The Positive Pause

The Intersectionality of Perimenopause and Mental Health

Perimenopause isn't just a physical transition. It can have a profound impact on a woman's mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill welcomes Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG, to explore the connection between hormonal changes and mental well-being, the disparities women face in […]

Seleni Institute’s Approach to Perimenopause, Menopause, and Mental Health

Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flashes, sleep problems, and other physical symptoms, but the mental and emotional impact can be just as significant. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill talks with Seema Bajaj, Executive Director of the Seleni Institute, and Dr. Mary Riddle, reproductive psychologist and lead instructor […]

Underfunded Areas of Women's Health – Part 2

Women's health has come a long way, but significant funding gaps continue to slow the development of new treatments and therapies. In this episode of The Positive Pause, Claire Gill welcomes back Sabrina Martucci Johnson, President & CEO of Daré Bioscience, to continue their conversation about why investing in women's health matters, how consumers can […]

Underfunded Areas of Women's Health – Part 1

Women's health has historically been overlooked in research and investment, but that landscape is beginning to change. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill talks with Sabrina Martucci Johnson, President & CEO of Daré Bioscience, about what it really takes to develop safe, effective therapies for women and why informed patients play […]

The Importance of Heart Health and Nutrition for Women As They Age

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet awareness is still surprisingly low. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill sits down with two of NMF’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) members, Dr. Emily Lau, a cardiologist specializing in women’s cardiovascular health, and Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, to […]

Healthspan Over Lifespan: What Women Need to Know About Aging Well

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Leslie Kenny, co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and founder of Oxford Healthspan. Leslie shares her powerful personal story of overcoming a life-threatening diagnosis and how that journey led her to focus on helping women improve their healthspan, especially during midlife. Together, they […]

The Importance of Women-Centered Healthcare Practices

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Soma Mandal, a leading board-certified Internist and midlife women’s health expert, to talk about her personal path into women’s health, the evolution of menopause care, her podcast “Soma Says”, and her major new role developing a comprehensive Women’s Health Center. The conversation […]

From Confusion to Confidence: How NNABI Is Changing the Perimenopause Conversation

In this episode of The Positive Pause, host Claire Gill sits down with EJ Kim and Marina Pen, co-founders of NNABI, the first company built specifically to support women in perimenopause, for a discussion around the massive awareness gap surrounding this life stage, their groundbreaking “Peri Power Report 2025”, and why women deserve better education, […]

Reclaiming Menopause: Nutrition, Phytoestrogens and Hormonal Health

On this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill welcomes Maryon Stewart, BEM, a pioneer in natural menopause care, the Founder & CEO at Femmar, and Creator of N-HRP™, the Natural Hormone Rebalancing Protocol, to discuss how nutrition, phytoestrogens, and lifestyle protocols can transform the menopausal journey. With over three decades of research, Maryon […]

Beyond Hot Flashes: Root-Cause Menopause Care

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill sits down with integrative and hormonal medicine expert Shivani Doctor, PA-C, BHMS, MPAS, founder of Integrative Health and Aesthetics in Springfield, VA, for a discussion to help demystify midlife women’s health by covering what integrative/functional medicine actually is, how to spot hormone-driven symptoms (beyond hot […]

Rethinking Bone Health at Menopause

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Dr. Adrienne Bitar, PhD and Dr. Jennifer Han, PharmD, BCACP, co-founders of Seen Nutrition about their personal experiences with bone health issues, including pre-menopausal osteoporosis, the important role of calcium in bone health & bone density, how to protect bone health at midlife, and […]

More Than a Headache: Understanding Migraine at Midlife

Resources: American Migraine Foundation American Migraine Foundation: Why Don't We Use the Terms "migraines," "migraine headaches" and "migraineur"? Canadian Headache Society  In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Claire Sandoe, MD, MSc, neurologist, educator, and American Migraine Foundation board member, for a discussion about migraine’s impact on women, especially during […]

A Smarter Approach to Pelvic and Hormonal Health with Jenna Perkins

In this episode, Jenna Perkins, RN, WHNP-BC, a board-certified women’s health and gender-related nurse practitioner and founder of DiscovHER Health joins us for a discussion about the importance understanding of pelvic health, which includes both urinary, bladder and gynecological issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause, the growing role and responsibilities of that nurse practitioners (NP) […]

Gaining Strength At Midlife

In this episode, Joe Hoye, Owner/Operator of Hoye Fit, joins us for a discussion about how he helps women, especially those over the age of 40, in creating lasting change through fitness, nutrition, health and mindset. Most coaches tell women to eat less and move more—Joe Hoye does the opposite. Through Diet Detox, he simplifies […]

Heal, Evolve, Reignite: Navigating Midlife Mental Health

In this episode, Dawn Van Berkel, LPC, CCTP, CST, a mental health counselor and founder of H.E.R. Therapy, joins us for a discussion to explore the emotional challenges and opportunities women face during midlife and menopause.  Dawn shares her inspiring story of going back to school in her mid-40s to earn a master’s degree in […]

