The Midlife Momentum Podcast

Midlife and menopause can change everything about how you experience intimacy, your body, and your relationships.But that doesn’t mean pleasure, confidence, or connection have to disappear.In this week’s episode, I've invited Marie-Josée Bourassa, founder and manager of the Méno-Joie Clinic here in Montreal, back to the podcast (she was with us on Episode 58, too!)This time, we’re diving deep into a topic that isn’t talked about enough: Sex, intimacy, vaginal health, and body confidence in midlife.Here’s what we’re covering:✔️ Why vaginal dryness and discomfort happen—and the steps to heal & prevent it✔️ The power of orgasms (yes, they’re essential for your health!)✔️ How self-pleasure can help you reconnect with your body & boost confidence✔️ Body image shifts in midlife and how to feel sexy again✔️ Ways to strengthen intimacy and communication in your relationshipMidlife isn’t the end of your sensuality—it’s a chance to redefine it on your terms.You deserve pleasure, connection, and a body you feel amazing in.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S. You can view this podcast episode with Marie-Josée on my YouTube channel➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, and want to express your appreciation, buy me a tea ☕... I'd absolutley love it!Here's Marie-Josée's bio:Marie-Josée Bourassa, is the founder and manager of the Méno-Joie Clinic here in Montreal, Canada. Her aim with this clinic is to help women who are suffering through the transition of menopause, and to offer them a safe environment that prioritizes compassionate medicine. Before opening the clinic, she was an accomplished nurse clinician and a leader in healthcare services in Quebec, with an expertise in women’s health and decades of managerial experience all of which have prepared her to lead the way in offering health care services to mature women. MJ is also the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Jeanne-Mance Award for her contribution to the development of nursing care, as well as improving overall health care for the population.To connect with Marie-Josée and the Méno-Joie clinic:Website: https://menojoie.com/Email: info@menojoie.comPhone number: 1-514-252-5272Instagram: @cliniquemenojoieThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation

25 years ago, I was introduced to the concept of mindset, and it completely changed the path of my life.At the time, I thought success, happiness, and health were mostly about willpower and circumstances—But I quickly learned that the way we think about challenges shapes how we experience them.Fast forward to today, and I see the same truth in menopause.The symptoms, the changes, the uncertainty—it can all feel overwhelming.But when we shift our mindset, everything shifts with it.In this latest episode, I’m sharing 5 powerful mindset shifts that will help you move through menopause feeling more empowered, confident, and even positively excited —because struggling through it isn’t the only option.Enjoy!Debbie➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coach

Have you ever wondered whether you should push through discomfort—or if it’s a sign to slow down? 🤔It's an issue I've been dealing with recently, and I know you're probably experiencing discomfort or pain at this time, too.So in this episode, I'm breaking it down:✅ The difference between discomfort and pain – and why it matters in midlife✅ When to push through (whether it’s a workout or an emotional challenge)✅ When to stop, slow down, or seek support 💡✅ How menopause changes the way we experience pain 🌀✅ Practical tools to tune into your body and mindPain isn’t always a bad thing—but knowing which signals to listen to can make all the difference in how you feel and function.Let me know what resonates with you—I’d love to hear your thoughts!Keep moving forward,Debbie➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coachHere are the resources I mentioned in this episode:"Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience", by Brené Brown"Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN", by Tara BrachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EW

Jane Costello writes rom-coms.And now she's written one for us ladies in midlife.It's called, "It's Getting Hot in Here" and it's a fun, sexy, and relatable read that will have you smiling, laughing, and probably shedding a few tears, too.Jane is currently on her book tour in the US, but I'm so grateful she took the time to talk to us (and that her team me an advance copy which I quickly devoured❤️ ) The North American release of the book was yesterday, so run (or surf) to your nearest book store and grab yours! (I was honestly so nervous and excited about this interview, but Jane was so gracious and lovely, she made me feel at ease even when I was blanking 😳) So, in this fun episode, I talk to Jane about...📕 Why she needed to write this book❤️ The loveable characters and the relatable ups and downs for a woman going through the craziness of midlife and perimenopause📋 Her top tips on becoming a published author (or anything else you're dreaming of)🎁 What's coming next... is it a sequel??I really loved ❤️ this book, and Jane was such a joy to talk to and laugh with.I hope you enjoy this episode and I'd love to hear your impressions of the book! DebbieP.S. You can view this podcast episode with Jane on my YouTube channel➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, and want to express your appreciation, please buy me a tea ☕... I'd absolutley love it!Here's Jane's bio:Jane Costello is a British bestselling author of 15 novels, five of which were published under the name ‘Catherine Isaac’. Her new book, IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE, is a spicy rom com about a 40-something TV exec and mum-of-two navigating perimenopause, a moody teenager, the to-do list from hell . . . and some delightfully steamy thoughts about a handsome new colleague at work. Her novels have been translated into 26 languages, and she’s been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!Connect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janecostellobooks/Website: https://www.catherine-isaac.com/Or, to buy her book, "It's Getting Hot in Here", in Canada, go to Indigo Books, or Amazon.Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation

Are you tired of feeling drained? 😩It can be super frustrating when you're trying to create healthy habits or work on a passion project, but you just don't have the energy to make them happen.In this episode, I'll explore...🧛‍♀️ What an energy vampire is (hint: it’s not just people, but habits, mindsets, and hidden stressors)🚫 How to identify the biggest energy drains in your life—from one-sided relationships to decision fatigue💡 Simple, practical ways to reclaim your time and energy without guiltTake a listen and let me know—what’s the biggest energy vampire in your life right now? I’d love to hear from you!Here’s to reclaiming your energy and feeling your best,Debbie➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EW

