StrongHER Voices

Nothing Was Ever Wrong With You: ADHD, Hormones, and Rebuilding Without Shame

If you've ever felt like your focus is slipping, your motivation is inconsistent, your emotions are harder to regulate, or you're questioning your competence in ways you never have before — and you're wondering if it's perimenopause, ADHD, or both — this episode is going to bring you so much clarity. Today, Ashley sits down with Mandi Dixon — licensed professional counselor specializing in late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause and menopause. Mandi helps women understand why the systems, structure, and discipline that once carried them through careers, motherhood, and life transitions suddenly feel ineffective — and more importantly, what to do about it. Her work focuses on hormones, executive function, and dismantling shame with evidence-based insight and real talk. And if you've ever stumbled across her Instagram and thought, who IS this woman and why does she get me so completely — you're in for a treat. This conversation is honest, science-backed, and deeply validating. We talk about the estrogen-dopamine connection, why midlife hits differently for women with ADHD, what "ugly perimenopause" actually means, and how to rebuild without shame when the old way no longer works. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women's wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Welcome + how Ashley discovered Mandi's work through Instagram  ✅ Mandi's story: her son's ADHD diagnosis, her own late diagnosis, and the perimenopause collision  ✅ How ADHD looks different in girls and women — and why so many go undiagnosed  ✅ How to tell the difference between perimenopause brain fog and ADHD — and the key clue that it might be both ✅ The estrogen-dopamine connection and what happens to executive function in perimenopause  ✅ How to get a full assessment and where to start  ✅ Why ADHD was always there — and how masking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing hide it  ✅ "Ugly perimenopause" — what it is, why Mandi named it, and why it matters  ✅ Rebuilding without shame: what that actually looks like in real life  ✅ Focus Space — body doubling, community accountability, and Mandi's special offer  ✅ Mandi's closing message to the woman who feels too scattered, too much, or not enough -- 👥 Featured Guest Mandi Dixon — licensed professional counselor specializing in late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause and menopause. Mandi helps high-achieving women understand why the coping strategies that carried them through life have suddenly stopped working — and how to rebuild with clarity, compassion, and without shame. Known for her refreshingly honest and relatable approach on Instagram, Mandi brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to every conversation. Connect with Mandi:  Website: http://www.mandidixonlpc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdmenopausetherapist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579378952184 🔗 Focused Space — body doubling community for ADHD & focus support: 20% off forever + a free 14-day trial: https://get.focused.space/adhdmenopausetherapist Resources mentioned:  The Menopause Society provider directory: https://menopause.org/ -- If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger — inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ 💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ 💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ 📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

When Hormones Change, Mental Health Changes: What Women in Midlife Are Actually Experiencing

If you’ve ever felt like you’re suddenly more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or foggy — and you can’t figure out why — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Brianna Dawson, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Behavioral Wellness for Women, to unpack the real connection between hormones and mental health in midlife. They talk about the most common “out of nowhere” symptoms women experience in perimenopause, why so many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed, and what hormone-informed psychiatric care can look like when you’re ready for answers (and relief). 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why perimenopause can trigger anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog, and low mood — even for women with no mental health history ✅ What’s happening beneath the surface: fluctuating estrogen, declining progesterone, and the serotonin connection ✅ Common “clues” symptoms may be hormone-driven: night waking, restlessness, word-finding issues, cycle changes, mood shifts with no clear trigger ✅ The difference between situational anxiety vs. hormone-amplified anxiety ✅ Why so many women feel dismissed by providers — and the emotional toll of not being heard ✅ How Brianna approaches care: therapy support, detailed history, and when medication may help “take the edge off” while you figure things out ✅ Labs explained: “normal” vs. “optimal,” what functional ranges can reveal, and why labs can’t diagnose perimenopause (but can still be useful) ✅ Lifestyle support that matters: movement, nutrition basics (protein + fiber), and why alcohol/caffeine can worsen sleep and anxiety ✅ What it looks like to work with Brianna: free consult, 90-minute evaluation, and individualized treatment planning ✅ A validating reminder: you’re not broken — you deserve to feel better, and help exists -- 👥 Featured Guest Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC — Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Behavioral Wellness for Women, a boutique practice specializing in reproductive psychiatry. Brianna supports women across the reproductive lifespan — pregnancy and postpartum mental health, PMDD, and perimenopause — using an integrative, hormone-informed approach that combines evidence-based medication management with lifestyle and lab-guided care to help women feel stable, clear, and empowered during hormonal transitions. Connect with Brianna: Website: http://www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com [http://www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/ [https://www.instagram.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/ [https://www.facebook.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/]  Resources mentioned: Women’s Lab Guide (free): https://behavioralwellnessforwomen.myflodesk.com/womens-lab-guide [https://behavioralwellnessforwomen.myflodesk.com/womens-lab-guide]  Perimenopause-Focused Psychiatric Care Program Waitlist — a comprehensive, hormone-informed support option Brianna is building (details will be shared on her website and with current clients first) -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/]  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/]  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ [https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/]  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