Navigating Menopause with Humor and Strength

In this episode, Colleen McIntosh, author of Menopause: The Horror, Humility, and Humor of It All joins us to discuss her candid and humorous approach to navigating menopause. She shares insights on how humor, support, and self-care can help women thrive during this challenging life transition. Colleen’s story is one of humor, resilience, and self-discovery. […]

Understanding Pelvic Health with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS

In this episode, Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, a seasoned physical therapist, author, and speaker with over 40 years of experience, including almost three decades specializing in women’s health, joins us for a discussion into the often overlooked but crucial topic of pelvic health, its critical role in everyday functions like bowel and bladder control, sexual […]

Unlocking Hormonal Balance with Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP

In this episode, Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP an intuitive integrative family nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in neuroimmune endocrinology, joins us for a discussion around the crucial role of the hypothalamus in managing menopause symptoms, overall health, and hormonal harmony.  Specializing in hypothalamic health, Deborah has helped thousands of patients restore hormonal balance […]

The Motivational Force of Menopause

In this episode, Stephanie Mitchell, a certified personal trainer (CPT) and the inspiring wellness coach behind Stephanie Mitchell Fitness, joins us for a discussion around how women can prioritize wellness through the complex journey of perimenopause and menopause. In our conversation, Stephanie shares insights on staying connected to our "why" in our wellness routines, staying […]

Workplace Fairness for Women at Midlife: A Conversation on Menopause and Employee Rights

In this episode Jack Tuckner, Esq. and Catherine Crider, Esq. of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP, a NY-based law firm dedicated to workplace gender rights, join us to discuss the significant challenges faced by women at midlife, particularly around menopause, and how the workplace can better support them. The conversation is a deep dive […]

Empowering Women Through Perimenopause with Laura Okafor

In this episode, Laura Okafor, founder and CEO of perry, joins us for a conversation about why perimenopause needs its own awareness month, how to help women understand & support them during the menopause transition, and misconceptions around perimenopause. This September, the National Menopause Foundation, in partnership with perry, launched the inaugural National Perimenopause Awareness […]

Self-Care Strategies with Cara-Michele Nether, L.Ac., FNC, CPT

In this episode, Cara-Michele Nether, a distinguished licensed health practitioner, author, and founder of Strength & Vitality Wellness, joins us for a conversation about the self-care crisis and the four urgent steps women aged 45 and older can't afford to ignore.  Making friends with self-care consistency is more straightforward than you might think, and feeling […]

Understanding Menopause Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine

In this episode, Dr. Evan M. Rabinowitz, the founder of the Yao Shan Center for Chinese Medicine in Washington, DC, joins us for a conversation about acupuncture for menopause symptom treatment relief, the importance of treatment for the individual, how the body is an ecosystem and how holistic & Eastern medicine focus on addressing and […]

Building Strength from Within

In this episode, Rebekah Rotstein, NCPT, joins us for a conversation about the unique health challenges women face at midlife particularly regarding bone health and osteoporosis, and ways in which women can maintain and build bone health and muscle strength.  Rebekah Rotstein, a leading expert in Pilates, bone health, and movement education, is the founder […]

Navigating Menopausal Care with Dr. Samantha Dunham

In this episode, Dr. Samantha Dunham joins us for a conversation on the crisis around menopausal care as often, women experience menopausal symptoms without understanding what’s happening and without knowing where to go for help. Dr. Samantha Dunham is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), a certified menopause practitioner, and the co-director of the Center for Midlife […]

Holistic Wellness and a Purpose-Filled Life

In this episode, we talk about the balance of physical movement and mental clarity, and how they lead to emotional balance and help you set and implement your goals. with guest Sonia Satra. Sonia Satra, certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, is an executive coach, author and mind-body thought leader who specializes in personal transformation by […]

Getting Your Zzzzzz During Menopause

In this episode, we focus on the importance of sleep and how aging & menopause can affect our sleep habits with guest, Dr. Whitney Roban, PhD. Dr. Roban is a renowned sleep expert, author, and founder of Solve Our Sleep, a one-stop shop for family, educational, and corporate sleep needs, offering various sleep supports via […]

Heart Health & Menopause with Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

In this episode, we focus on heart health and menopause, and how we can be proactive in keeping our hearts healthy as we age with guest Michelle Routhenstein. Michelle is the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart […]

Episode #19 – Protecting Your Pelvic Floor with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

In this episode, we discuss how important our pelvic floor is to our overall health with guest Ingrid Harm-Ernandes. Many women experience symptoms in the pelvic region during menopause. These are known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and are often not discussed with women as they transition through menopause. Ms. Harm-Ernandes is a physical […]

Maximizing Quality of Midlife Through Fitness – Dr. Maria Luque

In this episode we discuss how physical activity affects the quality of life of women going through menopause, with guest Maria Luque, Ph.D. Dr. Luque is a menopause fitness expert, health science professor, U.S. Air Force veteran, and busy mom. Her vision is to help all women in menopause become stronger, healthier, saner, and much […]

