

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

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.
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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

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

Aug 10, 2025 • 33min
Strong Arms After 40: Science-Backed Muscle Building
In this behind-the-scenes episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I've maintained strong, defined arms well into my 50s, and more importantly, why this matters so much more than just appearance. After decades in the fitness industry, I've learned that most women are approaching arm training completely wrong – focusing on light weights and endless cardio instead of the proven strategies that actually work.
I'm sharing the exact training principles I use and teach my clients, including why I don't focus on traditional bicep and tricep exercises, the critical importance of progressive overload, and how compound movements like pull-ups and push-ups can transform not just your arms, but your entire metabolic health. This isn't just about looking good in sleeveless tops (though you absolutely will!) – it's about building the muscle that serves as your metabolic engine, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you strong and powerful as you age.
What you’ll learn:
Why muscle mass is your "metabolic Spanx" and acts as a sugar sponge to improve insulin sensitivity
The surprising truth about muscle loss after 30 and why strength training beats cardio for long-term health
How grip strength serves as a powerful predictor of overall health and longevity
The exact volume, intensity, and frequency formula for building defined arms after 40
Why compound movements like pull-ups and push-ups are more effective than isolation exercises
The progressive overload principle and how to know when you're training hard enough
My muscle-first approach that prioritizes building strength before focusing on weight loss
How to properly fuel your workouts with strategic nutrition timing for maximum results
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/buildtonedarms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Gut Brain Paradox: How Your Microbiome Controls Your Mind with Dr. Steven Gundry
"I can seal your leaky gut. It'll take a while, but I can seal it. But if you keep swallowing razor blades, you're gonna tear it right open." - Dr. Steven Gundry
What if I told you that your brain isn't actually in charge of your thoughts and cravings? My longtime neighbor and friend, Dr. Steven Gundry, just blew my mind again with revelations that completely change how we think about hunger, decision-making, and brain health. We're walking around, believing we're making conscious choices about food, but the truth is that our gut bacteria are pulling the strings, like puppet masters. This conversation unveiled the shocking connection between our deteriorating gut health and the rise in neurological conditions we're seeing in women over 40. From the patient with Parkinson's who got her life back to why you feel amazing eating pasta in Italy but feel inflamed after a "healthy" meal at home, Dr. Gundry reveals the hidden razors we're swallowing daily that are literally shredding our gut lining and creating brain inflammation. If you've been struggling with brain fog, autoimmune issues, or feeling like your body is working against you, this episode will give you hope and a clear path forward.
What you’ll learn:
Why your gut bacteria are actually making your food decisions and controlling your hunger signals
The shocking truth about how leaky gut creates "leaky brain" and leads to neuroinflammation
Dr. Gundry's three-step protocol for healing your gut-brain connection (including his surprising vitamin D recommendation)
How everyday "razor blades" like ibuprofen and glyphosate are destroying your gut lining
Why you can eat bread in Europe but not America - and what this means for your health
The remarkable case study of a Parkinson's patient who reversed her symptoms through gut healing
How root vegetables and spices can actually train your immune system to be more tolerant
The hidden reason why 90% of addiction recovery programs fail (and what should be targeted instead)
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/gutbrainparadox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 3, 2025 • 32min
10 Hidden Reasons Your Body Holds Onto Fat
After four decades in this industry, I've discovered something that will validate every frustration you've felt about your stubborn metabolism. You're eating clean, hitting your macros, crushing your workouts, watching every calorie—and the scale won't budge. The truth? Your body isn't broken, and you're not failing. You've simply been following the wrong set of rules that may have damaged your metabolism over time. Today, I'm revealing the 10 hidden biological barriers that could be sabotaging your efforts, plus the one surprising factor that will blow your mind. This isn't about restriction—it's about restoration. It's time to understand why getting metabolically healthy comes first, and weight loss follows. For every woman over 40 who's ever wondered if she's going crazy, this episode will change everything you thought you knew about your body.
What you’ll learn:
Why chronic calorie restriction can actually lower your metabolism by 500 calories per day
The hidden connection between inflammation and stubborn belly fat that creates a vicious cycle
How hormonal changes during perimenopause shift fat storage patterns and what to do about it
The shocking truth about environmental toxins stored in fat cells and their impact on your metabolism
Why poor sleep makes you instantly more insulin resistant and hungry for all the wrong foods
The muscle-first approach that transforms your body composition instead of just moving the scale
How gut health and food sensitivities can be secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts
The surprising lifestyle factor that's making your body too "comfortable" to burn fat efficiently
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/10hiddenbarriers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h
Midlife Health Resilience and Returning to Your Authentic Self with Sage Robbins
"I think true resilience is appreciating what life is offering and finding the gift in it. Finding the gift in the confusion or the gift in the pain, the gift in this circumstance." - Sage Robbins
When I first encountered Sage Robbins at the World's Hottest Menopause Party, I was completely awestruck by her presence - not just how she showed up, but how truly present she was. This woman embodies the profound intersection of grace and power that comes from a 20-year journey of health struggles, hormone chaos, and ultimately finding her way back to herself. After enduring multiple miscarriages, IVF cycles, a pituitary tumor, and hormonal imbalances so severe a doctor said her profile looked like "a woman transitioning into a man," Sage discovered something revolutionary: she had to become the CEO of her own health and vitality. Her story isn't just about overcoming health challenges - it's about that beautiful midlife awakening where you stop trying to be who you think you should be and start celebrating who you actually are. From learning to trust her body instead of fighting it, to developing micro-habits that transformed her energy, to mastering the art of presence through 60-second meditations, Sage shows us how to navigate life's inevitable storms with resilience and grace. This conversation will shift how you think about your relationship with your body, your mind, and most importantly, yourself.
What You'll Learn:
How to shift from self-loathing to self-trust when it comes to your body and health
The game-changing mindset that makes you the CEO of your own vitality and wellbeing
Why micro-workouts and exercise snacks can be more powerful than hour-long gym sessions
Simple daily habits that support hormone balance and sustained energy as you age
The 60-second meditation technique that helps you find presence anywhere, anytime
How to distinguish between pushing through with force versus cultivating magnetic resilience
Why returning to your authentic self becomes possible (and essential) in midlife
The difference between surviving life's challenges and finding the gifts within them
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/sagerobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 27, 2025 • 24min
5 Bone Health Secrets Your DEXA Scan Won't Reveal
I'm about to share something that completely changed how I think about bone health – and it might shock you, too. For years, I've been getting DEXA scans and feeling confident about my bone health because my scores looked great. Then I discovered a revolutionary new test called REMS (radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry), and guess what? Despite my "perfect" DEXA results, I actually have mild osteopenia. This was my wake-up call, and it's why I'm passionate about sharing the complete truth about bone health supplements women over 40 need to know.
Here's what no one tells you: traditional DEXA scans only measure bone mineral density – how much bone you have – but they miss the crucial piece of bone quality. You could have normal bone density but still have fragile bones if your bone architecture, turnover rates, and collagen integrity aren't optimal. That's why I'm diving deep into the cutting-edge strategies that go far beyond calcium supplements, including specific exercises that load your spine and hips, the power of creatine for postmenopausal women, and why a simple weighted vest might be one of the best investments you'll ever make for your future self.
What you’ll learn:
Why waiting until 65 for your first bone density test is setting you up for failure (and when you should really start testing)
The game-changing difference between bone mineral density and bone quality – and why you need both for truly strong bones
How REMS testing provides a radiation-free, real-time assessment that's revolutionizing personalized aging care
The specific exercises that create the bone-building stress your skeleton craves, including the magic of weighted vest walking
Why bone health supplements women over 40 should include creatine HCL and how it works synergistically with resistance training
The hidden risk factors stealing your bone strength (hint: it's not just menopause)
My complete protocol for women 40+ to build and maintain strong bones from the inside out
How to overcome anabolic resistance as you age and why protein timing matters more than you think
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/bonehealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 2025 • 55min
Boundary Setting for Women: Break Free from Codependency with Terri Cole
Terri Cole, a licensed psychotherapist and renowned expert on relationships and empowerment, joins the discussion on high-functioning codependency. She reveals how accomplished women often overlook their own needs, leading to burnout and resentment. Exploring the importance of asserting one's feelings and desires, Terri emphasizes that saying 'yes' when you mean 'no' can sabotage real intimacy. Listeners will discover transformative questions to reconsider their boundaries and learn practical tools to reclaim their authentic selves in relationships.

Jul 20, 2025 • 24min
The Evening Routine Women Over 40 Need For Maximum Recovery
Unlock the secrets to rejuvenating sleep tailored for women over 40! Discover why sleep is critical for hormone balance and muscle recovery. Learn to avoid common sleep pitfalls and the importance of a calming evening routine. Find out how food, fluid intake, and even lighting can impact your rest. Dive into crucial tips for managing cortisol levels and the surprising effects of late-night lattes and alcohol. Transform your nighttime rituals to supercharge your recovery and wake up energized!