Smash the Crash

Smash the Crash

If your energy is MIA, your brain feels like it’s buffering, and your mood swings are auditioning for a soap opera… welcome. You’re in the right place. Hosted by midlife health coach Melissa Hinman, Smash the Crash is the go-to podcast for busy, overwhelmed women navigating perimenopause and all the real-life chaos that comes with midlife. This isn’t about a total life overhaul. It’s about small, realistic shifts that actually fit your life—and help you feel like YOU again. Disclaimer: I am a registered nurse and health coach, but I am not a medical doctor. The information and recommendations provided during our coaching sessions are intended to support your overall health and wellness and are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication, treatment plan, or if you have any concerns about your health.

Episodes

September 9, 2025 17 mins

Most midlife women don’t need a full wellness overhaul. They need simple energy habits that actually stick. In this episode of Smash the Crash, Melissa Hinman shares three realistic habits that fit into real life (not Pinterest-perfect routines).

You’ll discover:
 ✔ Why most midlife habits fail and how to avoid the overhaul trap
 ✔ Three energy habits you can start today: a morning “start signal,” a 5-minute reset ritual, or...

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What if every restart makes you stronger?

Starting over again in midlife doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means your body and energy are sending you feedback. In this episode of Smash the Crash, you’ll learn why the “start-over cycle” feels so heavy, and why habit shame drains more energy than inconsistency itself.

We’ll walk through a simple 3-step reset framework: Pause, Process, Pivot; that helps you drop the guilt and choose the ne...

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Feeling like you’re already “behind” on fall and it’s not even September? Mid-August has a way of mixing back-to-school chaos with that nagging pressure to overhaul your entire life overnight. But here’s the truth: in midlife, big overhauls lead to burnout.

In this episode of Smash the Crash, host Melissa Hinman shares why the all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for high-capacity midlife women, and what to do instead. You’ll learn ...

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Summer is winding down, but you're feeling fried, not refreshed. If you're a midlife woman staring at the chaos of camp bags, back-to-school emails, and zero motivation, this episode is your deep breath. 

In this episode:

  • Why summer exhaustion hits differently in midlife
  • The 3 reset zones: mental, physical, and emotional
  • Micro-habits to support your energy (starting with breakfast, boundaries, and brain dumps)
  • How to rebui...
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Feeling constantly pulled in a hundred directions and never alone long enough to even hear your own thoughts? In the final episode of the Summer Energy Zones Series, we’re talking about one of the biggest midlife energy drains: mental noise, overstimulation, and the complete lack of alone time.

If your nervous system is fried, your patience is thin, and even your downtime feels loud, this episode is your reset button.

🔑 What you’ll ...

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Feeling crispy around the edges from the heat, chaos, and endless to-do lists? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken.

In this Summer Energy Series episode of Smash the Crash, Melissa shares her go-to Midlife Survival Checklist for the weeks when it’s 100 degrees, your brain is fried, and your energy is running on caffeine and chaos.

You’ll learn:

  • Why taking five (literally!) is the reset your nervous system needs
  • How h...
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Feeling like summer should feel easier by now, but somehow you’re still riding the burnout train? In this episode of the Summer Energy Series, we’re doing a mid-season pulse check. Mornings might be lighter, but if your brain’s juggling back-to-back meetings, snack duty, sunscreen reminders, and a 9-5 that's lost its chill; you're not alone.

Melissa shares personal stories, explains why your nervous system may not have got...

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Feeling like longer summer days mean you should be doing more? In this episode of Smash the Crash, we’re calling out the sneaky pressure that comes with extra daylight—and how it’s draining midlife women of the energy they do have. From "just one more thing" syndrome to the guilt of resting when the sun’s still up, we break down how summer can slide you into the Yellow Zone faster than you think.

You’ll walk away with 3 si...

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Tired before summer even starts? You might be experiencing Schedule Whiplash. In this kickoff to the Summer Energy Series, we’re talking about the messy in-between: school isn’t quite done, summer hasn’t fully started, and your energy is spiraling.

This episode unpacks:

  • Why seasonal transitions, even good ones, are exhausting
  • How to recognize the warning signs of your yellow energy zone
  • Three micro-shifts to help stabilize your ene...
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Tired of the Monday morning restarts that fizzle out by Wednesday? This episode explores why you might be stuck in a cycle of starting over and offers a powerful approach to redefine your personal "feeling good" to create sustainable change.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Redefine "Feeling Good": Stop chasing vague goals and identify what tangible "good" looks and feels like for you right now in your current life.
  2. Id...
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Are you really “fine”… or just faking it to power through another day? In this episode, we’re calling out self-gaslighting—those sneaky thoughts that tell you to suck it up, stop being dramatic, and push through—even when your body is clearly waving a yellow flag.

In this episode we:

  • break down how midlife women dismiss their own energy signals
  • what the science says about it
  • why trusting yourself is the most powerful form of self-c...
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Ever cried in a Target parking lot over forgotten deodorant? (Been there. No shame.) Or found yourself yelling at your readers like they’re alive and hiding on purpose? Yeah… you're not alone.

In this episode of Smash the Crash, I’m breaking down what your energy is trying to tell you using the "Traffic Light Method"—yep, we’re talking green, yellow, and red zones for your life. Because just like your car ne...

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Ever feel like you’re switching roles 24/7—mom, boss, partner, caretaker—without a second to breathe? In this episode of Smash the Crash, we’re digging into the mental load of midlife and why it’s quietly draining your energy every single day.

You’ll learn:
 ✔ What the “mental load shuffle” is—and why it’s more than just stress
 ✔ How constant role-switching impacts your physical energy and focus
 ✔ The one tool that hel...

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Ever wake up already exhausted, wondering where your energy went? If you’ve been surviving on caffeine and sugar but still hitting that afternoon slump, it’s time for a reset. 

In this episode of Smash the Crash, we’re tackling midlife energy crashes—what’s causing them and how to pivot in just five minutes a day (without relying on another cup of coffee!).

🔹 Why midlife energy dips happen – Hormone fluctuations, stress, and blood s...

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From Energy Chaos to Clarity: A 3-Step Framework for Busy Women

Feeling drained and overwhelmed? This episode reveals a simple three-step framework to reclaim your energy and boost your vitality. Learn how to increase awareness, align your actions with your values, and take action using the SMASH framework.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Increase Awareness: Track your energy levels throughout the day to identify your energy drains and boosters.
  2. Al...
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Stop Surviving, Start Thriving: A Simple Framework for Boosting Your Energy

Feeling drained? This episode shares the "SMASH" framework – a simple yet powerful approach to boost your energy levels and achieve your goals. Learn how to set intentions, make measurable goals, and automate habits for sustainable success.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Identify Energy Drains: Recognize common energy-sapping behaviors like decision fatigue, ove...
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Discover the top 5 signs that your energy is depleted and learn simple strategies to recharge and boost your vitality.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Recognize the Signs: Identify key indicators of low energy, such as brain fog, mood swings, and low patience.
  2. Prioritize Hydration: Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate and boost energy levels.
  3. Incorporate Movement: Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine, even if it&ap...
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In this episode of Smash the Crash, we tackle procrastination—why it feels so easy, how it impacts your energy, and, most importantly, how to stop it. Melissa shares relatable stories, science-backed insights, and three simple steps to break free from the procrastination trap. By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable tips to reclaim your energy and get stuff done without the stress.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Wh...
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Grab your New Year Mini-Guide! 👇🏻
https://melissahinman.myflodesk.com/nyminiguide

** ditch the Resolutions, Embrace Your True Self**

Forget the unrealistic New Year's resolutions. This episode focuses on setting intentions for 2025 that are authentic and sustainable. Learn how to prioritize self-care, embrace micro habits, and create a year of personal growth and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Focus on How You Wan...
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Embrace the power of the winter solstice to recharge, reflect, and prepare for a vibrant new year. Learn how to harness the energy of this season to boost your well-being and achieve your goals.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Embrace the Pause: Use the winter solstice as an opportunity to slow down, rest, and recharge.
  2. Reflect and Renew: Take time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future.
  3. Prioritize Self-Care: Practice self-ca...
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