Cultural Impacts on Menopause – Meera Bhogal

Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Meera Bhogal. Meera, who is lives in the UK, is a menopause expert, personal trainer & fitness coach and provides training, classes & advocacy on the topic of menopause throughout the UK and around the globe. She is passionate about  raising awareness of menopause, especially in South […]

Managing Menopause in the Workplace – Dr. Mache Seibel

Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Dr. Mache Seibel. Dr. Seibel is known for his expertise in helping menopausal women regain control over their lives, work, and relationships. With an impressive 25-year tenure as a Harvard Medical School faculty member, he’s not only shaped the field, but has also made a significant impact […]

The Art of Being Unmessablewith – Josselyne Herman-Saccio

Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Josselyne Herman-Saccio. For more than 30 years, Josselyne has been leading transformative programs and coaching people who experience themselves stuck or "messablewith" in certain areas. She has worked with and impacted over 200,000 people directly in the areas of business and career, relationships and family, communication and […]

Taking a Big Bite out of Life: Combining Foods, Friends and Fun

In today's episode of The Positive Pause, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, leads the conversation on the fun of life with guest, Silvia Baldini. Silvia is a branding expert and an Italian-born chef known for her work with popular Italian ingredients. She’s knowledgeable and passionate about food and wellness, and she holds […]

What the Tech is Happening in Menopause with Dr. Pamela Peeke

Body Image at Midlife with Ellen Albertson

In today's episode of The Positive Pause, we get to hear a relatable discussion on some of the shared struggles of women: low self-image, comparison, practicing self-compassion, going through menopause. Claire is joined by Dr. Ellen Albertson. Dr. Albertson is also known as The Midlife Whisperer™. She is a Psychologist, Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Health […]

Women’s Health Tech with Ann Garnier

Today’s guest is Ann Garnier, a healthcare leader and the driving force behind Lisa Health, the creator of the Midday App for menopause and healthy aging. As co-founder and CEO, Ann has dedicated her career to improving women's health using technology. Her passion for transforming women's health after 40, coupled with her expertise in artificial […]

The Whole Body Reset

Heidi Skolnik is joining Claire on the podcast today. Considered a thought leader in nutrition, Heidi has influenced millions through her media work, writing and thriving consulting business. Heidi has been part of The Women’s Sports Medicine Center at HSS for over 20 years. Her company Nutrition Conditioning, oversees the Performance Nutrition program at The […]

Reproductive Longevity with Dr. Jennifer Garrison

Joining me on the podcast today is Jennifer Garrison PhD. Jennifer is an assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and also holds appointments in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. Dr. […]

We’re Not Done Yet – Dealing with Ageism

Ageism is real and we all likely know someone who has experienced it. In this episode, Claire Gill speaks with Patti Temple Rocks, author of I’m Not Done Yet: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace. In her close to four decades in the communications business, Patti has held senior leadership positions in […]

Managing Menopausal Symptoms via Diet

In this episode, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, RD, interviews fellow nutritionists and authors of THE MENOPAUSE DIET PLAN: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Hillary Wright and Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitians and good friends since college, bring more than 60 years of combined knowledge as health professionals – […]

Our Bodies at Menopause

There are many physical changes women experience at menopause. Some of these changes can be difficult to acknowledge and understand. In this episode of The Positive Pause we speak with Dr. Heather L. Johnson, an actively practicing gynecologist and author of two books, who, after delivering more than 3,500 babies over 40 years, recently retired […]

Sexy Sleepwear

For about 75% of women, hot flashes and night sweats are a fact of life during perimenopause and menopause. Entrepreneur Lara Smith was inspired to create a beautiful and comfortable sleepwear product to help her sister who suffered through night sweats caused by cancer treatment. The result, Lusomè, is beautifully designed sleepwear using the most […]

Managing Motherhood and Menopause

It’s estimated that more than 100,000 Americans give birth in their 40s each year, a number that has been steadily growing. It’s wonderful that the option of having children or adopting children is available to women later in life than was previously the norm. But, it’s still not the norm. For those who have become […]

Osteoporosis, Bone Health, and Menopause

In this episode National Menopause Foundation board member, Susan Randall, MSN, FNP-BC, talks with Claire Gill, CEO of the National Menopause Foundation about osteoporosis and bone health. Susan is former head of education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  All women begin to lose bone at a faster rate at menopause due to a decrease in […]

Move Your Body: Exercise for Hormone Balance

In this episode we discuss how women should consider adjusting their exercise routines to better respond to physical and mental changes at midlife. Fitness expert and best selling author Debra Atkinson share tips on how to listen to your body and develop an exercise routine that best meets your needs given what stage of menopause […]

Got Sex? Women's Sexual Health at Menopause

In this first episode of The Positive Pause, we interview Dr. Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, associate professor and chief, Division of Women's Primary Care and director of bone densitometry, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., about women's sexual health at menopause. We discuss physical changes […]