Emotional Eats Podcast: Real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, and weight loss for women over 40

Join the Cool Girl Collective
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Midlife can feel overwhelming in ways many women never expected. The responsibilities are heavier, the body feels different, and the strategies that once worked to manage stress, weight, and emotions suddenly don't anymore.
In this episode, Kim is joined by licensed clinical social worker, mental wellness educator, and podcast host MJ Murray Vachon for a grounded, compassionate conversation about why midlife women are struggling and why it is not a personal failure.
MJ brings nearly 40 years of clinical experience into a conversation that reframes stress, emotional eating, and weight struggles through the lens of the nervous system, culture, and self-trust. Instead of focusing on discipline or willpower, she helps women understand what their bodies are asking for and how to reconnect with themselves in practical, realistic ways.
This episode is about slowing down, removing shame, and learning how to regulate from the inside out so food, habits, and health no longer feel like a constant battle.  Listen to the end for practical tips from MJ.

What we cover
Why midlife women feel constantly stretched thin and emotionally overloaded
How stress shows up in coping behaviors like emotional eating, alcohol, and cannabis use
Why willpower and discipline stop working in midlife
The role culture, technology, and modern life play in nervous system overload
The difference between self-monitoring and self-attunement
Simple body-based tools to calm stress before it turns into burnout or overeating
Why midlife health and weight loss require a very different approach than earlier decades

Key takeaways
Calm does not come from thinking harder or trying harder. It starts in the body.
Regulating the nervous system must come before reflection, problem-solving, or change.
Much of the stress women feel is cultural and generational, not personal failure.
Self-attunement builds self-trust, which is essential for sustainable health in midlife.
Small, imperfect steps done consistently matter more than all-or-nothing efforts.

About MJ
MJ Murray Vachon is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 40 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, and major life transitions. She has facilitated more than 50,000 therapy sessions and delivered over 800 mental wellness workshops.
She is the founder of Inner Challenge, a mental wellness program launched in 1993, and the host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, which was selected by Maria Shriver as "Listen of the Week" in January 2024. MJ's work is practical, compassionate, and rooted in helping people reconnect with their heart, body, and mind using tools they can apply immediately in real life.
 
Check out these episodes from MJ's podcast Creating Midlife Calm:
Ep. 228 — A Calmer Approach to Ep.229 Midlife Weight Loss Using Coping Skills That Reduce Anxiety & Stress While You Lose Weight
https://pod.fo/e/376d25
Ep. 229 — Coping Skills to Overcome the Biggest Saboteurs of Midlife Weight Loss—and Decrease Anxiety & Stress
https://pod.fo/e/379386

Connect with MJ
Website: https://mjmurrayvachon.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-j-murray-vachon-lcsw-184252289
Instagram: @vachonmjmurray
Facebook: MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW
 
Connect with Kim:
Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038
Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife
Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.
 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth
 
Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here:
https://www.organifishop.com/
Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off
This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.
 
Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.
LMNT
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes
Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective
This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness.
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
This episode is one of those conversations that feels easy, natural, and surprisingly comforting. I'm joined by Jen, the creator behind the popular TikTok and Instagram account @jenopause_midlife, and what happens is an honest, fun, and deeply relatable conversation about midlife, hormones, and everything women were never really taught about this stage of life.
We talk about what it's like to start experiencing changes in your body and mind and not have the language, information, or support to understand what's happening. We explore why so many women feel dismissed or confused in midlife, why symptoms are often misunderstood, and how powerful it can be to finally realize you're not alone.
This episode also dives into why humor matters so much during perimenopause and menopause, how social media has unexpectedly become a place for connection and education, and what happens when women finally start talking openly about their experiences instead of suffering quietly.
It's lighthearted, real, educational without being overwhelming, and feels more like two friends talking than a formal interview.

In This Episode, We Touch On
What women are (and aren't) told about perimenopause and menopause
Why midlife symptoms are so often misunderstood or dismissed
The emotional side of midlife changes
Learning about hormones later than expected
Finding connection, validation, and support in unexpected places
Why humor can be such a powerful coping and teaching tool

About Jen
Jen is the founder of Jenopause Midlife, a women's health education and advocacy platform dedicated to bringing honesty, support, and empowerment to the midlife experience. Known for her warmth, candor, and humor, Jen brings a refreshing authenticity to conversations many women have been taught to keep quiet.
After more than two decades in high-performance ad sales roles, Jen began experiencing physical and emotional changes that were repeatedly dismissed. She later learned she was in perimenopause, a realization that collided with a challenging chapter at work and eventually led to an ADHD diagnosis later in life. These experiences opened her eyes to how often women are misdiagnosed, minimized, or left to navigate midlife without understanding or support.
Motivated to change that narrative, Jen earned a menopause coaching certification, not to coach clients, but to deepen her knowledge so she could better educate, validate, and advocate for women who deserve real answers. Through Jenopause Midlife, she helps women understand their options, find quality care, and feel less alone through education, humor, and open conversation.
Jen also serves on the Board of Directors of the NYC YMCA and is active in fundraising and community volunteer work. She lives between New York City and the Jersey Shore with her husband.

Find and Follow Jen
You can find Jen on TikTok and Instagram at @jenopause_midlife
Connect with Kim:
Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038
Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife
Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.
 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth
 
Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here:
https://www.organifishop.com/
Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off
This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.
 
Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.
LMNT
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes
Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective
We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community.
This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness.
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
Meal Prep Made Simple
In Episode 140 of the Emotional Eats podcast, Kim breaks down the simple system she uses to have real food available for all four meals of the day, even when life is busy and cravings are loud.
This is not about building a perfect weekly meal plan or cooking five matching meals in containers. It's about being prepared with the right basics so you can pull meals together fast.
Kim explains why she focuses on protein and fiber first (because carbs are easy to add if you want them), how this approach supports blood sugar stability and the midlife midsection, and why cooking at home often takes less time than ordering food. You'll also hear her practical shortcuts for making food feel doable and using the crockpot or Instant Pot when nothing is thawed, and always cooking extra so lunch is handled the next day.
She also shares what she packs for travel to stay prepared on the road, plus small mindset shifts that help you stop overcomplicating meals and start trusting yourself in the kitchen.
A few highlights
Kim's four-meals-a-day framework: breakfast, lunch, afternoon mini meal, and dinner
The "three thawed proteins" rule that makes cooking feel effortless
How to build meals from protein + fiber without overthinking carbs
Quick proteins that cook in about 10 minutes
The no-stress turkey meatball method and why cooking extra changes everything
Backup foods that save you when leftovers disappear
Simple travel prep that prevents impulse eating on the road
If you want a realistic way to cook more at home, stabilize blood sugar, and feel more in control around food in midlife, this episode gives you a plan you can actually use.
 
Connect with Kim:
Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038
Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife
Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.
 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth
 
Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here:
https://www.organifishop.com/
Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off
This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.
 
Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.
LMNT
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes
Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective
We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community.
This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness.
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
To Drink or Not to Drink in Midlife
In today's episode, we're talking about alcohol in midlife through a completely non-judgmental lens. If you're still drinking, not ready to let go, or you've tried before and gone back, you're not doing anything wrong. This conversation is here to help you understand what alcohol may be doing to your body, your hormones, your cravings, your mood, and your nervous system so you can make choices that feel right for you, in your own time.
I also share my personal story, including my alcohol-free date of January 24, 2022, and what I've learned over the years about why alcohol can feel so different after 40.
If you feel you may be dealing with addiction or dependence, please reach out to a support group, your medical provider, or a mental health professional.
Highlights
My personal journey with alcohol and why this time it finally stuck
Why alcohol often feels different after 40, especially through perimenopause and beyond
The overlap between alcohol, "hangxiety", low motivation, sleep disruption, and louder cravings
How alcohol affects metabolism, blood sugar, hunger cues, and hormonal balance
Why alcohol and emotional eating often go hand-in-hand as coping strategies
Gentle reflection questions and practical steps if you're curious about changing your patterns
The social side of not drinking and how to navigate pressure without shame

Key Takeaways
Alcohol can disrupt sleep, mood, motivation, and cravings in midlife in ways that feel confusing if you don't realize what's happening physiologically.
Many women use alcohol the way they use food, scrolling, or other habits: to soothe and regulate the nervous system.
When you begin paying attention without judgment, you gain clarity and choice, which makes change easier when you're ready.
Simple pattern interruptions and nervous system tools can help you respond differently, even before you decide what your long-term relationship with alcohol will be.
You are not behind. Your timeline is your timeline, and support matters.
Closing Thought
This episode isn't about perfection or pressure. It's about listening, understanding what your body is asking for in midlife, and creating space to choose what actually makes you feel well. If alcohol has been part of how you cope, you're human. And you deserve support as you figure out what feels right for you.


Resources Mentioned
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
The Mocktail Mom episode (Year One Episode 3)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-breaking-up-with-alcohol-in-midlife-with-deb/id1686639038?i=1000613979697
Connect with Kim:
Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038
Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife
Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.
 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth
 
Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here:
https://www.organifishop.com/
Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off
This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.
 
Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.
LMNT
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes
Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

Join the Cool Girl Collective
We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community.
This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness.
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
If you are a woman in perimenopause or post-menopause and you've noticed more anxiety, restlessness, looping thoughts, or feeling constantly on edge, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Kim shares why anxiety in midlife often feels different than it did earlier in life and why it may be connected to hormonal and physiological changes, not just stress or mindset. She shares what she is seeing in her own journey, in her clients, and in the conversations women are finally starting to have out loud.
This episode connects the dots between changing estrogen levels, brain chemistry, real-life stressors, and the subtle ways anxiety shows up in midlife, including overstimulation, social discomfort, and the need to control or over-prepare.
Kim also discusses why anxiety can persist even for women on hormone therapy, why hormone absorption and gut health matter, and why hormone therapy is a personal choice that should be made with a qualified healthcare provider.
You'll hear practical insights around calming the nervous system, sleep, food, movement, and small daily habits that can help women feel safer and more grounded in their bodies during this season of life.
This episode is for education and awareness only. If anxiety feels overwhelming or unmanageable, listeners are encouraged to speak with a medical provider or mental health professional. Hormone therapy is a personal decision and should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode Highlights
Why midlife anxiety often feels louder, stickier, and harder to manage
The connection between estrogen, the brain, and the stress response
How real-life transitions in midlife can amplify anxiety
Subtle anxiety symptoms women rarely talk about
Why control and over-preparation can be coping mechanisms
Gentle, supportive ways to calm the nervous system and feel safer in the moment
Connect with Kim:
Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038
Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife
Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.
 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth
 
Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here:
https://www.organifishop.com/
Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off
This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.
 
Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.
LMNT
http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes
Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.