

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

Sep 14, 2025 • 20min
The Truth About Breakfast and Fat Loss for Women Over 40
Confused about breakfast and fat loss? Discover the crucial timing for your first meal that could transform your day! Learn why women over 40 should embrace higher protein breakfasts to combat energy crashes. Find out how to identify your coffee metabolism type and its impact on sleep. Say goodbye to blood sugar swings and hello to sustained energy with tailored nutrition strategies. Unravel the myths around intermittent fasting and empowering eating habits for midlife wellness.

Sep 10, 2025 • 50min
The Truth About Breast Implant Illness & Safe Recovery with Dr. Robert Whitfield
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Robert Whitfield, a leading holistic plastic surgeon, addresses the often-overlooked issue of breast implant illness. He highlights groundbreaking findings, revealing that 29% of explant specimens show bacterial contamination and that 83% of his patients struggle with detoxification. Dr. Whitfield emphasizes the importance of recognizing patients' intuition about their health, while sharing transformative recovery stories and advocating for comprehensive care that includes genetic and holistic considerations.

Sep 7, 2025 • 30min
Build Muscle While Burning Fat: My Science-Based Approach for Women Over 40
Discover a game-changing approach for fat loss that prioritizes muscle preservation over traditional dieting pitfalls. Learn why it’s crucial for women over 40 to focus on a balanced diet and exercise rather than just calorie counting. Uncover the science behind a tailored nutrition and workout strategy that promotes muscle gain while burning fat effectively. Explore the importance of the 'trifecta for satiety' to manage hunger and stabilize blood sugar levels, setting the foundation for sustainable health as you age.

Sep 3, 2025 • 49min
The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian
"Trauma becomes a burden that the body carries…and it's up to you to decide, do I still want to carry this or do I want to put it down?" - Dr. Aimie Apigian
You know how some women say they sailed through menopause like it was no big deal, while others struggle intensely with symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere? I used to think it was just hormones and genetics, but what I've discovered through my conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian completely shifted my perspective on trauma healing women over 40.
Here's what blew my mind: that autoimmune condition, the weight that won't budge, the anxiety that hits during perimenopause, the gut issues that seemed to appear overnight - they might not just be about declining hormones. They could be your body finally revealing trauma that's been stored in your tissues for years, waiting for the right biological trigger to surface. And menopause? That's often the perfect storm that brings it all to light.
Dr. Aimie, a double board-certified physician and author of "The Biology of Trauma," explains why traditional therapy often falls short and why your body needs very specific things to heal - things that address not just your psychology, but the actual biological changes trauma creates in your cells, your immune system, and your nervous system. What's even more encouraging? She's seeing profound shifts in just 21 days when people get the right tools.
Notice when you create unnecessary stress for yourself this week - rushing out the door, picking fights, or choosing stimulating foods. Ask yourself: "How does this serve me?" You might be surprised by the answer.
What you’ll learn:
Why your capacity for stress shrinks during perimenopause - and how trauma stored in your body gets amplified during hormonal transitions
The critical difference between stress and trauma - one energizes you, the other shuts down your mitochondria, thyroid, and metabolism
How to recognize if you're living at your overwhelm line - and why trauma survivors unconsciously seek out that dangerous edge
The real reason traditional talk therapy might have left you feeling worse - and what your body actually needs to release stored trauma
Why lifting weights isn't just about building muscle - it's about building your capacity to handle hard things emotionally
The three nervous system states you cycle through daily - and how to shift from overwhelm back to calm using somatic techniques
How trauma shows up in your relationships, health, and daily life patterns - even if you scored zero on childhood adverse events
The surprising connection between the vagus nerve and gut health - and why "vagus nerve toning" can sometimes backfire
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.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/bot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 2025 • 22min
Why I'm Breaking Up with My Bathroom Scale (And You Should Too)
After decades in the health industry, I'm on a mission to get rid of traditional scales. Here's why: We've been focusing on the wrong metric for far too long, and it's doing real metabolic damage, especially to women over 40. In this episode, I'm diving into everything I've learned about body composition through my doctoral studies and 30+ years of experience working with thousands of women.
The truth is, muscle is your organ of longevity, and starting around age 30, we can lose up to 1% of our muscle mass each year - that loss doubles after 60. But here's what I've discovered: when you shift your focus from weight loss to body recomposition, everything changes. I'm sharing my exact protocol for measuring what really matters (hint: it's not the number on your scale), including the specific tools I use at home and the professional assessments that give you the complete picture. Plus, I'll reveal how my husband dropped 27 pounds of fat while gaining 24 pounds of muscle in just 8 months using these strategies.
What you’ll learn:
Why women can handle 18-25% body fat and stay metabolically healthy (and why that's actually good news)
The dangerous type of fat you need to watch (it's not where you think) and how to measure it at home
How to know if you're losing muscle or fat when the scale goes down - and the simple morning test that tells you
The exact body composition measurements that predict longevity better than weight
My personal DEXA scan results and why they differ 5% from my home measurements (and why that's okay)
The optimal rate of fat loss that preserves muscle (spoiler: it's slower than you think)
Why "newbie gains" can help you build muscle faster if you're just starting resistance training
The cutting-edge bone density test that revealed issues my DEXA scans missed for years
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/bodyrecomp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Hidden Food Additives Sabotaging Women Over 40 with Courtney Swan
"We have allowed about 10,000 additives into our food supply. In the EU, they allow around 300 to 400 additives depending on what country you're looking at. 300 to 400 versus 10,000 is a large leap." - Courtney Swan
The shocking truth about what's really in our food will make you rethink everything sitting in your pantry right now. After spending time in Europe and feeling amazing while eating "everything," I knew something was fundamentally broken with our American food system. My guest today, integrative nutritionist and food activist Courtney Swan, reveals the disturbing reality that we're consuming 10,000 food additives compared to just 300-400 in Europe. For women over 40 already battling hormonal changes, weight challenges, and energy dips, these hidden toxins in our everyday foods are sabotaging our health in ways we never imagined. Courtney breaks down exactly which ingredients are causing inflammation, disrupting our hormones, and keeping us feeling tired and bloated - plus gives us a practical roadmap to navigate the grocery store without spending hours reading labels or breaking the bank.
The hidden difference between American and European food standards that explains why you feel amazing eating abroad
Which common food additives are secretly disrupting your hormones and causing weight gain after 40
How to decode manipulative food packaging and marketing claims that target health-conscious shoppers
The simple "grocery store test" to determine if a packaged food is truly clean or ultra-processed
Why glyphosate exposure may be behind your digestive issues and what foods pose the highest risk
Practical strategies to reduce inflammation through better food choices without overwhelming your routine
The exciting policy changes happening right now that could transform our food system
Easy meal planning tips that make cooking real food achievable for busy women
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 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/swan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 2025 • 22min
I Tested 10 Viral Health Trends So You Don't Have To (The Results Will Surprise You)
Join me in the JJ Virgin Lifestyle Community Facebook group!
I get it - your social media feeds are absolutely flooded with the latest "miracle" solutions, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what's actually worth your time, money, and energy. As women over 40, we don't have the luxury of experimenting with every trend that promises transformation. We need real results, not just pretty packaging.
That's exactly why I decided to dive deep into the top 10 health trends women over 40 are asking me about most. From apple cider vinegar shots to red light face masks, I'm giving you the unfiltered truth about what works, what doesn't, and what might just surprise you. Some of these trends have genuine science behind them, while others are basically expensive ways to feel like you're doing something healthy.
Here's what really struck me while researching this - so many of us are desperately seeking that one thing that will finally make us feel vibrant and confident again. But the truth is, the most powerful trends aren't always the flashiest ones. Sometimes it's the simple, unsexy solutions that create the most profound shifts in how we look and feel.