Women over 40 represent 25% of the Canadian workforce.*And out of those, million s are either in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause.And yet our demographic is often overlooked and even stigmatized in the workplace.So, how can our employers do better?Today, I'm talking about ways we can make our workplaces more inclusive and supportive for women in menopause, like💬 How to open the lines of communication and education when it comes to menopause📋 What benefit and workplace changes can be made to better support women📈 What we all gain from supporting women in the workplaceWhether you’re an employer, HR professional, or just someone passionate about building a better workplace, this episode is packed with valuable insights.It's important to all of us that we create workplaces where women in midlife can thrive.*Much of the data from this episode comes from the Menopause Foundation of Canada.If this episode resonates with you, I'd love you to share it with your colleagues and friends—it’s a conversation we all need to have.Debbie➡️ Enjoying my podcast? You can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Curious about working with me? Book a time to talk, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EW

With 2025 here, it makes me reflect.I started this podcast back in July of 2023, almost 18 months ago.That's 78 episodes!So, I wanted to share some of the highlights from 10 of the most popular episodes.In this episode you'll hear from:Courtney Boyer talking about pleasure and connecting to our bodies (Episode 16)Amy Wison discussing the weight loss drug Ozempic (Episode 18)Julieanna Hever sharing the benefits of a plant based diet (Episode 28)Lindsay Newitter giving us tools for great posture and confidence (Episode 25)Audrey Danaher reflecting on aging and how we can live our dreams (Episode 34)Teresa Wornstaff on how to tap into your intuition (Episode 63)Marie-Josée Bourassa and how she opened her Montreal-based clinic and the wins around HRT (Episode 58)And me,on midlife body shape (Episode 5), women and wine (Episode 44), and strategies to reenergize (Episode 36)Thanks so much for downloading, listening to, and sharing the podcast!➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!DebbieBook a time to talk: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationVisit me: www.debbieharbeccoaching.com , Email me: debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.comInstragram @debbieharbec or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coach

Let’s be honest—navigating perimenopause and menopause can feel like a wild ride 🎢, not just for your body, but for your mind too.Anxiety 😟, mood swings 😢, and even depression 🌀 can pop up unexpectedly, leaving you wondering what’s happening.In this week’s episode of the podcast 🎙️, I've invited Lisa Brookman, psychotherapist and co-director of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre here in Montreal, to talk about this important topic.We’re diving deep into mental health for women in midlife —because the changes that are happending in midlife aren’t just physical; they’re emotional too.Here’s what we’ll cover:💪 Learn why being kind to yourself is crucial and how it can transform your mental and emotional well-being🧰 Discover simple, effective practices to stay emotionally balanced💡 Find out what mental health challenges crop up and how to recognize when it’s time to seek support🗣️ Learn how to get the care and respect youd deserve, from speaking with your healthcare provider to setting boundariesThis conversation is a reminder that we’re not powerless during this transition 🌟.With the right tools 🛠️ and mindset, we can nurture our mental health and emerge stronger than ever.DebbieP.S. You can view this podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ywE5KcwudGM➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Here's Lisa's bio:Lisa Brookman is a psychotherapist and Co-Director of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre here in Montreal. For over 20 years, Lisa has devoted her career to helping people find their strength, heal from life’s challenges, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and inner peace. She is especially passionate about helping people nurture self-compassion and self-worth, empowering them to listen to their inner voice, trust their intuition, and embrace themselves fully. And this past October, Lisa put on an event called Menopause Unscripted. which provided empowering and informative workshops with the goal of helping us better navigate this transformative phase of our lives.Connect with Lisa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.brookman/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-brookman-msw-psw-ts-psychotherapist-805386104/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisathetherapistThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at https://debbieharbeccoaching.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/debbieharbec/ on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultation

Happy New Year to you! 🎉🎉🎉I love being at the beginning of the year and imagining what I can create in the weeks and months ahead.But it can also be daunting.So, a great tool to make it manageable and intentional, especially as we start a new year, is a vision board.In this episode, I'll take you step-by-step into creating a vision board.Here's what we'll exploreWhat a vision board isHow to get clear on your vision for the yearWhat materials you'll needHow to assemble your boardHow to use your vision board to motivate you through the yearI love vision boards!Not only do they work, they're also fun to create.And now is the perfect time to take an hour or two, in a cozy environment, to really think about how you want this year to go.And then put it in physical form.Wishing you health, happiness, and fulfillment in the year ahead,Debbie➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Book a time to talk with me, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coachMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EW

It's Christmas Day and the holiday season for many of us.It's a time of joy, connection, and... let’s be honest, stress.😅Between the shopping, cooking, hosting, and endless to-do lists, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you're already navigating midlife or menopause challenges.But it doesn’t have to be that way. 💆‍♀️You deserve to feel calm, centered, and grounded, no matter how busy life gets.That’s why I’ve created a special 10-minute meditation just for you.🌟 What’s waiting for you in this meditation?A chance to pause and reconnect with yourself 🤲Powerful tools to release stress and holiday overwhelm 🕊️Affirmations to remind you that YOU are enough 💖🎧 All you need is a quiet spot, your headphones, and 10 minutes.This is your time to breathe, relax, and recharge—because you can’t pour from an empty cup.Lsten to this meditative episode of the podcast, and gift yourself some much-needed peace.Let’s make this holiday season as joyful and stress-free as it’s meant to be.You’ve got this. 💪Happy holidays and keep moving forward,Debbie➡️ And if you're really enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a tea ☕... I'd love it!Book a time to talk with me, it's always free: https://,calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationIf you'd like to find out more about me and what I do, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com ,Email me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com,Find me on Instragram @debbieharbec, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.harbec.coachMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EW