139: Why Everything Hurts During Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) | Taylor Kruse

139: Why Everything Hurts During Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) | Taylor Kruse

Frozen shoulder, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, stiff joints, and unexplained aches are incredibly common during menopause—but the cause may not be what you think. What if the pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges many women experience during menopause aren't coming from joint changes? In this mind blowing episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-host Shawna Kaminski sits down with strength and mobility coach Taylor Kruse, co-founder of Kruse Elite, to explore the powerful connection between the brain, nervous system, pain, and movement. Many women in midlife struggle with frozen shoulder, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, joint discomfort, chronic stiffness, and unexplained aches that seem to appear overnight. But according to Taylor, pain isn't always a sign of damage. Instead, it may be heavily influenced by how the brain and nervous system interpret information and respond to perceived threats. With more than 20 years of coaching experience and specialized expertise in applied neurology, Taylor explains how hormone changes during menopause can affect pain sensitivity, why stretching alone often fails to create lasting relief, and how neurological mobility training can help women move with greater confidence and less discomfort. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why pain is often a perception rather than a direct measure of injury • How menopause can influence pain sensitivity and movement patterns • The most common mobility and pain challenges facing midlife women • What neurological mobility training is and how it differs from traditional stretching and rehabilitation • Why chronic tightness may actually be a nervous system issue • Practical exercises and strategies to improve movement and reduce discomfort • The role stress, sleep, and nervous system overload play in chronic pain • How women can rebuild strength, resilience, and confidence during and after menopause Whether you're experiencing new aches and pains, struggling with mobility, or simply want to understand how your body works during midlife, this conversation offers a fresh perspective that could change the way you think about pain forever. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights on healthy aging, menopause, fitness, longevity, and women's health to listeners around the world. About Taylor Kruse:Taylor Kruse is the co-founder of KRUSE ELITE and a strength and mobility coach specializing in applied neurology. With over 20 years of coaching experience and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health, Taylor helps individuals and athletes solve pain and improve movement performance through a brain-based approach. Today, he teaches applied neurology courses for health and movement professionals specializing in pain and movement issues, helping them develop practical assessment and problem-solving skills. He also provides a wide range of free educational resources to help people get started, sharing insights across social media platforms and through The Kruse Elite Podcast. Social Media: @KruseElite or www.kruseelite.com [https://www.kruseelite.com] *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

138: The Longevity Habits Every Midlife Woman Should Know

What if living longer isn't nearly as important as living better? Longevity expert Joy King shares the daily habits that have the biggest impact on healthspan, energy, independence, and quality of life as women age. Poor sleep, chronic stress, and burnout may be aging women faster than they realize. Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own? As President of the Georgia Nurses Association, a practicing Family Nurse Practitioner, and PhD researcher studying sleep quality and women's health, Joy brings a unique perspective on burnout, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, prevention, and what it truly takes to thrive in midlife and beyond. Together, they discuss why so many women feel exhausted despite trying to "do it all," how poor sleep impacts hormones, metabolism, mood, and aging, and the practical habits that can help women improve their health without adding more pressure to already busy lives. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, business owner, working woman, or simply feeling stretched too thin, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help you reclaim your energy, protect your well-being, and age with strength and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: • The early warning signs of burnout every woman should recognize • Why self-care is often misunderstood — and how to prioritize yourself without guilt • How chronic stress affects sleep, hormones, metabolism, and longevity • The connection between sleep quality and healthy aging • Common sleep mistakes that may be sabotaging your health • Practical ways to improve sleep starting tonight • How to establish healthier boundaries without feeling selfish • Why prevention is the key to long-term health and wellness • How women can become stronger advocates for their own healthcare • The fitness and wellness habits that help Joy stay energized while balancing multiple leadership roles Dr. Joy King reminds us that sustainable wellness isn't about perfection—it's about creating habits that support your health for the long haul. If you've been feeling tired, stressed, burned out, or simply looking for ways to improve your healthspan and quality of life, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Connect with Dr. Joy King: https://www.instagram.com/joy4u2c/ [https://www.instagram.com/joy4u2c/] About Girls Talk Healthy Aging Girls Talk Healthy Aging is the podcast for women who want to improve their health, fitness, longevity, confidence, and quality of life through every age and stage. Hosted by fitness professionals Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski, each episode delivers expert advice, inspiring stories, and practical strategies to help women live stronger, healthier, and longer lives. *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

