Pause To Go Podcast: What You Need to Know About Menopause and Midlife Transitions

”What the Forties?” with Dr. Briana Botsford - A Lifespan View of Menopause

Today’s episode with naturopathic physician, Dr. Briana Botsford, looks at Perimenopause, not as an isolated period of time - but as part of a whole human story, a lifespan approach to examining a particular phase of life. We also discuss: 1. Why pregnancy and perimenopause look a lot alike 2.  Doctors like Dr. Bri are still really learning about how to recognize and help women who are experiencing effects of perimenopause. 3. Why there is resistance when patients are confronted with a "diagnosis" of perimenopause. 4. How the medical response to menopause is influenced by the cultural demand for more information. 5. How our understanding of menopause is changing for each generation: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millenials, and Gen Y 6. How we can change the cultural stigma around aging for women... maybe throw a menopause party? 7.  The 9-5 work-world is not necessarily designed for human health needs -- it increases stress and may even contribute to effects like hot flashes 8. An explanation of Naturopathic medicine and how to find a good naturopathic physician 9.  Check out Bri's TikToks and Reels. 10. How doctors can help to remove the shame and stigma of perimenopause by encouraging us to talk about our vulvar and vaginal sensations. 11. Bree shares her own TMI moment about genital discomfort and cycling in Mexico. 12.  We talk about the estrogenic roller coaster and some of the effects it can have. 13. We also talk about Hormone Therapy -- including topical estrogen 14. We talk how hormones affect, not only vaginal dryness and hot flashes but also the pelvic floor and also mental health. 15. The discussion with our doctors does not end with a prescription -- our bodies are shifting and may need different approaches. 16. Identity shifts: more parallels between Motherhood and Menopause 17. The power of peri and post-menopause.  (Thank you Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep.) 18. Dr. Bri's advice for women in perimenopause/menopause: Strength Training! Links: http:/instagram.com/docbribots/http:/www.facebook.com/drbrianabotsfordwww.bribotsford.comwww.flowyeg.ca  American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (https://naturopathic.org/default.aspx) **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

”What Fresh is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You” with Author Heather Corinna

In this episode, host Bree Luck talks with Heather Corinna, longtime activist, author, and educator,  about their new book "What Fresh is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You," a frank, funny, and super-inclusive look at the seismic shifts of midlife. We talk about all things perimenopausal, from cultivating a healthier relationship with your changing body, to avoiding menopausal market-healthcare scams, to fostering better communication with colleagues and loved ones. In addition, we discuss: How we can’t divorce our experience of perimenopause and menopause from the culture in which it is happening Why it is important for Gen X to spread the word about perimenopause so that millennials have it on their radar now. Celebrating Heather’s menopause victory after a long ride on the estrogenic roller coaster. How to evaluate products and services geared toward people in perimenopause and menopause to determine what is right for you. Body neutrality, self-acceptance, beauty standards, representation of aging, and pretty privilege.  The invisibility factor: The power in NOT being the center of attention “How come you never age?” and other messed-up compliments. How to have better relationships with family, friends, and coworkers during menopause. Schedule yourself a little bit of "Camp Me" -- taking time for genuine self-care when your body is in major transition! Important links from this episode:Fat by Hanne BlankHeather Corinna’s books, including “What Fresh is This: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities and You” Join the FB Pause to Go Discussion group, where I'll post very brief readings from Heather's book throughout the week. ***I'll GIVE a copy of Heather's book to one listener who leaves a 5-star written review on Apple Podcasts this week!***Here's how: 1. Open the Apple Podcasts App on your iPhone. 2. Subscribe to the Pause to Go Podcast. 3. Then click on Library at the bottom of your screen. 4. Click on the Pause to Go Podcast Icon. 5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to leave a review! Thanks to everyone who has left a review or shared the podcast with your friends! Every review and share helps! Special thanks to WTJU  for the use of their recording studio for this episode. When you support WTJU, you are supporting great radio and new podcasts!  **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

”How Can I Do Me Better?” a conversation with Jessica Childs on Lyme Disease and Perimenopause, Holding Boundaries (or not) with Integrity, and Showin...

In this remarkable conversation with Jessica Childs, we discuss  Lyme Disease and Perimenopause, Holding Boundaries (or not) with Integrity, and showing up with vulnerability and presence. Our conversation includes: Jessica’s experience of perimenopause  Lyme disease and perimenopause Finding an embodied state in the face of pain and discomfort Reframing Insomnia Using masturbation as an antidote to insomnia and other unpleasant situations What does an intimacy coach do? Looking at boundaries as both a limit and a capacity Examining different ways that humans respond to boundary crossing "How can I do me better?" Letting go of cultural messages that don’t serve us and returning to our animal bodies. The interplay of hormones and our drive Why self-awareness is not only good for your life, it’s good for the world. Find out more about Jessica at: www.oracleintimacy.com andwww.instagram.com/oracleintimacy/ also, check outExistential Kink by Carolyn Elliot **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

Shae Elise Allen on early menopause, the alchemy of midlife transformation, and finding self-worth at every stage of life

In this conversation with Shae Elise Allen,  a sexual wellness educator, speaker, somatic coach, and transformational guide based in Melbourne, Australia, we talk about the alchemy of change, embracing our baby crones, about the patriarchy and the monolithic industry, and changing our story about aging. Join Bree's beta group for cultivating your own Lovely Unbecoming Shae's experience of early menopause: blushing, hot flushes, and irregular periods The perceived and erroneous pathologization of perimenopause and menopause The shame of menopause and perimenopause Embracing the baby crone  Leading from the heart in a time of transition and listening to the body's signals Why menopause is a lot like giving birth — and why it's more powerful in many ways Why it is essential to have deep conversations about our changing bodies The challenge of being a square peg in a round hole: When our transformational processes don't fit in a society that values linear growth The challenge of tapping into self-worth when our identities are shifting Worthiness, Women, and the Patriarchy Honoring the struggle — and also making room for ease and flow Why menopause is one of the last feminist frontiers Sexuality at midlife https://www.shaeelise.com/ Http://midlifepleasureandpower.com https://www.instagram.com/shaeeliseallen/ Support the show **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

Havva Mahler on the Chinese medicine perspective of perimenopause and menopause

In this conversation with Havva Mahler, a Chinese Medicine practitioner and Intentional Health and Wellness Coach, we discuss different cultural understandings of perimenopause and menopause and explore ways to ease suffering and cultivate joy in and beyond midlife. This podcast includes: The power of becoming aware of our cultural conditioning so we can move beyond it. What Bree is taking on her solo retreat in the jungle. (a yoga mat, a journal, and a book) Why we hurt.  Why we suffer.  And what to do with that information. How Western culture has normalized "suffering" Why your emotions are always valid The Chinese medicine perspective on the "gifts" of growing older How to cultivate joy and find greater ease Links mentioned: Havva's Coaching Website: https://treesoflifecoaching.com/ Havva's Chinese Medicine Website: https://livemore.co.il/en/blog/Literature mentioned: The Chalice and the Blade  Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Work-First-Years-Society/dp/0393313484 (We thought it was 10, 000 -- but it's actually 20,000 -- but who's counting, right?) There's No Such Thing as a Dragon  **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

From Princess to Queen, A Maven’s Journey Through a Healthy Perimenopause with Dominique Cocuzza

In Episode 3 of Pause to Go, host Bree Luck speaks with perimenopause fitness coach, and founder of the Periwink app, Dominique Cocuzza about cultivating a healthy transition through perimenopause and menopause with attention to lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and mindset.In this episode we discuss: Dominique's personal experience of perimenopause. Gen X women and a shifting paradigm around women and aging Eradicating shame around perimenopause Estrogen Dominance and how hormones affect our wellbeing Maiden, Matron, Maven, Crone -- A queen's journey How our lifestyle affects our health in the aging process Dominique's new Periwink App Links from the episode Dominique Cocuzza's Website: https://dominiquefitness.com/ Periwink app Elise Loehnen discussed the inclusion of the Matron in the role profile of women in this Brilliant Balance podcast episode North American Menopause Society The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

, Love, and Relationships in Midlife with Kira Hower

In this episode of Pause to Go, I chat with Women's Empowerment and , Love, & Relationship Coach, Kira Hower, about maximizing pleasure in midlife to find true empowerment! In this episode we discuss: going through menopause during the pandemic The Second Spring: reenvisioning menopause as a time of creative possibility Finding Sensual Pleasure after menopause Exploring your erotic blueprint Making pleasure a habit Why orgasms are good for you Kira's upcoming coaching programsLinks from Show: Kira Hower Women's Empowerment Coach --  http://www.kirahower.com Bree Luck -- http://thelovelyunbecoming.com Erotic Blueprints --  http://missjaiya.com Full transcript and chapter segments are also available. **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

Dr. Teresa Diaz on Aging, Hormones, and the Importance of Pleasure

Dr. Teresa Diaz explains the role hormones play in perimenopause, the science behind bioidentical hormones, and the importance of embracing pleasure as women. She shares her own remarkable story of growing up in the Bronx, going to medical school at age 35, building a whole new life filled with adventure and pleasure --  and starting a new functional medicine practice in her perimenopausal and postmenopausal years! Topics include: Dr. Diaz's personal menopause story Estrogen Dominance and what happens in our bodies during perimenopause and menopause How Bioidentical hormones may help How diet can support us in the aging process Other factors that have an impact on the aging process How functional medicine differs from conventional medicine The transformative powers of orgasmic meditation and Dr. Diaz's top tip for women going through perimenopause and menopause. Links from this episode:https://www.orgasmicmedicine.com/ Slow : https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780446567190 Dr. Diaz's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/708025659820772 **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!

Pause to Go Trailer

Bree Luck (The Lovely Unbecoming) will help you turn Life’s Tricky Transitions into Brilliant Transformations through weekly interviews with experts, honest talk with amazing women, and conversations about making the most of every phase of life, from middle school to menopause. **** ONE MORE THING! Did you love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send a quick voicemail to let me know what you think! (I LOVE to hear your voice too!) And if you'd like to work with me to maximize your moments, find greater fulfillment in your career, and clear away societal expectations to make room for YOUR dreams, visit me at www.thelovelyunbecoming.com/ Stay curious, y'all! xoBree P.S. All of these episodes are possible thanks to:Codebase Coworking as well as my dear friends over at WTJU Charlottesville!