Energized with Dr. Mariza

1d ago

Perimenopause and menopause can bring surprising changes to your brain—making multitasking even harder and emotional overwhelm way more real. That’s why in this episode, women’s health expert Dr. Aviva Romm joins us to break down what’s really happening cognitively in midlife and how these shifts can be a normal, navigable transition. Together, we’re debunking common perimenopause myths and unpacking how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and daily lifestyle choices can dramatically support your brain power and emotional resilience. Dr. Romm shares her top practical tools that will help you feel clear, focused, and confident as your body evolves in midlife. Ready to thrive—not just survive—through midlife and beyond? Tune in now and discover how to support your brain and body so you can step into this next chapter feeling your best! Aviva Romm, MD Dr. Aviva Romm is a Yale-trained family physician, midwife, and herbalist who’s been a leading voice in women’s, maternal, and environmental health for over 35 years. She’s the author of nine books, including the landmark Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, the New York Times bestseller Hormone Intelligence, and the forthcoming Force of Nature, a groundbreaking guide to perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Romm sees patients in New York, Massachusetts, and via telehealth. She also runs acclaimed online health programs and hosts the popular podcast On Health with Aviva Romm, empowering women worldwide. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating symptoms and changes in perimenopause The cognitive emotional overwhelm that happens for women Recognizing the common causes of midlife cognitive issues The importance of advocating for yourself with your doctor The massive benefits of sleep for cognitive functioning Why you should focus on strength training in perimenopause Creating your own community for perimenopause support Debunking the myths and misinformation in the media around perimenopause and menopause QUOTES “So often sleep is disrupted by perimenopause and menopause. What a lot of women don't realize is you can be having hot flashes but not consciously registering you're having hot flashes. So a lot of women are being woken up by hot flashes they didn't realize they were having.” ”We desperately need more practitioners who can answer those questions for women, whether it's a more natural, holistic approach that does or doesn't include hormone therapy, antidepressants, or any of the other things. Because the other problem is that these doctors are often doling out pharmaceuticals for sleep.” ”We now know that the impact of declining estrogen and progesterone on the brain [and] on the nervous system absolutely has an impact on anxiety, depression, and sleep.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Dr. Aviva Romm’s Website Dr. Aviva Romm on Instagram Dr. Aviva Romm’s Podcast: On Health RELATED EPISODES 701: Mood Swings, Brain Fog & Exhaustion: The Hormone Conversation You Deserve with Dr. Carrie Jones 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self 689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What’s Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause 673: From Fatigued to Energized: Reclaiming Sleep in Midlife With Evidence-Based Solutions

3d ago

The immune system is a MASSIVE key to your overall health. So what can you do to best support it and truly THRIVE at any age? In this episode, pioneering functional medicine expert Dr. Jeffrey Bland joins me to explore how immune system rejuvenation can be a game-changer for long-term health. We dive into the idea that food truly is medicine, and how targeted nutrition (while minimizing ultra-processed foods) can help the immune system recover AND strengthen. Dr. Bland shares exciting insights on immuno-rejuvenation and spotlights an ancient yet “new” superfood—Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat—that’s paving the way for the future of nutrition and longevity. Together, we unpack how chronic stress, inflammation, and poor nutrition quietly tax the body over time, increasing disease risk, and what you can do to interrupt that cycle. Ready for real healing to occur? Tune into this episode for realistic, practical lifestyle strategies for sleep, stress, and nourishment to help you feel stronger, more resilient, and energized for your years ahead! Jeff Bland, PhD Dr. Jeffrey Bland is the founder of Big Bold Health, a company on a mission to transform how people think about the immune system. Jeff’s career in health spans more than 40 years. As a nutritional biochemist by training, he began his career as a university professor and later spent three decades in the natural products industry. In 1991, he and his wife founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Jeff founded another educational nonprofit called the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute. Jeff is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life , as well as countless other books and research papers. IN THIS EPISODE Understanding the root causes of disease in functional medicine The importance of your immune and nervous systems The negative impacts ultra-processed foods have on your body The significance of immune system rejuvenation for your health Top food recommendations for optimal immune system health How Tartary Buckwheat can enhance health and longevity The drivers of neuroinflammation in the brain Lifestyle practices to support physical and emotional resiliance About Dr. Jeffrey Bland’s company, Big Bold Health QUOTES “The only 2 places that are surveying the outside world to tell our inside body how to work 24/7 are the nervous system and the immune system. And those two systems are interconnected and they regulate how we look, act and feel. They speak to every organ of our body.” “That science supports the fact that when you intervene with the right things [in] your body in a fairly short period of time–three months– [it] can turn itself around.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code MARIZA and get 20% off on your Timeline order https://shop.timeline.com/MARIZA Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jeff Bland’s Website: Big Bold Health Dr. Jeff’s Book: The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life Dr. Jeff Bland on Instagram See more from Big Bold Health on Instagram RELATED EPISODES #667: The Hidden Foods and Habits Fueling Brain Inflammation And How to Reverse It Naturally with Dr. Austin Perlmutter #636: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog & Reverse Autoimmune Disease by Healing Your Microbiome with Dr. Steven Gundry #601: The Food You Eat Will Impact Your Menopause Journey + Foods to Ease Menopause and Promote Longevity with Dr. Federica Amati 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy

Dec 11

I’m one of millions of women specifically trying to parent themselves while parenting children… and it can be seriously exhausting. And when childhood trauma still comes back to haunt us in midlife and beyond, life can feel impossible . That’s why I’ve invited trauma expert Anna Runkle on for this powerful episode to help unpack why so many midlife women are still impacted by old trauma , and how that buried stress shows up in our bodies. We dive into the hidden ways trauma can lead us to isolate, dysregulate our nervous system, and disrupt key hormones like cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin. Anna and I break down how this cascade of stress and deregulation can spark inflammation, oxidative stress, blood-sugar swings, and even contribute to autoimmune issues that so many women face. But most importantly, Anna shares simple, compassionate tools to help regulate your nervous system and finally begin healing the deeper patterns driving overwhelm in midlife. Ready to feel more grounded in this season of life? Hit play and listen now! Anna Runkle Anna Runkle is the creator of the popular YouTube channel, blog, courses, and coaching programs that provide tools for adults to heal dysregulation and other common trauma symptoms, helping them feel better and change their lives. Anna’s methods were developed through research, her mentoring of hundreds of individuals over the years, and her direct experience healing her own symptoms of early trauma. She’s the author of Re-Regulated: Set Your Life Free from Childhood PTSD and the Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Keep You Stuck and Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People, and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. IN THIS EPISODE Understanding nervous system deregulation How Anna learned to adapt after childhood trauma Symptoms that can manifest from over-functioning How to manage stressors and stay regulated day to day Top ways we can start to regulate, especially when deregulated How connection can be a huge tool for healing Free resources and where you can find more from Anna! QUOTES “All these weird symptoms that I had… It's neurological dysregulation. It's really normal. Everybody gets dysregulated sometimes, but those of us who are traumatized as kids are often more prone to it. It happens more easily. It's more intense. It's harder to get out of.” “Early trauma is very strongly correlated later in life with high rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, reproductive disorders, just about everything bad.” “Those three things– dysregulation, disconnection, and self-defeating behavior– those are the things that can just take you out and keep you stuck in trauma forever. So the good news is you can learn to reregulate.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order Anna’s Book: CONNECTABILITY: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People, And Feel (At Last) Like You Belong HERE Order Anna’s other book: Re-Regulated: Set Your Life Free from Childhood PTSD and the Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Keep You Stuck HERE Anna’s Website Anna Runkle on YouTube Anna Runkle on Instagram RELATED EPISODES 681: The Biology of Trauma: How Stress Gets Stored in Your Body (and Passed On to Your Kids) and How You Can Start To Heal with Dr. Aimie Apigian #629: Unlocking Emotional Resilience with Awareness, Lifestyle and Tools to Regulate Your Stress Triggers with Dr. Drew Ramsey 685: End Emotional Outsourcing: Break Free from Codependency, Perfectionism & People-Pleasing with Beatriz Albina #308: What Is Trauma and How Does It Make Us Sick? with Dr. Elena Villanueva

Dec 9

Feel like you’re just not yourself mentally in midlife? Trust me, you are absolutely not crazy for wondering what’s going on in your brain. In this episode, hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones joins me to unpack the very real brain changes and hormone fluctuations that make midlife feel like a rollercoaster. Dr. Carrie brings refreshing honesty about giving herself grace on the days when her brain simply says “no” and how that compassion is essential for all of us navigating this season of life. We dive into the midlife “reckoning,” when so many women realize it’s time to reevaluate who they are, what they want, and say goodbye to what no longer serves them. Together, we explore why midlife can leave you feeling out of whack, how hormones drive these shifts, and what you can do to support your brain with more clarity and ease. Tune in to feel validated and empowered as you move through this transformative stage of life! Carrie Jones ND, FABNE, MPH Dr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health and was one of the first to become board-certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology. She was the first Medical Director for the DUTCH Test and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. Now, she’s the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations and Head of Medical Education at Metabolic Mentor University. IN THIS EPISODE Addressing common brain-related perimenopause symptoms How bringing on hormones can ease midlife symptoms Top lifestyle interventions for perimenopause and menopause How hormone changes in midlife impact routine and efficiency The odd perimenopause symptoms no one talks about How Dr. Jones manages patient care differently as a Naturopath How to confidently find an expert you can address symptoms with Easy ways to add exercise and strength to your daily routine QUOTES “We still have good days and bad days and things we cannot control. And because I can't control the rollercoaster that my inherent hormones are on, and I can't control necessarily what the neurons in my brain are doing… I actually give myself a lot of grace.” “Even for as educated as I am, I'm not alone. There are a lot of women struggling, and there are a lot of women struggling a lot more than me, unfortunately.” “$26 billion are lost on women in perimenopause and early menopause due to absenteeism and loss in productivity because they just don't feel like they can do it. Their brain feels like it's on the fritz.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Dr. Carrie Jones’ Website Dr. Carrie Jones on Instagram Dr Carrie Jones’ Podcast: Hello Hormones RELATED EPISODES 689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 680: You Are Not Broken: Why Women Need Testosterone to Feel Strong, Sexy & Energized with Dr. Kelly Casperson 668: Your Brain on Perimenopause: The Hidden Neurological Transition No One Warns You About #547: What You Need to Know About the OPill and Hormone Changes in Perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones

Dec 4

80% of migraine sufferers are women. And I hear way too many women say their doctors brush off their complaints of headaches and migraines, giving no real, lasting solutions. So that ends here! I’ve invited the brilliant Dr. Meg Mill on the podcast to unpack the real connection between hormones, histamine, and headaches , especially as it relates to midlife hormonal changes. You’ll learn the first practical steps—like: balancing blood sugar reducing oxidative stress spotting symptom patterns simplifying food eliminations and choosing the right supplements —to finally get ahead of chronic migraines. This conversation is all about giving you the clarity, tools, and confidence to support your body instead of suffering in silence. Tune in to discover the migraine solutions every woman deserves! Dr. Meg Mill Dr. Meg Mill is a leading women's health expert, Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience. She’s the creator of the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Method, a proprietary root-cause framework that empowers women to rebalance their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their energy and confidence. Through her virtual Functional Medicine practice and membership community, the Women’s Wellness Collective, Dr. Meg has guided hundreds of women to lasting relief. A bestselling author and host of the top-rated podcast A Little Bit Healthier, she’s a sought-after speaker and summit host. IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Meg Mill’s experience with people suffering from headaches Avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to headache management Understanding a variety of potential migraine triggers The hormonal component to headaches and migraines The connection between insulin resistance and headaches Managing system-wide inflammation to help ease headaches Specific foods that can contribute to migraines How to get more support if you’re suffering from migraines QUOTES ”Sometimes it's looking at your hormones in the way you're metabolizing. You may actually have low estrogen… so what we need to look at is how you metabolize your estrogen.” “The more we can keep our blood sugar balanced throughout the day and night, the better [it is] for migraines.” “If you can take away any message from this conversation, it's that there’s hope and there ARE things you can do [for migraines].” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Meg Mill’s FREE GUIDE: Say Goodbye to Headaches Naturally https://go.megmill.com/headaches Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your Timeline order http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED Dr. Meg Mill’s Website Dr. Meg Mill on Instagram Dr. Meg Mill’s Podcast: A Little Bit Healthier RELATED EPISODES 642: The Metabolic Root Cause of Migraines & Powerful Diet and Lifestyle Interventions For Brain Health with Dr. Elena Gross 656: The Dangers Of NOT Prescribing Bioidentical HRT + Migraines, Testosterone and Mitigating Inflammation with Dr. Louise Newson 594: What I Did This Past Year to Heal My Brain and Lower Systemic Inflammation #648: This Changes Everything: The Perimenopause Revolution Every Woman Needs Now

Dec 2

Here’s your invitation to slow down, tune in, and truly support yourself through the midlife transition. Because all the changes in menopause, emotionally and physically, can seriously rock your identity. That’s why I’ve invited mindfulness expert Rosie Acosta on the podcast to explore the intersection of mindfulness and menopause, and how being in a community with other women can make this season of life feel less isolating and so much more empowering. Rosie shares how anxiety can become a messenger to your body rather than an enemy, and offers simple breathing techniques so you can feel grounded anytime, anywhere. Together, we redefine what womanhood and wellness look like in midlife and beyond—more connected and more intentional than ever. Listen now to feel seen and inspired on your midlife journey! Rosie Acosta Rosie Acosta is a mindfulness teacher at Headspace and author of You Are Radically Loved: A Healing Journey to Self-Love . With over 20 years of study and a decade of teaching, she’s led transformative retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings worldwide. A devoted advocate for equity and intergenerational healing, she volunteers with the Re-Evolution Prison Project and is earning her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine. She’s also the host of The Radically Well Podcast. IN THIS EPISODE What relationships and community in midlife should look like How to use mindfulness to support changes in menopause Mindful ways to manage anxiety rather than fighting against it The uptick in early perimenopause and autoimmune disorders Using mindfulness to shift the menopause narrative What radical love looks like for a woman in midlife Embracing change and your evolving identity in menopause About Rosie’s Book: You Are Radically Loved QUOTES “As a perimenopause expert, it's like a moving target. Something that worked one day might not work the next. I think if I had to give the people listening right now just one technique that works, it's learning how to use your breath to ground, to create safety even if it's just for a couple of minutes.” “I think the more that we have conversations like this, the more normalized it will become, and the more normalized having these conversations will become. It gives us the empowerment and the invitation to ask questions, to ask our doctors to do the right types of tests, to get different opinions, to explore.” “Radical love to me means embracing the whole of who you are.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order Rosie’s book: YOU ARE RADICALLY LOVED https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Radically-Loved-Self-Love/dp/0593330153 Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get $100 off on your first CAROL Bike order https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE Rosie on Instagram Rosie Acosta on Substack Check out Rosie’s Podcast: The Radically Well Podcast RELATED EPISODES #629: Unlocking Emotional Resilience with Awareness, Lifestyle and Tools to Regulate Your Stress Triggers with Dr. Drew Ramsey #692: Why Emotional Healing is Hormone Healing-The New Path to Midlife Empowerment with Ashley Turner #565: How to Live in a State of Ease and Flow vs. Overwhelm and Resentment + Reclaiming Your Aliveness with Alexi Panos #598: Break the Cycle of Burnout, Anxiety, and Fear by Tapping into Heart Coherence with Kimberly Snyder