137: Life After Loss: How to Rebuild After Losing a Spouse | Cindy Gibson

What happens when the person you expected to grow old with is suddenly gone? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Cindy Gibson nearly one year after the loss of her husband to discuss one of life's most difficult transitions: learning how to live after losing a spouse in her early 70's. While grief is a universal experience, the loss of a life partner can leave us questioning our identity, our future, and even our ability to move forward. Cindy courageously shares what the past year has really been like—from the heartbreak of those first days and months to the gradual process of learning that joy and grief can live together. This honest conversation explores the emotional, mental, and physical impact of grief, the challenges of navigating everyday life after loss, and the lessons Cindy has learned about resilience, love, and healing. Whether you have experienced the death of a spouse, are caring for a grieving loved one, or want to better understand the realities of loss, this episode offers comfort, wisdom, and practical insights that can help us all navigate life's inevitable changes. In This Episode: ✔ What grief actually feels like during the first year after losing a spouse ✔ The emotional and physical effects of bereavement and loss ✔ Common myths and misconceptions about the grieving process ✔ How to support a spouse, friend, or family member after loss ✔ The importance of community, connection, and asking for help ✔ Conversations every couple should have before a crisis occurs ✔ Finding purpose, meaning, and hope after profound loss ✔ Lessons about healthy aging, resilience, and emotional wellness Cindy's story is a reminder that grief is not something we "get over." Instead, it becomes part of our journey as we learn to carry both love and loss forward. If you are facing grief, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply want to live more intentionally with the people you love, this episode will touch your heart and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of life. Because none of us know how much time we have with the people we love—but we can choose how deeply we love them while they're here. Cindy was also our guest in Episode 90 where she shared about her personal health and fitness journey. Definitely check it out for inspiration and wisdom. It was recorded before her husband died and life was going as expected. Resources & Topics Discussed: Grief and loss • Widowhood • Healthy aging • Mental health • Emotional wellness • Resilience • Caregiving • Marriage • Life transitions • Women's health • Personal growth • Healing after loss • Aging well • Relationships • Life after the death of a spouse *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

136: Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin: The Power of Service, Mentorship & Second Chances

What if changing the world starts with helping just one person? In this inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Justice Verda Colvin, one of only nine justices serving on the Supreme Court of Georgia. Justice Colvin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in Atlanta by a mother who worked in food service, she became a first-generation college graduate and pursued a legal career despite never personally knowing a lawyer growing up. In fact, the only lawyer she remembers seeing was Claire Huxtable on television. Driven by a deep desire to serve others, Justice Colvin shares how her commitment to service led her from attorney to judge and ultimately to an appointment to Georgia's highest court by Brian Kemp in 2021. Along the way, she wrestled with self-doubt, questioned whether she should pursue each new opportunity, and repeatedly chose courage by saying "yes." This powerful conversation explores: • What justice, leadership, and service truly mean • The women who shaped and influenced her path • Why mentorship changes lives at every age • The role mental health often plays in women's involvement with the justice system • How women sometimes sacrifice themselves while caring for others • Why redemption matters and why people deserve second chances • The importance of women supporting, advocating for, and celebrating one another • Practical ways anyone can begin mentoring and serving their community Justice Colvin also shares moving stories from her years on the trial bench, where she often went beyond her judicial duties to encourage people who had lost their way. Her compassion for those struggling with difficult circumstances shines through every story. Listeners will also hear about her personal journey toward better self-care, including why she chose to begin strength training with Alli at The Pink Physique after realizing that even lifelong servants must learn to invest in themselves. From mentoring children to addressing gun violence, from helping women find hope to encouraging all of us to use our unique gifts, Justice Colvin reminds us that our purpose is larger than ourselves. Her message is simple but powerful: We all have something to offer. We all have the ability to lift someone else. And sometimes changing a life begins with one small act of kindness. If you're looking for inspiration, purpose, leadership lessons, or a reminder that one person can make a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. In this episode, you'll learn about: healthy aging, women's leadership, mentorship, service, mental health, women in law, Georgia Supreme Court, purpose-driven living, community impact, self-care, resilience, second chances, personal growth, and making a difference in the lives of others. *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

135: Why "Normal" Labs Don't Mean You're Healthy | Functional Medicine & Longevity: With Jessica Tsang

Why are so many women exhausted, inflamed, struggling with weight gain, poor sleep, hormone imbalance, and burnout — even when their labs look "normal"? In this powerful episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr interview Jessica Tsang about functional medicine, healthy aging, women's wellness, hormone health, prevention, and the root causes behind many chronic health symptoms women experience in midlife and beyond. Jessica explains how functional medicine differs from traditional healthcare by focusing on whole-body wellness instead of simply masking symptoms. Together, they discuss how stress, sleep, inflammation, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle habits all impact longevity, energy, metabolism, and aging. Jessica also shares exciting details about launching her new longevity clinic in Calgary later this year, where she'll help patients take a more proactive and personalized approach to preventative health and long-term wellness. If you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hormone changes, poor sleep, stubborn weight gain, chronic stress, inflammation, or simply want to optimize your health as you age, this episode is filled with practical strategies and empowering insights. In this episode, you'll discover: • What functional medicine really is and why it's growing rapidly • The difference between symptom management and root-cause healing • Why women's hormones, sleep, stress, and inflammation are deeply connected • The most overlooked habits affecting healthy aging and longevity • How to advocate for yourself when your doctor isn't focused on prevention • Simple foundational wellness habits that create lasting health • Warning signs your body may be asking for a deeper investigation • How preventative healthcare can improve quality of life as we age • Jessica's vision for the future of longevity-focused healthcare This conversation is empowering, educational, and packed with practical wellness advice for women over 40 who want to feel stronger, healthier, more energized, and more confident as they age. 🎧 If you're interested in functional medicine, women's health, longevity, preventative healthcare, hormone balance, healthy aging, and holistic wellness, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Jessica Tsang here: https://directhealthcanada.ca [https://directhealthcanada.ca/] #FunctionalMedicine #HealthyAging #WomenOver40 #Longevity #HormoneHealth #HolisticHealth #PreventativeHealth #MidlifeHealth #Women'sWellness #GirlsTalkHealthyAging *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]