I'm genuinely curious - what stands out to you that you'd love to try from all the different trends I talked about? Or maybe there's one you were going to try and now you're thinking "oh yeah, no way!" DM me on Instagram @jjvirgin - I love hearing your thoughts on these conversations.
What you’ll learn:
How to evaluate viral wellness trends like a health expert instead of falling for marketing hype
Why apple cider vinegar actually deserves the buzz and the specific way to use it for maximum benefit
The surprising truth about dry fasting and why it could be sabotaging your metabolism
How to get all the benefits of organ meats without actually eating them (this hack is a game-changer)
Which trendy beauty treatments actually work for reducing inflammation and boosting collagen production
The real story behind GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and how to use them for metabolic healing, not just weight loss
Why some "detox" trends could be doing more harm than good, and when to work with a practitioner instead
The simple research method that will help you separate science from social media hype forever
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/viralhealthtrends
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors with Dr. Mindy Goldman
"No one should suffer. I think a lot of cancer survivors get told, be thankful you're alive. We've got all these wonderful treatments. We will keep you alive and just deal with the side effects of treatments, and that just isn't true." - Dr. Mindy Goldman
When I sat across from Dr. Mindy Goldman at dinner the night before Tamsen Fadal's World's Hottest Menopause Party, I knew I had to get her on the podcast. As someone who's spent decades watching women suffer in silence after breast cancer treatment—told just to be grateful they're alive while managing devastating menopausal symptoms—I was thrilled to meet someone breaking down these barriers, finally. Dr. Goldman has created something revolutionary: the only program in the country that bridges breast cancer care with menopause management, training over 300 providers to support survivors through virtual telehealth. We dive deep into the biggest myth plaguing women today—that ALL breast cancer survivors must avoid hormones forever—and she explains why that's simply not true for everyone. From the real truth about bioidentical hormones versus synthetic ones, to natural alternatives that actually work, to when testosterone might be safe, this conversation will arm you with the knowledge to have informed discussions with your healthcare team. Most importantly, you'll discover that suffering through treatment side effects isn't your only option.
What you’ll learn:
Why "breast cancer is not breast cancer" and how different types affect hormone therapy decisions
The real truth about bioidentical hormones versus the synthetic ones used in the Women's Health Initiative study
Natural alternatives for managing hot flashes, sleep issues, and other menopause symptoms during cancer treatment
How specific exercise protocols (including interval training) can actually help prevent cancer recurrence
When vaginal estrogen might be safe even for hormone-positive breast cancer survivors
Lifestyle factors that matter more than genetics for cancer prevention
Why women with genetic mutations or family history can often still use hormone therapy
How MIDI Health is revolutionizing care for cancer survivors in all 50 states
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drmindy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 17, 2025 • 22min
What I Actually Eat in a Day: My Daily Nutrition Routine for Women Over 40
After decades of working with thousands of women and perfecting my own health journey, I'm sharing with you exactly what fuels my body every single day. This isn't some Instagram-perfect fantasy—this is my real-world daily nutrition routine for women over 40 that travels with me 70% of the time and has helped me maintain muscle mass, energy, and metabolic health as I've aged.
From my morning coffee ritual (yes, it's actually a health food!) to my strategic supplement timing, I'm walking you through every meal, every supplement, and every decision that keeps me strong and energized. You'll discover why I choose certain proteins over others, how I time my carbs for better sleep, and the game-changing supplement that increased my muscle protein synthesis by 18% in just three weeks. This daily nutrition routine for women over 40 isn't about restriction—it's about optimization, and I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes strategies that actually work.
What you’ll learn:
The exact morning routine that sets up metabolic success, including why timing your first meal matters for hormone balance
My loaded protein smoothie formula and yogurt alternative that keeps me satisfied for hours (plus the surprising cereal I add for extra fiber and protein)
The revolutionary follistatin supplement that helped me gain 2.5 pounds of fat-free mass in just two months—and why this matters more as we age
How to structure lunch and dinner for optimal muscle maintenance, including my foolproof leftover strategy that saves time and supports your goals
The complete supplement protocol I use for energy, joint health, and mitochondrial support
Why I eat more carbs at dinner for better sleep and how to create the perfect hormonal winner meal
My travel-friendly backup plans that maintain consistency whether I'm home or on the road
The evening supplement routine that optimizes recovery and prepares your body for restorative sleep
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/whatfuelsme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Revolutionary Skin Science: How to Reverse Cellular Aging with Dr. Alessandra Zonari
"When you take care of your health, you improve your skin to the level that you need less makeup because your skin is already showing up so much healthier." - Dr. Alessandra Zonari
What if I told you that the secret to reversing skin aging isn't about slathering on more products, but about targeting the "zombie cells" that are literally aging you from within? Dr. Alessandra Zonari, a PhD stem cell biologist, just blew my mind with her breakthrough research on cellular senescence - those damaged cells that refuse to die and instead pump out inflammation that breaks down our collagen and thins our skin barrier. As women, we hit a biological cliff at 30, and by our 40s and beyond, these senescent cells are accumulating faster than our bodies can clear them out. But here's the game-changer: we can actually reverse this process, not just slow it down. Through targeted skincare that eliminates these zombie cells, combined with smart lifestyle choices around sleep, exercise, and nutrition, we can turn back our biological clock. This isn't about looking younger for vanity - it's about having healthier, more resilient skin that protects our entire body from systemic inflammation and supports our longevity.
Why cellular senescence (zombie cells) is the hidden root cause of skin aging that most skincare completely ignores
The biological "cliff" that happens at 30 and how it accelerates skin aging in your 40s and beyond
How to reverse skin aging at the cellular level, not just mask the symptoms
Why your skincare routine is incomplete without targeting senescent cells
The surprising connection between scalp health and hair thinning as we age
How sleep, exercise, and nutrition create exponential results when combined with the right topical treatments
The truth about what really works for aging skin vs. marketing claims that don't address root causes
Why taking care of your skin barrier impacts your entire body's inflammation levels
Visit OneSkin.co/JJ and use code JJ for 15% off your first purchase.
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.
Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?
Go to subscribetojj.com
Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)
Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!
What you’ll learn:Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/skinlongevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices