The Midlife Truth Project

Ep. 10 - "Stronger Together" with Michelle Jacobs + Sally Mueller

This special BONUS EPISODE, entitled Stronger Together, is the epilogue to our special nine-part series. It’s a closing conversation where our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcomed Womaness co-founders, Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs, to explore the importance of community and connection in midlife, their thoughts + reflections on the series overall and why they were so passionate about supporting it. The conversation touches on how Womaness, a brand built for women by women, fosters community and trust, including a private Facebook Group called The After Party where over 9,000 women connect + share their insights and experiences about midlife. We also discuss the complex paradigm of women supporting women and why that sometimes feels difficult - both in life and in business. We also take a valuable look back on the series, leaving listeners with valuable insights from key episodes and share more on what’s ahead for The Midlife Truth Project. About Our Guests: Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs met over 20 years ago. They became good friends early in their careers, creative collaborators, and honest sounding boards for each other. During a catchup a few years ago, Sally shared she’d been experiencing a variety of symptoms—aches and pains, vaginal dryness, and dry skin—and was surprised to learn that these were all related to menopause. After reaching out to friends and colleagues, they realized that this scenario was all too common. There was no clear education, support, or modern products for this time in a woman’s life. So they did something about it. Leveraging their combined skills and experiences, they created Womaness, the leading women’s wellness brand, to modernize aging for women and to help them navigate their changing bodies with innovative products and solutions, essential information, and unlimited inspiration. Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner! Womaness * https://womaness.com/ [https://womaness.com/] * Instagram @mywomaness [https://www.instagram.com/mywomaness/] * Facebook @mywomaness [https://www.facebook.com/mywomaness] Julie Flakstad * https://julieflakstad.com/ [https://julieflakstad.com/]  * Instagram @julieflakstad  [https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/] * Facebook @thejulieflakstad [https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad] Dr. Taz Bhatia * YouTube: @DrTazMD [https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD] * Instagram: @drtazmd [https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/] * Website: doctortaz.com [http://doctortaz.com] * Order The Hormone Shift book HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710071/the-hormone-shift-by-tasneem-bhatia-md/?aid=20617&linkid=PRH13D9AAE743ED&ref=PRH13D9AAE743ED] * Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ [https://centrespringmd.com/]  Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on our new upcoming season. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! This series is presented by Womaness Created by women for women, Womaness [https://womaness.com/] (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well. Just for you… Womaness [https://womaness.com/collections/midlife-truth-podcast-picks] is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co

Ep 9 “Connect The Dots” with Sara Blakely

This is episode (9) of our special nine-part series entitled Connect The Dots. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcome serial entrepreneur, visionary and dedicated philanthropist Sara Blakely. As the founder of Spanx [https://spanx.com/], a now billion-dollar global brand that revolutionized women’s apparel and, more recently, Sneex [https://sneex.com/], the world’s first high-heel sneaker, Sara shares her midlife journey as a time of transformation and growth. She highlights the importance of mindset, intuition, and carving out moments for self-connection, all of which have guided her major decisions in life, including selling Spanx. She also gives valuable advice + insight on how to embrace fear and stay connected to one's "why" - especially in midlife. Here are some key themes + takeaways … * Midlife as a "Chrysalis":  Rather than seeing midlife as a crisis, Sara sees it as a transformative period of shedding, growth and inner reflection, where ego-driven motivations give way to purpose-driven ones driven more by spirit. * The Power of Visualization: Sara shares her approach on visualization where she focuses on creating mental space for her mind to wander, daydream and allowing ideas to surface naturally. * Connecting with Intuition: From an early age, Sara explains how she learned to connect with herself, embrace intuition and manifest what she wants. She talks openly about her ongoing process of becoming intentional and clear about key decisions as well as asking the universe for specific signs to guide her. * Overcoming Fear: “The only way to overcome your fear, is to do it,” Sara says, explaining that continues to be committed to saying YES to challenging situations that could be embarrassing. Embarrassing situations become funny, vulnerable stories, she explains, and these experiences make us more resilient and allow us to embrace our imperfections. * Struggling with Perimenopause: Sara opens up about her own vulnerable experience and confusion dealing with perimenopause including extreme hormone fluctuations, sleep struggles, massive weight fluctuations and severe emotional lows.  * Philanthropy and Purpose-Driven Work: Passionately dedicated to empowering women, she talks about her personal, and at times playful, approach to philanthropy, including lending out her wedding dress to women during COVID, creating a "wedding dress sisterhood." About Our Guest, Sara Blakely Sara Blakely is a serial entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Spanx, a brand that revolutionized women’s shapewear by turning her personal frustration with traditional hosiery into an innovative solution. Beyond her business, Blakely is committed to empowering women globally through her Sara Blakely Foundation, and became the first female billionaire to join the Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half her wealth to charity. Today, she continues to inspire as an investor on Shark Tank, a frequent speaker, and a champion for women achieving their dreams, all while aiming to create the world’s most comfortable high-heel shoe, Sneex. Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner! Sara Blakely * Spanx [https://spanx.com/]   * Sneex [https://sneex.com/]  * Sara Blakely Foundation [https://www.sarablakelyfoundation.com/] * Speaking [https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/387588/Sara-Blakely#:~:text=The%20estimated%20speaking%20fee%20range,your%20event%20is%20%24100%2C000%20%2D%20%24200%2C000] * Modern Elder Academy [https://www.meawisdom.com/]     * Instagram: @sarablakely [https://www.instagram.com/sarablakely/?hl=en]  Julie Flakstad * https://julieflakstad.com/ [https://julieflakstad.com/]  * Instagram @julieflakstad [https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/] * Facebook @thejulieflakstad [https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad] Dr. Taz Bhatia * YouTube: @DrTazMD [https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD] * Instagram: @drtazmd [https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/] * Website: doctortaz.com [http://doctortaz.com] * Order The Hormone Shift book HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710071/the-hormone-shift-by-tasneem-bhatia-md/?aid=20617&linkid=PRH13D9AAE743ED&ref=PRH13D9AAE743ED] * Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ [https://centrespringmd.com/]  Tune in next Wednesday, 11/20, when we drop our bonus episode to this special (9) part series, called “Stronger Together” with Womaness [https://womaness.com/] co-founders, Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs. In this final episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, reflect on the importance of having a playbook for midlife and the power of community + connection as we age. Available on Audio and on YouTube! Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! This series is presented by Womaness Created by women for women, Womaness [https://womaness.com/] (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well. Just for you… Womaness [https://womaness.com/collections/midlife-truth-podcast-picks] is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 8 - "It's Not Too Late" with Gabby Reece

This is episode (8) of our special nine-part series entitled It’s Not Too Late. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Gabby Reece - volleyball legend, inspirational health and fitness leader, podcast host, corporate speaker, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. In this conversation, Gabby shares her own personal experience navigating midlife and her perspective and advice on fostering a positive mindset, prioritizing self-care + the power of taking personal inventory. Together we discuss why it’s "never too late" for anything; new pursuits, fitness, relationships and instead how to lean into curiosity and play with flexibility and grace. Here are some key themes + takeaways … * Midlife + Adolescence: similar to adolescence, we can either buy into what society tells us that we should be thinking and feeling in midlife, or we can avoid the noise and take charge of what we can control. * We’re not invisible, it’s simply nature: at the end of the day, humans are animals. As we reach midlife, we’re not emitting signals to make people look at us, because we’re NOT having babies anymore. That doesn’t mean we’re invisible. Midlife is nature’s way of freeing us up, so we can move on and add value in different ways. * Preserve your inner ‘girl’: as we age, remember to have fun, not just on Saturday nights but also on everyday afternoons. Lety’s “sharpen the blade of being ‘naughty’ and be more playful, have more levity and take ourselves less seriously. * The distinction between curiosity and searching: recognize that the answer is not “out there” for us to search for, it’s ‘within’ us. Ultimately there really aren’t any ‘answers’ anyway. Curiosity is about waking up everyday with your beliefs but being willing to question them, listen to other ideas and learn new concepts. * As long as you’re ALIVE, be ALIVE: don’t fall into the trap of ‘you’re either young or old’. Instead, lean into the fact that you’re either ALIVE or DEAD, and as long as you’re alive, BE ALIVE. We’re all here to connect and contribute something for as long as we’re alive. * Life is school: we’re learning - let go of all the expectations and live. * All you need is 90 days: Create a plan for movement + nutrition. There is nothing more painful than not moving. You can change anything if you give it 90 days About Our Guest, Gabby Reece Gabby Reece is a former professional volleyball player, fitness icon, model, and entrepreneur known for her powerful presence both on and off the court. With a career that began in sports and extended into wellness advocacy, she has inspired countless individuals to pursue active, healthy lifestyles. Beyond her athletic achievements, Reece is a successful businesswoman, author, and podcast host who champions the importance of mental resilience, self-care, and balance. As a wife and mother, she seamlessly integrates her experiences and insights into relatable discussions about navigating life’s transitions, emphasizing that it’s never too late to embrace growth and transformation. Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner! Gabby Reece * Podcast [https://gabriellereece.com/podcast/]  * Book [https://www.amazon.com/Foot-Too-Big-Glass-Slipper-ebook/dp/B008J48HRM]  * Laird Superfood [https://lairdsuperfood.com/] * XPT [https://www.xptlife.com/] * High X [https://gabriellereece.com/highx/] * Gabby Apparel [https://lairdapparel.com/collections/womens-new]     * Website: https://gabriellereece.com/ [https://gabriellereece.com/] * Instagram: @gabbyreece [https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/]   Julie Flakstad * https://julieflakstad.com/ [https://julieflakstad.com/]  * Instagram @julieflakstad [https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/]  * Facebook @thejulieflakstad [https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad] Dr. Taz Bhatia * YouTube: @DrTazMD [https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD] * Instagram: @drtazmd [https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/] * Website: doctortaz.com [http://doctortaz.com] * Order The Hormone Shift book HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710071/the-hormone-shift-by-tasneem-bhatia-md/?aid=20617&linkid=PRH13D9AAE743ED&ref=PRH13D9AAE743ED] * Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ [https://centrespringmd.com/]  Tune in next Wednesday, 11/13, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Connect The Dots” with celebrated entrepreneur and founder of Spanx [https://spanx.com/] and more recently Sneex [https://sneex.com/], Sara Blakely. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get valuable perspective and practical advice on the sometimes overwhelming question of ‘what’s next?’. Available on Audio and on YouTube! Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! This series is presented by Womaness Created by women for women, Womaness [https://womaness.com/] (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well. Just for you… Womaness [https://womaness.com/collections/midlife-truth-podcast-picks] is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.  [https://rainbowcreative.co]

Ep. 7 - "Plan Ahead" with Jean Chatzky

This is episode (7) of our special nine-part series entitled Plan Ahead. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Jean Chatzky - CEO and Founder of HerMoney, journalist, author, and former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show. The conversation addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of financial planning, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Chatzky shares insights into why financial planning is inherently challenging, particularly due to human behavioral tendencies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding personal "money types" to overcome financial roadblocks. Here are some of the themes we discuss … * What ‘planning ahead’ means in our 40s + 50s: Jean offers perspective on why we’re not necessarily wired to plan ahead ahead, how planning ahead has evolved, and what we should be thinking about today. * Emotional and Behavioral Aspects of Money Management The episode underscores that money management isn’t just numbers—it’s tied deeply to emotions and behaviors, and understanding this connection can help individuals make better, less reactive financial decisions. * Understanding Personal “Money Types” She explains that one of the first steps to planning ahead is to better understand your relationship with money and finances. Jean recommends taking a money personality quiz (see link below) to provide insight on why you are the way you are, and, if you’re in a relationship, how your partner is wired too. * Building an Emergency Fund Jean highlights the importance of a dedicated emergency fund (aka the “oh shit” fund) for life’s unexpected expenses, including tips on how much we should have saved for unforeseen circumstances. * Empowering Women in Financial Decision Making The conversation explores how many women in midlife feel unprepared to handle or even talk about personal finances,  the need to insert oneself in financial conversations, and advice on how to take a more active role in managing day-to-day finances. * Setting Realistic Financial Goals Jean offers valuable benchmarks for savings and retirement, insight on how to talk more openly with your partner/spouse about your future goals, and broader perspective on how to avoid FOMO relative to what one can and can’t afford. About Our Guest, Jean Chatzky Jean Chatzky, CEO and co-founder of HerMoney is the former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show, a coach on the PBS show Opportunity Knocks, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, the financial ambassador for AARP and the host of the HerMoney podcast. Through decades of reporting on personal finance, she learned that a) the jargon-filled speak of the financial industry was created (largely by men) to sell you stuff you don’t need, and b) if you eliminate the jargon there is absolutely no rocket science to money. She knows that a full, successful financial life is within every woman’s grasp — and with the HerMoney team, she’s on a mission to help you get it. Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner! Jean Chatzky * HerMoney Podcast [https://hermoney.com/t/podcasts/]  * Books [https://jeanchatzky.com/books/]  * Speaking [https://jeanchatzky.com/lets-collaborate/#listen]  * Website: https://jeanchatzky.com/ [https://jeanchatzky.com/]  * Instagram: @jeanchatzky [https://www.instagram.com/jeanchatzky/]   Resources noted * www.investingfixx.com [http://www.investingfixx.com]  * Money Type: Money Personality Quiz [https://www.moneytype.hermoney.com/] Julie Flakstad * https://julieflakstad.com/ [https://julieflakstad.com/]  * Instagram @julieflakstad  [https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/] * Facebook @thejulieflakstad [https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad] Dr. Taz Bhatia * YouTube: @DrTazMD [https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD] * Instagram: @drtazmd [https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/] * Website: doctortaz.com [http://doctortaz.com] * Order The Hormone Shift book HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710071/the-hormone-shift-by-tasneem-bhatia-md/?aid=20617&linkid=PRH13D9AAE743ED&ref=PRH13D9AAE743ED] * Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ [https://centrespringmd.com/]  Tune in next Wednesday, 11/6, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “It’s Not Too Late” with former professional volleyball player, entrepreneur and podcast host, Gabby Reece. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, reframe the notion that it’s too late and get practical advice for how to approach this new + exciting chapter in our lives. Available on Audio and on YouTube! Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! This series is presented by Womaness Created by women for women, Womaness [https://womaness.com/] (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well. Just for you… Womaness [https://womaness.com/collections/midlife-truth-podcast-picks] is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 6 - "Friendship Matters" with Paige Nolan

This is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season of our lives.  Here are some of the themes we discuss … * How friendship evolves as we age. How our lives shift raising children, changing jobs, or with a move, or divorce, leaving some suddenly feeling more disconnected or lonely. * Midlife as an opportunity to become more intentional about who + how we spend our time. The power of taking inventory of our relationships, nurturing those that are more meaningful to us while allowing more space for those less fulfilling. * Friendship is like a garden: There are oak trees (deeply rooted friends), flowers (beautiful, meaningful connections with sometimes shorter seasons), and weeds (yes, weeds, those relationships that no longer serve us + need pruning). * The importance of vulnerability + time: True intimacy in friendship requires showing up, being present and vulnerable as well as daring to have "hard conversations" that cultivate even stronger bonds. Ultimately, we have to take responsibility for the relationships and experiences we want. * Lead with love: In difficult situations, remind yourself, it’s not you against them, it’s the two of you against the distance you both feel. * It’s never too late to forge new relationships or deepen existing ones. Lean into common hobbies or community groups, be curious and interested (and don’t underestimate the power of Pickleball!) Added bonus - Paige shares her thoughts about life coaching vs therapy, her approach, what to look for, and who may benefit from this work. About Our Guest, Paige Nolan Paige Nolan is a life coach, podcaster, speaker, and writer who guides people to discover and focus on what matters most – so they can experience deeply fulfilling lives. As a former guidance counselor and teacher, Paige’s coaching programs began as an offering to busy mothers who needed to pause and get more intentional about their lives. After sitting with thousands of women with her “Live What Matters Workshop,” Paige landed on the guiding principle of her work today: living what matters doesn’t take more time, it takes more courage.   Paige supports individuals, couples and organizational teams to make the brave, and sometimes hard, conscious choices they need to make to change. Her podcast “I’ll Meet You There” celebrates the joys, challenges and extraordinary journey of building an everyday life aligned to one’s truest values. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three teenage-children and two beloved rescue dogs.  Visit www.paigenolan.com [http://www.paigenolan.com/] to learn more. Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner! Paige Nolan * I'll Meet You There Podcast [https://www.illmeetyoutherepodcast.com/]  * Private Coaching [https://paigenolan.com/private-coaching/]  * Live What Matters in Circle [https://paigenolan.com/live-what-matters-in-circle-3/]  * A Little Thought Free Monthly Message [https://paigenolan.com/a-little-thought-blog/] * 31 Days of Gratitude [https://paigenolan.com/31-days-of-gratitude-waitlist/]  * Website: https://paigenolan.com/ [https://paigenolan.com/]  * Instagram: @paigenolanwrite [https://www.instagram.com/paigenolanwrite/]  Julie Flakstad * https://julieflakstad.com/ [https://julieflakstad.com/]  * Instagram @julieflakstad  [https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/] * Facebook @thejulieflakstad [https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad]  Dr. Taz Bhatia * YouTube: @DrTazMD [https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD] * Instagram: @drtazmd [https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/] * Website: doctortaz.com [http://doctortaz.com] * Order The Hormone Shift book HERE [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710071/the-hormone-shift-by-tasneem-bhatia-md/?aid=20617&linkid=PRH13D9AAE743ED&ref=PRH13D9AAE743ED] * Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ [https://centrespringmd.com/]  Tune in next Wednesday, 10/23, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Plan Ahead” with Journalist, Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show, and CEO + Founder of HerMoney, Jean Chatzky. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get into the conceptual + practical aspects of financial security as we age. Available on Audio and on YouTube! Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! This series is presented by Womaness Created by women for women, Womaness [https://womaness.com/] (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well. Just for you… Womaness [https://womaness.com/collections/midlife-truth-podcast-picks] is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co.