Nov 27

In midlife, I see TONS of women who are “doing all the right things”— eating clean, exercising harder, even restricting more —yet still are seeing the scale creep up. That’s why I’ve invited Sarah Kennedy on the podcast, who’s the founder and CEO of Calocurb – a natural, non-prescription hunger control treatment option. We’re unpacking why hunger can feel louder and more relentless than ever for women in midlife. Sarah breaks down how shifting hormones, chronic stress, poor sleep, and dwindling bandwidth all fuel food noise, cravings, and that constant tug-of-war with your appetite. You’ll learn why willpower is not the problem—and why your biology deserves more compassion… not more restriction. Most importantly, Sarah shares practical, science-backed ways to calm midlife cravings and support your changing metabolism with more ease. Tune in here and finally make a change that shows you results! Sarah Kennedy Sarah Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Calocurb , a revolutionary weight-management product based in New Zealand. Calocurb now sells in five international markets and continues to grow rapidly. Sarah, formerly with Fonterra, held senior roles including Vice President International Farming in China and Managing Director of Dairy Nutrition and RD1 retail stores. Prior to joining Fonterra, she spent over 20 years in dietary and animal nutrition. A veterinarian by training, Sarah completed the Sloan Fellowship in Global Leadership and Innovation at MIT. IN THIS EPISODE How Calocurb can help curb your hunger, especially in midlife The physiology behind midlife hunger changes How Calocurb works and why it’s different than synthetic GLP-1s The benefits of taking Calocurb in midlife Taking Calocurb safely alongside HRT and other supplements Dose timing and the best way to take Calocurb for results Fitting Calocurb into a broader wellness routine for women Get started with Calocurb with a 10% discount! QUOTES “When you reduce your calories by 25%, your hunger actually doubles over four months. So the brain is telling you to go out and look for food, and your body thinks you are going into a famine. So it's upping and upping and upping… this is why 99% of diets fail.” “I've been on it 6-7 years now. I don't take it twice a day, only take it once. But I can honestly say to you, I'm at peace with food… I think many, many people will find that.” “This has been revolutionary in the fact that we now understand what is happening in our body and what is driving this hunger and craving.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Calocurb: USE CODE DRMARIZA for 10% off your purchase! https://www.calocurb.com/drmarizasnyder Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ order https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101585564-17091761 Calcurb on Facebook Calocurb on Instagram RELATED EPISODES #621: The Truth About Metabolic Health, Hormones and GLP-1s with Tyna Moore #558: The Science Behind Ozempic and Important Facts About GLP-1 Agonists + Hormone Replacement For Women 40+ with Dr. Tyna Moore #613: Effective Tools for Curbing Your Appetite in Midlife and Optimizing Your Blood Sugar with Nagina Sethi Abdullah #601: The Food You Eat Will Impact Your Menopause Journey + Foods to Ease Menopause and Promote Longevity with Dr. Federica Amati 696: Why Diets Stop Working in Midlife—and What Actually Helps Instead with Lara Frendjian

Nov 25

Feeling a bit lost in midlife? This is a MASSIVE transition physically and emotionally , so it’s easy to feel like you’re just not who you once were. In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Elena Brower to discuss navigating midlife with more grace, spaciousness, and self-trust. As a seasoned meditation and yoga instructor, Elena reminds us that this season of life is truly about letting go —releasing what no longer serves you and creating room for what deeply matters now. Through the stories and practices in her new book, Hold Nothing, she offers a grounded pathway for prioritizing yourself, your energy, and your evolving needs without apology. We explore how midlife asks us to choose what gets to take center stage today… and you can bet it’s different from what mattered most to you five, ten, or twenty years ago. So if you’re craving care, patience, and encouragement as you move through hormonal shifts and midlife transitions, this conversation is just for you! Elena Brower Elena Brower is an international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices for over 25 years. She’s the author of Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation , and just published her newest book, Hold Nothing. Elena is a mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice You Podcast, where she supports women through life’s transitions, encouraging presence, care, and openness. IN THIS EPISODE Exploring the concept and benefits of “holding nothing” Emphasizing the importance of relationships Healthy parenting techniques for fostering trust Remaining steady and patient in unexpected circumstances How your body physiologically responds to stress Practicing Zen Meditation Lifestyle recommendations for midlife transitions QUOTES “This ritual of sitting in the morning became the steadfast rule. And this is where it almost feels like I'm taking a shower for my mind– getting rid of all the doubt, the fear, the frustration, the angst, the anxiety, the anger… And when I finally took it on, it actually made a huge difference in who I am and how I show up, particularly in my parenting, but also in every other realm.” “Those situations are really important to keep close. Those are the ones that are going to help us really practice and learn how to die, and that's kind of the next step, the next practice, living as fully with as much love and fun as we can, as much care and consideration as we can, and dying well.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 15% off on your Silverbiotics order https://silverbiotics.com/discount/drmariza Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Elena’s Book: Hold Nothing https://elenabrower.com/holdnothing Dr. Mariza's Ultimate Morning Self-Care Guide & Sign up for her FREE Virtual Workshop: The Altar of Your Heart Elena Brower’s Website Elena on Substack Elena on Instagram Elena’s Podcast: PRACTICE YOU RELATED EPISODES 692: Why Emotional Healing is Hormone Healing-The New Path to Midlife Empowerment with Ashley Turner 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self 685: End Emotional Outsourcing: Break Free from Codependency, Perfectionism & People-Pleasing with Beatriz Albina #629: Unlocking Emotional Resilience with Awareness, Lifestyle and Tools to Regulate Your Stress Triggers with Dr. Drew Ramsey