Why Eating Less Isn't Helping You Lose Weight in Midlife

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” — eating less, working out more, trying to be good — and yet midlife weight loss still feels impossible… this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Sara Borgstede, founder of The Holy Mess and creator of the wildly popular Reset 3 meal plan, to unpack one of the most overlooked reasons women get stuck: undereating earlier in the day and then white-knuckling their way through cravings, “kitchen detours,” and nighttime overeating. Together, they talk about the restrict–binge roller coaster, the “rolling river” approach to eating, the famous Minnesota Starvation Study, and why this isn’t a willpower problem — it’s often a biological response to not being adequately fueled. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. --  In this episode, we cover: ✅ Sara’s 100-pound weight loss story — and how she’s maintained her goal weight for 20 years ✅ Why “being good all day” often backfires into afternoon cravings and nighttime overeating ✅ The difference between a “roller coaster” eating pattern and the “rolling river” approach ✅ What “primitive hunger” is — and why it can make you feel out of control around food ✅ How to use a hunger/satiety “gas gauge” to avoid getting too hungry or too stuffed ✅ The Minnesota Starvation Study — and how restriction can trigger food obsession and binge behavior ✅ Sara’s “SAFE” framework: Structured, Adequate, Food groups, Enjoyment ✅ A realistic minimum calorie baseline for most women (and why 1200 is a trap) ✅ Why exercise alone doesn’t create weight loss — and why it’s still essential for health ✅ Why tracking works — and how “ugly tracking” builds awareness and self-trust without shame ✅ The reminder every woman needs: your worth is not your weight -- 👥 Featured Guest Sara Borgstede — Founder of The Holy Mess, 100-pound weight loss success story, and creator of the Reset 3 meal plan featured in Woman’s World magazine. Sara helps women break free from the restrict–binge cycle and build a peaceful, sustainable relationship with food through practical tools, compassion, and real-life strategies that work. Connect with Sara: Website: https://theholymess.com [https://theholymess.com]  Free resource mentioned: Reset 3 (Free 3-Day Meal Plan): https://theholymess.com/#plan [https://theholymess.com/#plan]  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/]  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/]  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ [https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/]  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

When Strong Women Start to Break: The Hidden Cost of Always Being the Strong One

If you've ever felt like you're holding it all together — but you're running on empty, silently stretched thin, and quietly wondering how much longer you can keep going — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Michelle Govan — speaker, coach, and founder of Restore Your Roar — a movement dedicated to helping women reclaim their voice, confidence, and God-given purpose. She's also the co-owner of the Govan Group, where she works with leaders and organizations on training and transformation. She's a trusted voice in Ashley's community and has even led a vision-setting masterclass inside StrongHER Together. In this honest, faith-grounded conversation, Michelle shares her own story of breakdown and restoration, why chronic stress is the pandemic of our time, and what it actually looks like for strong women to stop enduring and start thriving. 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women's wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ Welcome + how Ashley and Michelle first connected through the Chamber of Commerce  ✅ Michelle's story: a breaking point on Route 422, losing her voice, and what it took to get it back  ✅ What is Restore Your Roar — and why it came from lived experience, not a textbook  ✅ The hidden costs of being the "strong one" — emotional isolation, chronic stress, and losing touch with yourself  ✅ Why stress is the pandemic of the 21st century (and why we wear it like a badge of honor)  ✅ Practical easy wins: how to prioritize your to-do list, take off the superwoman cape, and delegate  ✅ The perfectionism trap — and why excellence doesn't have to mean perfect  ✅ Identity, performance, and why your worth is not tied to your to-do list  ✅ What to say to the woman who's about to break — Michelle's powerful closing message  ✅ How to find Michelle + what she offers through Restore Your Roar and the Govan Group -- 👥 Featured Guest Michelle Govan — speaker, certified coach, and founder of Restore Your Roar Ministries, a faith-based movement helping women reclaim their voice, confidence, and purpose. She is also the co-owner of the Govan Group, where she delivers stress management and leadership transformation through her "Calm is My Corporate Strategy" program. With a heart for women who've been carrying too much for too long, Michelle brings honesty, faith, and practical tools to help women move from striving to thriving. Connect with Michelle:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.davisgovan [https://www.facebook.com/michelle.davisgovan]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelledavisgovan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michelledavisgovan/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlgovan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlgovan/]   -- If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger — inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:  👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/]  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:  👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/]  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:  👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ [https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/]  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/]

High-Functioning, But Struggling: Anxiety, Midlife, and the Mental Load Women Carry

If you’ve ever been told “but you seem fine” — while inside you’re overthinking everything, carrying everyone’s needs, and running on fumes — this episode is for you. Today, Ashley sits down with Jaclyn Burwell, LCSW, founder of JHB Therapy, to unpack the often-invisible experience of high-functioning anxiety in midlife. They talk about why midlife can feel like a pressure cooker, how the invisible mental load quietly drains women, and why minimizing your struggles (“others have it worse”) actually keeps anxiety stuck. You’ll leave feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical tools to create relief — without waiting until you “fall apart.” 🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert-backed support. Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. -- In this episode, we cover: ✅ What high-functioning anxiety really is — “anxiety that hides behind capability” ✅ Why midlife magnifies anxiety (hormones, sleep disruption, peak responsibilities) ✅ How identity shifts can create emotional pressure and self-doubt ✅ What the invisible mental load actually looks like in daily life — and why it’s exhausting ✅ Why resentment builds when you feel responsible for everything (even the “unseen” stuff) ✅ The connection between chronic stress/anxiety and physical health over time ✅ Why “others have it worse” is not helpful — and how it adds shame to anxiety ✅ A mindset shift: how validation calms the nervous system and creates relief ✅ Practical strategies to redistribute the mental load through communication and teamwork ✅ Jaclyn’s ACE grounding tool (Accept, Connect, Experience) to reduce anxiety in real time ✅ How to know when stress is tipping into “it’s time for support” -- 👥 Featured Guest Jaclyn Burwell, LCSW — Founder of JHB Therapy LLC. Jaclyn supports women in midlife who are navigating anxiety, burnout, identity shifts, and the emotional changes of perimenopause and menopause. Her approach is warm, direct, and practical — focused on helping women move from overwhelm and self-doubt to clarity, balance, and self-trust. Connect with Jaclyn: Website: https://www.jhbtherapy.com [https://www.jhbtherapy.com]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifewithjaclyn/ [https://www.instagram.com/midlifewithjaclyn/]  -- If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛 🩷 Join StrongHER Together Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/]  💌 Stay Connected Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox: 👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/ [https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/]  💪 Move With Me Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/ [https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/]  📲 Follow Along on Social Media Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/ [https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/]  -- ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.