Well Beyond 40
JJ Virgin
Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives. It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty. Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully. Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives. At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!” For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self. In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil. Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook. JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium. Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life. Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! - Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review - Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 - Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
How Exercise Can Transform Mental Health and Depression with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano
What if the most powerful antidepressant isn’t in a pill, but in your sneakers?
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano about the science behind why movement can be as effective as antidepressants. We also explore the social and psychological benefits of staying active and how even small steps can spark powerful change. You’ll also hear fascinating insights about creatine, brain energy, and how lifestyle prescriptions may soon reshape the future of psychiatry.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa with a passion for the mind-body connection. Originally from Thunder Bay, he turned a broken arm from an arm-wrestling match into a fascination with how exercise, nutrition, and sleep can transform mental health. Today, his work in lifestyle psychiatry explores how simple daily habits can powerfully impact depression and overall well-being.
What you’ll learn:
(02:57) How Dr. Fabiano’s own injury sparked his passion for exercise and mental health.
(05:42) Why exercise benefits the brain beyond mood.
(07:48) The real science behind exercise and depression, including serotonin, inflammation, and brain growth factors.
(09:11) How the social and psychological aspects of movement can be just as healing as the biological ones.
(11:40) Simple, practical ways to motivate someone struggling with depression to get moving again.
(14:17) Why the best type of exercise is the one you’ll actually do—and how adherence matters more than modality.
(18:45) How Dr. Fabiano “prescribes” exercise using the FITT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type).
(29:25) The surprising connection between creatine supplementation, brain energy, and depression recovery.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/happyworkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
Food as Fuel: Eating to Reignite Your Metabolism
If you’ve been unintentionally slowing down your metabolism by eating the wrong foods, what can you do about it?
In this episode, I’ll show you how to use food as fuel to reignite your metabolism—especially during midlife. You’ll learn why protein is your metabolism’s best friend, how carbs and fats can either work for or against you, and how gut health shapes your body’s ability to burn fat. With this episode, my goal is to help you move beyond counting calories and start eating in a way that truly powers your energy, your hormones, and your long-term vitality.
What you’ll learn:
(01:51) Why protein is the foundation of a fast, strong metabolism—and why most women over 40 are under-eating it.
(03:28) The science behind how protein preserves lean muscle and prevents metabolic slowdown during weight loss.
(05:00) How to build your plate with protein first, followed by non-starchy vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats.
(08:34) The dangers of ultra-processed foods.
(10:04) How to time your meals for maximum energy and fat burning.
(12:56) Why stopping food intake at least two hours before bed helps stabilize blood sugar and improve sleep quality.
(14:31) The surprising connection between meal timing, appetite, and hunger control.
(16:01) How your gut microbiome affects calorie absorption, cravings, and fat storage.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15, 2025 • 49min
The Truth About Perimenopause and Metabolic Health with Dr. Mariza Snyder
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and powerhouse advocate for women’s health, Dr. Mariza Snyder, to talk about her latest book, The Perimenopause Revolution, and more. Dr. Mariza and I dive into the chaos, confusion, and opportunity that midlife brings—and why perimenopause is so much more than “just aging.” Together, we explore how to rebuild energy, protect your metabolism, and thrive through hormonal transitions using science-backed strategies that truly work.
Dr. Mariza Snyder is a bestselling author and women’s health expert who’s written nine books on hormones, metabolism, and essential oils. She’s also the host of the top-rated Energized with Dr. Mariza podcast and has become a trusted voice helping millions of women reclaim their vitality through practical, research-based guidance.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(03:32) Why perimenopause starts long before symptoms “officially” show up—and how to spot the early warning signs.
(05:47) Why it’s never too late to build muscle, protect your bones, and reverse insulin resistance.
(09:17) How to tell the difference between stress, thyroid issues, and perimenopause symptoms.
(11:32) Which key lab markers reveal early hormonal and metabolic changes.
(13:22) The truth about hormones, metabolism, and HRT.
(18:48) How to future-proof your metabolism with protein-first meals and consistent movement.
(23:06) What “exercise snacks” are—and how they can extend your lifespan.
