BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie

Dr. Rena Malik, board-certified urologist and sexual medicine expert, has the most frank conversation about female sexual health you'll hear anywhere. She covers pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence affects 1 in 3 women), the genital urinary syndrome of menopause (80% of women will experience changes), and the orgasm gap—plus why same-sex couples don't have this problem. Dr. Malik breaks down low desire in midlife with actual tre...

Feeling overwhelmed by environmental toxins? This is your antidote to eco-anxiety. Dr. Aly Cohen, triple board-certified physician, joins me for a refreshingly practical conversation about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) without the hysteria. We break down how BPA, phthalates, and PFAS affect your hormones, metabolism, and immune system—and what you can actually do about it.

From the frozen food revelation (it's better than fr...

Discover the latest science behind fasting and innovative fasting alternatives in this episode with Dr. Chris Rhodes, nutritional biochemist. Learn about the anti-inflammatory and longevity benefits of a 36-hour fast, and how Mimio, a fasting supplement, can help you access fasting’s advantages without skipping meals. With special insights on women’s health—including hormones, muscle preservation, and metabolic changes—this is esse...

Author Michael Joseph Gross (Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives) reveals how muscle has shaped human health, confidence, and culture for centuries—and why it’s time for women to reclaim it. Learn why “brains vs. brawn” is a myth, how lifting builds empathy and resilience, and the surprising history of strong women—from Victorian Europe to the modern gym.

Episode Overview:
(0:00) Intro/Teaser
(4:00) From Greeks to Gains:...

Dr. Christine Maren, a medical doctor and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in women’s health, shares her expertise on gut health, hormones, and the complex interplay between digestion and the menopausal transition. In this episode, she explains the differences in gut diversity between men and women, explores how shifts in estrogen and progesterone affect the gut, and discusses why sensitivity to alcohol, caff...

Ariel Garten explores the transformative potential of neurofeedback for stress reduction, sleep improvement, and brain health. Ariel, a neuroscientist, fashion designer turned entrepreneur, and co-founder of Muse, discusses how meditation and the Muse brain-sensing headband can be game-changers for women navigating midlife challenges such as stress, anxiety, and sleep issues. Learn about the aging brain, the ruminating inner voice,...

Dr. Kelly Casperson is back to dig into the world of hormones, hormone replacement therapy, and how to make informed decisions for optimal health. Dr. Casperson, a board-certified urologist and women’s sexual health specialist, discusses common misconceptions about menopause, the importance of timing in hormone therapy, and the benefits of vaginal estrogen and DHEA. They also touch on cardiovascular health, skin health, and the cha...

Join Cynthia Thurlow for another insightful episode of what we like to call “She Said, She Said,” where she teams up to tackle your most pressing health and wellness questions. Dive into real conversations about navigating perimenopause while raising kids, evolving perspectives on fasting, and whether dairy is truly a friend to your gut. Discover the latest on cold plunges for women, strength training routines, and the safest appro...

Dr. Mariza Snyder, a leading expert on perimenopause, cuts through the noise and confusion online. In this episode, she shares practical, actionable strategies to help you navigate this transformative life stage. She dives into the physiology of midlife changes, the effects of chronic stress, the power of movement (including quick exercise snacks), bone health essentials, and optimizing your sleep routine. Dr. Mariza also opens up ...

Amitay Eshel, CEO and founder of Young Goose, joins us to discuss skincare, especially for perimenopausal women. He shares insights on how hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone influence skin aging, energy levels, and antioxidants, and explains the importance of NAD for cellular health. Amitay also offers advice on slowing skin aging with topical treatments, highlights procedures to avoid, and dispels common myths ...

Discover the science and benefits of methylene blue with Dr. Scott Sherr, a specialist in health optimization and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this episode, Dr. Sherr delves into methylene blue’s role in supporting mitochondrial health, easing brain fog, boosting energy, and improving cognitive function—especially for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Learn how it may enhance athletic performance, speed up recovery, and work sa...

Join Dr. Sarah E. Hill, a leading expert in evolutionary psychology, as she explores the fascinating impacts of hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle on key areas of life. In this episode, she dives into the intricate dynamics of the follicular and luteal phases, unpacking how these stages influence mate selection, exercise, and nutrition. Packed with practical tips, Dr. Hill provides tailored guidance for optimizing your...

Dr. Diana Hill delves into the transformative power of "Wise Effort," especially for women navigating midlife and perimenopause. In her new book, Dr. Diana challenges the pervasive belief that working harder is the solution, arguing that over-efforting often leads to burnout. This episode gracefully covers navigating the complexities of aging, processing grief, reclaiming pleasure, and integrating creativity as essential components...

Ballistic author and TrueHoop founder, Henry Abbott, delves into injury risk, biomechanics, and movement patterns, focusing on the knees, hips, and ankles. Henry shares insights from the P3 lab in Santa Barbara, highlighting the importance of understanding granular movement data to predict injuries. Discover key factors and safe techniques in jumping and landing essential for everyone, especially women transitioning to strength tra...

Dr. Stacy Sims returns to discuss the crucial aspects of recovery, hydration, and the unique considerations for women, particularly those in perimenopause. In this episode, we discuss the importance of hydration, the benefits and timing of saunas and cold plunges, and the effects of hormonal changes on recovery, sleep, and overall performance. Dr. Sims sheds light on how our circadian rhythms differ from men’s and what that means f...

In this solo episode, Dr. Stephanie explores the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for women in perimenopause and menopause. Inspired by an Instagram poll, she highlights how sprinting and HIIT improve longevity, cardiovascular health, and muscle maintenance. Dr. Stephanie discusses VO2 max, the importance of fast-twitch muscle fibres, and the hormonal effects of aging. She prescribes low-impact HIIT options like ...

Dr. Vonda Wright explains how bones function as endocrine organs, influencing not only our skeletal health but also communicating with muscles, the brain, and various body systems. She highlights the crucial role of estrogen in bone health and emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal peak bone density. Dr. Wright also shares actionable strategies to help you maintain strong and healthy bones throughout your life. Check out he...

Harley Pasternak, a renowned personal trainer in Hollywood, delves into the importance of carbohydrates, protein, and simplifying your fitness journey. Discover why there are no “bad carbs,” learn how to structure an effective exercise regimen, and explore the benefits of consistency and joy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pasternak shares actionable advice on creating sustainable health habits that make the complex world of fi...

Dr. Steven Gundry explores the profound impact of gut health on overall well-being. In this episode, he discusses the modern insults to our gut microbiome since the mid-1970s, the significance of gut diversity, and strategies for maintaining a healthy gut lining. Dr. Gundry shares insights on combating inflammation, the importance of soaking and pressure-cooking legumes, and the transformative role of olive oil. This enlightening c...