Health Trip Podcast | Jill Foos Wellness

Dr. Alicia Robbins, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause expert, discusses how preparing for menopause starts long before it arrives. She explains the importance of understanding premenopause for women in their 20s and 30s. The conversation covers lifestyle strategies to support mental health and energy, the impact of hormonal changes, and how personalized healthcare approaches can alleviate symptoms. Listeners gain valuable insights on protecting their long-term health, including tips for nutrition and mindfulness, while advocating for their well-being.

Episode #115 is all about diving into the midlife woman's brain—your most vital, complex, and vulnerable organ—and why protecting it matters more than ever. Here’s a fact that doesn’t get enough attention: two out of three people with Alzheimer’s are women. And this isn’t just about old age. The seeds of cognitive decline can start as early as your 40s—or even sooner.We’ll talk about:• Why women are at greater risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia• The brain-hormone connection during menopause and midlife• What you can do now to preserve memory, focus, and cognitive resilience• How genes like APOE4 interact with lifestyle—and what that means• How belly fat, or visceral fat. Affect cognition and brain health• And the power of early, personalized preventionMy guest, Dr. Kellyann Niotis, MD, is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist in the world, specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Niotis led the preventive neurology program within Dr. Peter Attia’s medical practice, Early Medical, and managed the country’s first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she developed research programs for Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia prevention. Her work has been published in several medical journals, including Neurology, Nature Mental Health, Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience, Aging and Disease, Movement Disorders, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer's & Dementia, and Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Diseas,e and has been presented at national and international conferences.She is passionate about the budding medical space of preventive neurology, in particular pertaining to the advocacy of preventive neurology policy changes and making treatment & education more accessible to the masses. She has received numerous honors and awards, and her opinions have been featured in popular media outlets, including CNN.Whether you’re looking for tools to sharpen your brain today or you’re thinking long-term about protecting yourself and your loved ones, this conversation is full of insight and hope.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.Learn more about Dr. Niotis:Website: https://drkellyannniotis.com/IG: @drkellyannniotisFB: @drkellyannniotisResources:Lancet Commission Modifiable Risk Factor list:https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/dementia-riskStay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

As women move through perimenopause and postmenopause, desire can shift dramatically. When it comes to arousal and intimacy, the brain is your most powerful intimacy organ, especially for women. My guest today is Dr. Emily Jamea, nationally recognized sex and relationship therapist, clinical sexologist, and author of Anatomy of Desire. She walks you through the steps to finding your sexual flow state, which includes these five themes—sensuality, curiosity, adaptability, vulnerability, and attunement—that form the pillars of sexual flow. By practicing them, Dr. Jamea encourages individuals and couples to let go of performance pressure and co-create pleasure that feels effortless and deeply connected. 1. SensualityFully inhabiting your body through the senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, sound—to ground yourself in physical pleasure. This presence reduces mental barriers and amplifies arousal.2. CuriosityApproaching sex with openness and wonder—about yourself, your partner, and new experiences—keeps passion alive. It balances familiarity with novelty to spark engagement.3. AdaptabilityBeing flexible and responsive—tuning into changing needs, comfort levels, or sensations—creates a flow where both partners can meet each other in real time.4. VulnerabilityEmbracing emotional openness—sharing desires, insecurities, or boundaries—builds trust and allows a deeper, more surrendered intimacy. 5. AttunementAchieving synchronicity—physically, emotionally, energetically—with yourself and your partner fosters unity and amplifies shared pleasure Dr. Emily Jamea is an award-winning sex and relationship therapist and the USA Today best-selling author of Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion. She is a sought-after keynote speaker who presents nationally and internationally to diverse audiences, including educators, health and mental health professionals, corporate leaders, and the general public. Her expertise has been featured in Oprah Magazine, CNN, USA Today, NBC, and more. She offers online workshops as part of her mission to make her knowledge accessible to everyone. Dr. Jamea is an award-winning columnist for Healthy Women and was named as a 2025 Outstanding Woman in Medicine by The Arts of Healing Foundation. She hosts the Love and Libido podcast and writes for Psychology Today. In this episode, we’ll explore:How desire changes during menopauseHow to reconnect with your body and reframe pleasureThe role of brain-based arousal and flow in intimacyWhy midlife is the perfect time to rewrite your sexual storyWhether you're in a relationship or navigating solo, this episode will empower you to take ownership of your sexual well-being and pleasure, at any age.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.Learn more about Emily:Website: https://emilyjamea.com/FB: @dremilyjamea IG: @dremilyjameaBook: https://emilyjamea.com/home-page-2/Stay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

