
The Hotflash inc podcast
Hotflash inc is an evidence, expert and human-experience driven podcast looking for the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond. In more than 100 episodes menopause and midlife journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen has spoken to a wide range of experts from around the globe, including practitioners, activists, researchers, doctors and industry leaders about this perplexing transition we still know too little about. She’s talked about her own frustrations and personal experiences. And she has connected with a perimenoposse of powerful women in the midst of a perplexing transition.Hotflash inc is among the top 1.5 percent of podcasts in the world according to Listen Notes. It was named the number one podcast in women’s health in August 2023 by GOODPODS.
Latest episodes

Nov 16, 2024 • 26min
129: 21 questions about hormone therapy
Send us a textIn this solo episode, Hotflash inc podcast host and founder Ann Marie McQueen writes down all the questions she has about hormone therapy (and what we hear about hormone therapy). This is a long time coming: she's been researching perimenopause, menopause and women's midlife health for 5+ years now. Settle in. And if you have any questions of your own, use that handy text message feature and send them our way. 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

Nov 9, 2024 • 40min
128: When infertility and perimenopause collide with Oova founder Dr Amy Divaraniya
Send us a textDr Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Founder of Oova, a leading women’s health platform known for its physician-backed fertility and perimenopause at-home hormone monitoring. Oova empowers people to take control of their hormone health from their first period and to their last and beyond. Prior to founding Oova, Dr. Divaraniya spent 10 years as a data scientist, leading and publishing research in personal genomics and biomarker discovery. We talk about the pressing issues and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause and fertility, shedding light on the importance of hormone monitoring and personalized health care. Together, they highlight the generational shift in women demanding better understanding and treatment for perimenopause while emphasizing the critical aspects of hormone balance, the interplay of fertility and perimenopause, and the future of personalized medical treatments in women's health.Topics covered: 02:04 Fertility and hormone monitoring04:47 Understanding hormonal cycles08:21 The role of ovulation10:20 Perimenopause data insights15:45 Testing for perimenopause19:45 Understanding progesterone and estrogen balance20:16 Navigating perimenopause and IVF21:15 Future of perimenopause and menopause treatments22:08 Clinical research and data in women's health23:22 Personalized medicine for perimenopause25:55 Fertility concerns and technological advances27:51 Hormone tracking and testing32:40 Survey insights on perimenopause38:15 Final thoughts and podcast disclaimerCheck out Oova's The State of Perimenopause Report. Find out more about Oova on their website.Follow Oova on Instagram.Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.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

Nov 4, 2024 • 7min
127: SOLO episode: I want you to forgive yourself. I'll go first.
Send us a textIf there is anything I like people going through peri menopause to know, if there's anything I'd like you to know, it's that no matter what route you take, no matter how you feel physically, the very best thing you can do emotionally and spiritually is to begin the painful, healing, scary, but fruitful reckoning with your past so you can properly face your future.The transformative minefield for that, for me. And I want you to be able to experience this too. Let me get you started with my I forgive you letter to myself.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

Oct 17, 2024 • 54min
126: Liminal's Rebekah Brown wants a more intelligent conversation about perimenopause
Send us a textIn this episode, the focus is on the transformative journey of Rebekah Brown, a narrative research specialist and founder of the vibrant midlife community and supplement brand Liminal (formerly MPowder). Rebekah discusses her personal experiences with perimenopause and the physical and emotional transitions it entails. The conversation delves into the importance of addressing stress, sleep issues, and the rebranding journey from MPowder to Liminal. Topics such as hormone therapy, societal narratives surrounding menopause, the challenges of midlife, and the benefits of naturopathic practices like herbal remedies, acupuncture, and yoga are covered. Emphasis is placed on the collective wisdom and agency of women, the impact of societal constructs, and the need for a nuanced, science-based discussion around hormonal health. This episode highlights the significance of storytelling, community, and the blending of traditional and modern medical approaches to empower women navigating this stage of life.Highlights:00:31 Rebecca's menopause journey03:48 Launching and rebranding a company07:38 The importance of community and research11:44 Navigating health narratives21:56 The role of journalism in female health24:40 The menopause supplement market: A reality check25:48 Emerging trends and innovations in menopause supplements26:41 Navigating the noise: identifying quality products27:54 The complexities of botanical health claims29:21 The role of botanicals in menopause32:18 The importance of regulatory change34:54 Personal experiences with botanicals41:04 Naturopathy and menopause: a holistic approach44:43 Advice for women struggling with perimenopause50:20 What's next for LiminalLinks:Website https://mpowder.store/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpowderstore Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mpowderstore/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mpowderJoin 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