(33:06) Dr. Mariza’s top non-negotiable perimenopause hacks for more energy, better sleep, and deeper connection.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/perirevolution
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 13, 2025 • 18min
Muscle-First Metabolism: The Key to Midlife Weight Loss for Women 40+
Join me, JJ Virgin, in this 5-part series where each episode tackles the real reasons weight loss stalls in midlife, from muscle loss and food choices to exercise, hormones, stress, and recovery.
This series is about reclaiming your metabolism, building muscle, balancing hormones, healing your gut, and breaking free from weight-loss frustration. Remember: you have to get healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to get healthy.
In this episode, I break down why traditional dieting methods fail women over 40 and reveal why focusing on muscle is the true key to a stronger, faster metabolism. Drawing on my decades of experience as a nutrition expert and fitness leader, I’ll help you shift from a “scale-first” to a “muscle-first” mindset so you can experience lasting health, vitality, and confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(01:20) Why getting healthy to lose weight—not losing weight to get healthy—must be your new mantra.
(02:13) How the “eat less, move more” approach damages your metabolism.
(03:53) The truth about metabolic adaptation.
(05:26) How repeated dieting causes fat overshooting, muscle loss, and worsened metabolic health.
(06:18) Why muscle is “metabolic gold” that boosts insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and mood.
(07:49) How aging accelerates when you lose muscle.
(09:28) Why it’s never too late to build muscle.
(10:16) How to shift your mindset from “weight loss” to “body recomposition” for lasting transformation.
I’m JJ Virgin – a triple-board-certified health expert, fitness hall of famer, and four-time New York Times best-selling author. With over four decades of innovation in wellness, I’m here to help you take control of your health, build lean muscle, and optimize your metabolism – no matter your age.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 8, 2025 • 53min
The Untold Longevity Secrets of GLP-1s and Thyroid Health with McCall McPherson
How can GLP-1 medications reduce inflammation and improve long-term health outcomes for you beyond weight loss?
In this episode, JJ talks with thyroid and metabolic health expert McCall McPherson about the powerful connection between GLP-1 medications, inflammation, and thyroid function. Together they reveal why these therapies are about far more than weight loss and how they can unlock vitality, restore balance, and protect long-term health. This conversation will open your eyes to the overlooked truth about thyroid testing, the real benefits of GLP-1s, and practical strategies to age powerfully.
McCall McPherson has helped thousands of women regain energy and confidence through her Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss. A TEDx speaker, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and host of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast, McCall blends cutting-edge science with compassion to give women real answers and life-changing results.
What you’ll learn:
(00:50) Why weight loss alone isn’t the full story of GLP-1s.
(03:53) How the old “calories in, calories out” model fails women struggling with thyroid and metabolic issues.
(06:11) Why it can take up to a decade for hypothyroidism to be properly diagnosed and treated.
(08:31) The anti-inflammatory power of GLP-1s and their impact on autoimmune disease, dementia, and cancer risk.
(15:09) Why microdosing GLP-1s creates better results and fewer side effects compared to standard dosing.
(21:05) The truth about compounding pharmacies and why they’re under attack despite strict regulation.
(31:07) How GLP-1s help women break cycles of food guilt and restore a healthier relationship with eating.
(36:08) The essential thyroid labs you must request.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/mccall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 7, 2025 • 34min
What Your Plate Should Look Like for Fat Loss
In this episode, I break down the science of building a fat-loss-friendly plate. I share why protein is your anchor, why fiber is a game changer, and how healthy fats and slow, low carbs keep your body satisfied and your metabolism strong. With practical tips, research-backed insights, and my own tried-and-true strategies, I make it simple to eat in a way that supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle or sanity.
What you’ll learn:
(01:00) Why being in a caloric deficit is non-negotiable for fat loss.
(02:52) How ultra-processed foods impact metabolism, hunger, and fat-burning hormones.
(06:09) Why eating protein first sets the stage for fat loss success.
(08:03) How the protein leverage hypothesis explains overeating on low-protein diets.
(10:30) Why adults over 30 need more protein and how to calculate your target intake.
(14:45) The critical role of fiber in satiety, gut health, and detox during fat loss.
(19:46) Why healthy fats are essential for hormones, brain health, and satiety.
(25:21) How to visually build your plate with the right portions of protein, vegetables, carbs, and fats.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 1, 2025 • 46min
Lose Your Mind to Reclaim Your Health with Josh Pais
How can you transform stress and anxiety into creative energy?
In this episode, JJ Virgin talks with actor, teacher, and author Josh Pais to explore the surprising connections between emotions, health, and creativity. Josh shares how his struggles with anxiety led him to discover a new way of understanding feelings as vibrations rather than problems to fix. Together, they dive into how presence, play, and embracing the full range of human sensations can unlock creativity, authenticity, and better health.
Josh Pais is an actor (Joker, TMNT, and 150+ other film and TV credits) and the creator of Committed Impulse, a training method used by top performers, entrepreneurs, and Navy SEALs to master presence and overcome anxiety. His book, Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, teaches practical tools to unlock creative flow and emotional resilience. Josh blends science and storytelling to help people show up fully alive—on stage, in business, and in life.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(01:21) How Josh’s early struggles with anxiety and auditioning led him to reframe emotions as vibrations in the body.
(05:20) Why suppression is just another form of managing emotions.
(06:49) The seven-to-twelve-second window that allows emotions to naturally shift when you fully feel them.
(10:09) How I experience anxiety differently by leaning into the sensation rather than resisting it.
(12:41) The greatest myth of our time: that emotions can be categorized as good or bad.
(18:35) Why suppressing emotions can create “lock boxes” in the body that eventually manifest as tension or illness.
(25:38) Josh’s four access points to presence that anyone can practice daily to reconnect with their body and creativity.
(37:53) The one simple shift you can make today to open yourself to creativity.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 29, 2025 • 20min
Animal vs. Plant Protein
It’s not tofu versus steak. It’s both.
There’s a battle raging in the health world over plant vs. animal protein—but the truth is, this isn’t an either/or game. It’s about combining the best of both to fuel muscle, metabolism, and longevity.
In this episode, JJ Virgin breaks down the science of protein for women over 40 and shows how to use both plant and animal proteins to:
1. Hit your macros without overeating calories.
2. Burn fat while protecting hard-earned muscle.
3. Balance hunger hormones and control cravings.
4. Boost energy, brain health, and longevity with key nutrients.
5. Build delicious, satisfying meals that fit your lifestyle.
What you’ll learn:
(0:45) Why protein is more than fuel—it’s your body’s construction crew for muscles, skin, enzymes, and immune health.
(2:30) How inadequate protein intake leads to muscle loss, slowed metabolism, and accelerated aging.
(5:10) The role of protein in muscle protein synthesis and why your body needs more after age 40.
(7:20) How protein boosts metabolism through thermogenesis and helps regulate hunger hormones like GLP-1 and ghrelin.
(10:05) The science behind the protein leverage hypothesis and how it helps control overeating.
(12:40) Why animal proteins are complete, highly bioavailable, and rich in leucine.
(19:15) The critical nutrients in animal protein (e.g., choline, creatine) that are difficult to replace with plants alone.
(31:00) My favorite protein-packed meal combinations that blend animal and plant sources for delicious, balanced nutrition.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Leave a review.
Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to http://subscribetojj.com
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
Ancestral Health for Women: Hunter-Gatherer Lessons with Eric Edmeades
Eric Edmeades, an entrepreneur and author who has spent years living among the Hadza people, reveals fascinating insights on ancestral health. He discusses how the Hadza's lifestyle promotes resilience and mental health, highlighting their unique relationship with food scarcity and abundance. Eric contrasts their daily routines and diets with modern practices, explaining the harmful effects of agriculture on health. He also shares strategies for building strength through daily challenges and the importance of varied movement for overall wellness.
Sep 21, 2025 • 29min
The Ultimate Creatine Guide for Women Over 40
Discover why women over 40 need creatine more than men and how a deficiency can affect energy and brain function. Learn about the differences between creatine monohydrate and HCL—one causing discomfort and the other offering better absorption. Get practical dosing tips tailored to your stress levels and workout routine. Hear real-world success stories of improved energy and cognitive performance, including travel without jet lag. This informative guide reshapes perspectives on a powerful supplement.