One of the most common — and frustrating — symptoms of midlife is insomnia during menopause. If you’ve found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. or struggling to fall asleep even when you’re exhausted, you’re not alone. Sleep disruptions affect up to 60% of women in perimenopause and postmenopause, largely due to shifting hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Poor sleep can lead to hypertension, T2D, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, obesity, cancer, as well as poor work performance, poor exercise performance and recovery, and bone and hair health may be impacted. There are lots of reasons why working on your sleep should be a priority. Beyond midlife hot flashes and night sweats, stress, mood changes, trauma, pain, and even subconscious sleep habits all play a role. The good news? There’s a clinically proven approach that doesn’t involve medication: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-i.In this episode, we’ll explore how CBT-i works, why it’s especially effective for midlife women, and how it goes far beyond sleep hygiene tips. My guest, Annie Miller, is a licensed psychotherapist and CBT-I specialist, and founder of DC Metro Therapy. She breaks down the science of why sleep becomes fragile in midlife and how small behavioral shifts can help retrain your brain and body to sleep soundly again. Besides sleep disorders, Annie also works with chronic pain and trauma. Whether you’re experiencing sleep onset issues, early morning waking, or just feel like you’re never fully rested, this conversation will give you the tools to reclaim your nights and restore your energy. Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.Learn more about Annie:Website: https://dcmetrotherapy.com/anniemiller/IG: @dc.metro.therapyFB: @dcmetrosleepandpsychotherapyStay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos

One of the most empowering topics for women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond: longevity through the lens of personalized health. Midlife is not a decline — it’s a recalibration. This is the perfect window to tune into your body's needs, optimize your biology, and set the stage for decades of vitality. As the science of longevity continues to evolve, women are no longer sidelined in the conversation. We're talking about the tools, tests, and strategies tailored to you, not based on outdated, one-size-fits-all approaches.In this episode, we explore how personalized medicine is reshaping midlife health, including a breakdown of the vital role of mitochondrial health, the powerhouses of your cells that affect everything from your energy levels to how quickly you age. When mitochondria start to sputter, so does your resilience. But with targeted support — through movement, nutrition, and certain strategies — you can dramatically improve how your body creates and sustains energy. We also talk about nitric oxide and why all midlife women need to understand what this amazing molecule is and to support its production.My guest today is Dr. Jila Senemar, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of clinical experience dedicated to advancing women's health. Based in Miami, Florida, Dr. Jila is renowned for her expertise in menopause, hormone therapy, and metabolic health, providing innovative, evidence-based care to help women thrive at every stage of life.Dr. Jila’s commitment to empowering women inspired her to establish JilaMD, a concierge practice that provides personalized care, with a focus on perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and longevity science. As the founder of the Miami Menopause Collective and EmpowHer Miami, she collaborates with patients to tailor holistic treatment plans that align with their unique health journeys.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.To learn more about Dr. Senamar:website: https://jilamd.com/IG: @drjilasenemarStay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between ADHD and menopause, exploring how hormonal shifts can intensify ADHD symptoms. Many women with ADHD find that perimenopause brings heightened struggles with focus, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. As estrogen declines, so does dopamine—an essential neurotransmitter for motivation and attention—worsening ADHD-related brain fog, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue. These changes can feel overwhelming, but understanding the biological connections between ADHD and menopause is key to managing them effectively.Despite the challenges, ADHD isn’t just a collection of deficits; it also comes with unique strengths such as creativity, resilience, and dynamic problem-solving. However, during perimenopause, declining estrogen can make it harder to harness these gifts. Women may feel more scattered, struggle with organization, or experience mood swings that disrupt daily life. Fortunately, effective treatments can help restore balance. Stimulant medications remain a cornerstone of ADHD management, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices can also be powerful tools for improving focus and emotional regulation. These strategies build structure, enhance self-awareness, improve overall well-being, and help women work on lifestyle interventions, such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Additionally, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can be a game-changer for some women. By stabilizing estrogen levels, MHT may help mitigate the cognitive effects of menopause and support dopamine function, making ADHD symptoms more manageable. When used alongside stimulants, hormone therapy can offer a more comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing both the hormonal and neurological aspects of ADHD. Whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of treatments, midlife women with ADHD can regain control, optimize their cognitive function, and continue to thrive.Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger, MD is a board-certified gynecologic surgeon and menopause specialist. She is the founder of Balanced Medical, a gynecology and preventative women's health practice on Long Island, NY, and the founder and CEO of the virtual education company All Things Menopause™. Dr. Mandelberger is passionate about educating and empowering women to make informed choices during the menopause transition. Her special interests include the intersection of ADHD and perimenopause.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.Find Dr. Mandelberger here:Website: https://www.balancedmedicalny.com/IG: @DrMandelberger Educational Program: https://www.all-things-menopause.com/Stay in touch with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

Many women struggle to discuss their sexual health and pleasure with their providers, friends, and family members. And for good reason. They're sensitive topics to bring up. Women are navigating various physiological changes during the menopause transition (weight gain, hair loss, insomnia), and to further complicate things, changes are happening in their vagina and vulva - not exactly coffee talk topics. Or are they? Midlife women need to normalize our sexual health and pleasure so that we can improve our sex lives for the next 30-40 years. After all, we will be postmenopausal women until the day we die. A healthy sex life is part of our longevity equation.In this episode, we delve into the impact of hormones, particularly testosterone, on libido during midlife and beyond. Additionally, we’ll explore somewhat controversial topics, such as vaginal rejuvenation therapies, and cosmetic gynocologic procedures, their benefits, and how they enhance comfort, confidence, and intimacy. Plus, we’ll discuss tools like vibrators and other strategies to reignite passion and connection.My guest today is Dr. Sameena Rahman, a board-certified OB/GYN, sex-med gynecologist, and menopause specialist with an academic affiliation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She is the founder of the Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics, a successful practice that emphasizes evidence-based medicine. Dr. Rahman is dedicated to evaluating and treating each patient with compassion, trauma-informed care, and an awareness of personal bias. Additionally, she hosts the podcast Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones and is working on a book exploring sexual function from the lens of different cultures, norms, and religions. Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of the guests on my podcast.Learn more about Dr. Sameena:Website: https://www.cgcchicago.com/Podcast: https://www.cgcchicago.com/podcast/IG: @gynogirlStay connected to JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessEnjoy a free upgrade on a Joylux redlight therapy vaginal device: https://joylux.com/pages/vfit-gold-plus-upgraded-device?UTM_CAMPAIGN=X4mzJZVODxyKT6mSnGTaFx5iUksxMnx7STixRU0&UTM_MEDIUM=Online%20Tracking%20Link&UTM_SOURCE=referral&irgwc=1Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

Sifting through the overwhelming amount of books, news articles, social media influencers, pop-up speaker events, and retreats for menopause is overwhelming, confusing, and expensive. How should midlife women navigate menopause feeling lost, alone, and confused by conflicting information that is supposed to make us healthier, stronger, and more resilient?There’s a lot of trial and error and good money spent on products, providers, treatments, and at-home devices that don't live up to their promises. Today, you will walk away with golden nuggets of evidence-based and practical strategies to help you navigate midlife and beyond. This episode covers how to know if the information that you are hearing or reading is evidence-based, why research on women in menopause is complicated to decipher, the nuances of weight resistance training versus cardio exercise, what's most important for midlife women nutritionally, and how to properly eat around your workouts. We also cover how to read protein powder labels and what to look for in amino acids, why creatine is a game-changer for women beyond muscle health, and how to strategize getting restorative sleep. Dr. Rachele Pojednic is an international authority on nutrition, supplementation, and physical activity interventions for muscle physiology, performance, and recovery. She received her PhD from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. She has a faculty appointment at Stanford University and holds research appointments at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Edith Cowan University’s Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute. She has received NIH research funding from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Vermont Biomedical Research Network (VBRN), an NIH IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Is Medicine® initiative. Dr. Pojednic has been an active fitness professional for over 20 years as a nutrition educator and coach for Olympic, Division I sports, and tactical athletes. She has a passion for science communication and is regularly featured in outlets such as NPR, Sirius Doctor Radio, Time, the Wall Street Journal, STAT News, Popular Science, Self, Shape, Women’s Health, Forbes, and Runners World.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of the guests on my podcast.Connect with Rachele:Website: https://www.rachelepojednic.com/IG: @rachelepojednic2004 YouTube: @RachelePojednic_PhDCourses: https://strongprocess.com/Stay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

As midlife women transition through menopause and adverse physiological changes start to take over, they find less time and motivation to get in the kitchen and prepare healthy, balanced meals. Many midlife women feel stumped around what to eat, how to shop, and how to prepare nourishing meals during this phase of life. Prioritizing nutrition that will support heart and brain health, body composition goals, strength and power, hair growth, skin health, strong bones, and more is complicated and overwhelming. Shefaly Ravula is a board-certified physician assistant whose primary focus is gastroenterology, metabolic health, and culinary medicine. She left the conventional healthcare model to learn and expand her expertise from a more holistic lens, helping her patients achieve better health outcomes. In this episode, we talk about harnessing a love of nourishing food, cooking, and preparing meals during midlife and beyond, even if you previously avoided your kitchen like the plague. For those of you wondering what the science is showing regarding menopausal gut health, how to optimize our body composition when dieting doesn’t work, and how to maintain a long-term, joyful nutrition journey for the next three to four decades of healthy living, this episode is for you.Medical Disclaimer:By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of the guests on my podcast.Connect with Shef:Website: www.precisionguthealth.comIG: @precisionguthealthComplimentary Healing Spices Guide: https://precisionguthealth.com/gut-healing-herbs-and-spices-guide/Stay connected with JFW:Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videosFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellnessGrab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-productsEnjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellnessSubscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations