationship with your breasts (and be your own expert)Dianne’s advice for holding your own at the doctor’s officeWhat is molecular iodine and why might you want to take it? What about the thyroid + why you have to be careful Iodine for women and men The breast pain “pathway”Molecular iodine – clinical research Breast pain and changes in perimenopause Dianne’s menopause experience and her top tip for getting through itUse code hotflashinc for 10 percent off if you order Violet DailyJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse:Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincEpisode website: HotflashincSee hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy informationJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

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