Well Beyond 40

JJ Virgin
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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. 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/bot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
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
undefined
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
undefined
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
undefined
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
undefined
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
undefined
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

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app