Oct 10, 2024 • 43min
125: REPLAY: Dr Junella Chin knows all about pain (and perimenopause)
Send us a textThis podcast was originally posted in November 23, 2023.Dr June Chin knows about pain and how to treat it on the deepest levels: from her own experiences that started in her teens years and through to that of patients. She’s an integrative medical cannabis physician and has spent more than20 years working in holistic medicine. She is currently a professor at New York University and Syracuse University teaching Cannabis Health and Science, Vice Chair for the Cannabis Advisory Board for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and Chair of the Health, Safety and Research Committee for New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management. She is the author of the book Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness and founded and operated seven bicoastal integrative cannabis medicine clinics in California, New York, and Connecticut. Her training includes studying nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University, osteopathic medicine at Touro University, medical acupuncture at Harvard University, and research at Columbia University, Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Women’s Health. Through her work as a clinician, professor, and author, she has created medical protocols for the industry and internationally accepted methods for cannabinoid formulations, research, education, and training programs. She is also the chief medical officer for NNABI. Highlights: The personal experience that drew her to holistic medicine, and cannabis in particularThe 101 on our endocannabanoid system The different forms of cannabis – and how CBD is different The interplay between CBD and hormone therapyThe intersection between perimenopause and the endocannabanoid system?How specifically can cannabis and CBD help Her work with the startup NNABI, which is providing a CBD solution for perimenopauseHer take on some of the other alternative, plant-based medicines and psychedelics being developed to treat peri/menopauseHer top advice for women in perimenopauseWhere to find Dr Chin:IG: @nnabi.life @drjunechinJoin 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

Oct 3, 2024 • 41min
124: REPLAY: Ob-gyn Dr Vikram Talaulikar's straight talk on hormone therapy
Send us a textThis podcast originally ran on October 21, 2023.This week we get down to basics, and basics are exactly what we need in this confusing world right now. This is THE podcast to listen to if you are confused about all things to do with taking hormone therapy.Dr Vikram Sinai Talaulikar is a specialist in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust and an associate professor in Women’s Health at the University College London. He graduated in medicine in India in 2003 and completed a postgraduate degree in obstetrics and gynecology in 2007. He is a certified menopause specialist by the British Menopause Society, a menopause trainer and he is constantly educating others on this transition as well, via online webinars, events and through social media. He is also part of the trio who established the Menopause Research Education Fund, alongside medical journalist Fiona Clarke and groundbreaking menopause campaigner Diane Danzebrink.Highlights of our discussion: Hormone therapy (HT) 101WHI: good, bad and what we can learn from it 20 years onEstrogen in the pill vs estrogen in HT All the kinds of estrogen and what they are used for strogen too ethinyl estradiolEstrone, Estriol, Estradiol, and Estetrol.17 beta estradiolGetting to the bottom of body simila, body identical and bioidentical – and why that varies from country to country Pharmaceutical company produced HT vs compounding pharmacy versionsthe big “Catch-22” with compounding pharmacies that keeps their bioidentical hormones out of official recommendationsthe pill, HRT and breast cancer riskwhy problems with the pill don’t get flagged and HRT does Evidence over estrogen and breast cancer risk (and randomized trials versus observational data)What’s what: progesterone, progestin and progestogens (how they work and which one carries a slight risk for breast cancer)how long you really need to take HRT to see if it’s workingwhy HT works for some people and not othersDr Talaulikar’s favourite non-hormonal treatmentsWhere to find Dr Talaulikar:X: @VikramSinai Web: Menopause Clinic LondonMenopause Research and Education FundJoin 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

Sep 28, 2024 • 58min
123: You’re Not Too F***ing Old: How Jen Marples is helping women over 40 get seen, heard, paid and make an impact
Send us a textFULL DISCLOSURE: Jen and I recorded this interview last year. Almost a year ago. It was and is so important to me that I am sharing it with you now, with Jen’s blessing. (It fell into the “I took a short break to build my business and then my dad died suddenly” gap. You know the one ;)Anyway, Jen is a very hardworking, accomplished entrepreneur and champion of midlife women. She runs the Jen Marples Agency and her goal is to help women over 40 get seen, heard, paid and to make an impact. She’s also the host of The Jen Marples Show: You’re Not too F***ing Old (soon to be called just You’re Not Too F***ing Old). We talk about it all: why you need to find supportive groups and new tribes (and what to do when yours isn’t working), ending friendships, dealing with ageism and the profound beauty and peace that comes with middle age and menopause. Jen believes you have to be a strong advocate for your own health. And she shares her own challenging journey, with endometriosis, IVF, perimenopause/massive burnout and ultimately reclaiming her vitality through rest, reinvention and getting her sleep back through the power of hormone therapy (thanks for delaying your nightly progesterone wind-down for us, Jen! The episode also touches on the essential book The Upgrade by neuroscientist Dr Louann Brizendine and offers advice on how and why you need to prioritize health care, making investments even when it’s not covered by insurance. 01:42 The power of language03:00 Challenging ageism05:41 Embracing midlife10:06 Financial impacts of ageism12:15 Navigating negative programming26:15 Dealing with friendship loss28:46 Navigating toxic relationships29:44 Embracing new friendships32:08 Perimenopause and Burnout35:42 Hormone therapy journey39:29 Advocating for women's health49:59 Starting over at midlifeJoin 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

Sep 19, 2024 • 35min
122: Meet Joe Sealey, the Menopause Man
Send us a textJoe Sealey is a former UK footballer who is married to UK businesswoman Nicole, and they are both cast members of The Real Housewives of Cheshire. He's also comforting and cracking men and women alike up with his ongoing commentary on living with a woman in menopause. Joe jokes a lot, but he also gets serious about the challenges and changes experienced during Nicole's perimenopause and menopause, the importance of communication between partners, and how the couple navigates their journey together. Joe also offers some solid menopause tips for men and women alike. Find Joe on: TikTok @Joe_SealeyInstagram @JoeSealeyJoin 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

Sep 12, 2024 • 22min
121: SOLO EPISODE: Menopause research, hormone therapy and spiritual consciousness
Send us a textHotflash inc founder and host Ann Marie McQueen talks about the first-ever perimenopause month, Hot Flash Day (courtesy of Stripes) and the annual meeting of The Menopause Society of North America. She talks about sleep, hot flashes, weird quirks of research; hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy. Some new numbers on how many women in the US are taking hormone therapy (it’s way less than you think) and asks why only estrogen is considered hormone therapy. She talks about three of her best friends, who were transformed by exogenous hormones. And she talks about her own spiritual awakening through menopause, which sounds annoying but hopefully is not. 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

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
120: Dr Salome Masghati knows how complicated perimenopause is
Send us a textToday Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen is speaking with a board-certified gynecologist whose surgical career was focused on fibroids and endometriosis before she discovered her love for functional medicine and holistic therapy and discovered what it could do for women struggling with menopause, hormones and wellness. Dr Masghati, who offers virtual consults worldwide in four languages, talks about treating patients from Lebanon to the Philippines, about the balance of estrogen and progesterone, the role of testosterone, the relevance of detoxification, ADHD in midlife, why some people want compounded hormones and why no matter what, we all need individualized treatments. The conversation also delves into the misconceptions about hormone therapies, such as pellets, and how to support women as they undergo psychological and physical changes. 01:59 Dr Masghati’s journey to holistic medicine03:35 Understanding hormonal imbalances (and estrogen dominance, even if you call it something else)03:56 Global perspectives on women's health06:02 Environmental factors affecting hormones10:27 The importance of progesterone17:58 Challenges in hormone treatment20:02 The role of functional medicine29:03 Liver health and hormone balance34:11 Thyroid and insulin resistance34:44 Liver detox and macronutrients35:13 Hormones and sleep36:12 Diet and exercise tips38:28 ADHD and hormonal changes41:19 Managing ADHD symptoms in perimenopause47:29 Hormone therapy options52:07 Risks and side effects of hormone therapy57:55 Hormones and disease preventionJoin 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