Emotional Eats Podcast - Emotional Eating, Weight loss, Perimenopause, Menopause, Women's Health, Life after 40, Life after 50, Aging, Hormones, Mindset, Fitness over 40, Emotional Wellness

• 99. The Weight of Clutter: Why Your Space Impacts Your Eating Habits and Emotional Health with Shannon Leyko of the Paring Down Podcast

  Welcome to Episode 99 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! Have you ever felt like the clutter in your home is adding to your mental load, making it harder to focus, relax, or even stay on track with your health goals? In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Leyko, the powerhouse behind Paring Down, to explore how decluttering is deeply connected to emotional eating, stress, and mental well-being.   Shannon is a former Miss New York, a professional vocalist, and an author who never expected to build a career in the world of decluttering. But after moving to Alaska, writing a book, and navigating motherhood with three kids under four, she found herself drowning in stuff—and realized she wasn’t alone. Sharing her journey on social media, she quickly discovered that so many of us struggle with accumulation, attachment to belongings, and decision fatigue. Before she knew it, her Paring Down podcast and Instagram exploded, and she became a sought-after expert in realistic minimalism.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·      The surprising link between clutter and emotional eating (it’s not just about the stuff!) ·      How societal and psychological factors drive us to overconsume—not just food but belongings ·      The scarcity mindset—how growing up with little or experiencing financial insecurity can lead to hoarding behaviors ·      How decision fatigue plays a role in both clutter and emotional eating ·      Why self-worth is often tied to the things we own and how to shift that mindset ·      Practical first steps to start decluttering without overwhelm ·      Tips for supporting a loved one (like an aging parent) through the decluttering process with compassion If you’ve ever walked past a cluttered corner of your home and felt instantly stressed but overwhelmed at the thought of dealing with it, this episode is for you. Shannon brings a blend of science, psychology, and heartfelt understanding to the topic, making the process of paring down feel empowering rather than stressful.   About Shannon Leyko: Shannon Leyko is the host of Paring Down, a podcast dedicated to realistic minimalism and decluttering. She’s also a former Miss New York, an author, and a professional speaker. Shannon’s journey from performing on stage to helping people reclaim their spaces has been an unexpected but powerful one. She specializes in helping people understand the emotional and mental aspects of decluttering and how to create a more peaceful home and mind. Connect with Shannon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paring_down/ Podcast: Paring Down Podcast (available on all major platforms) YouTube: @paringdown (https://www.youtube.com/c/ShannonOliver/videos) Book: You're Completely Normal – Available on Amazon .Join me inside the Emotional Eats Community—a space for midlife women who are ready to break free from emotional eating, food guilt, and self-sabotage. You’ll find real conversations, coaching, and support from women who get it. Join the Conversation and Community: Continue learning, talking and getting support around emotional eatin, midlife women’s health and menopause by joining the Emotion Eats Community. Click here to join:  https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth https://www.kimhynes.com https://kimhynes.com/podcast        If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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• 98. Is Drinking Alcohol in Midlife Making Emotional Eating Worse? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

  Welcome to Episode 98 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! In this episode,  I’m diving deep into a personal journey—one that many of you may relate to—the connection between alcohol and emotional eating. If you’ve ever found yourself pouring a glass of wine after a long day or reaching for snacks when stress of the day kicks in, you’re not alone. But have you ever paused to consider why? I’m sharing my own experience of letting go of alcohol—not as a rigid, rule-based “quit” but as an intentional choice to release something that wasn’t serving me. You’ll hear about how alcohol subtly influenced my food choices, emotional well-being, and overall health, especially during perimenopause and post-menopause. We’ll also unpack the all-or-nothing mindset so many of us have developed around food and alcohol, and how shifting to curiosity and self-awareness can be a game changer. This episode is not about telling you to stop drinking. It’s about exploring the patterns, noticing the connections, and deciding what you want. Because the most powerful health changes happen when they come from you, not from external rules or restrictions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The surprising ways alcohol impacts emotional eating Why I stopped counting days and made “letting go” my mindset How alcohol affected my body, workouts, and mental clarity in midlife The all-or-nothing cycle between food and alcohol (and how to break it) 7 Practical questions to explore if alcohol is serving or hindering you The ripple effect alcohol has on self-care, relationships, and stress levels This episode is packed with personal insights, reflection questions, and strategies to help you make informed choices—without judgment, shame, or pressure. Whether you're sober-curious, looking for more balance, or just want to explore how alcohol fits into your life, this episode will offer a fresh perspective. Join me inside the Emotional Eats Community—a space for midlife women who are ready to break free from emotional eating, food guilt, and self-sabotage. You’ll find real conversations, coaching, and support from women who get it. Join the Conversation and Community: Continue learning, talking and getting support around emotional eatin, midlife women’s health and menopause by joining the Emotion Eats Community. Click here to join:  https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth https://www.kimhynes.com https://kimhynes.com/podcast        If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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• 97. The Truth About Menopause Weight Gain and the Power of Bioidentical Hormones

  Welcome to Episode 97 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! I was really looking forward to this episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast because I sit down with the incredible Dr. Prudence Hall to discuss a topic that affects every midlife woman—menopause. Dr. Hall, a pioneer in women's health, shares her extensive experience in gynecology and integrative medicine to help women better understand their hormonal shifts, the power of bioidentical hormones, and the deeper root causes of weight gain. We also explore the mental and emotional toll of menopause, including anxiety, fatigue, and loss of identity, and how holistic approaches can restore vitality and well-being. Dr. Hall opens up about her personal journey, including the heartbreaking loss of her home in the California wildfires, making this conversation even more profound. As her first podcast interview since the disaster, I was honored to hold space for her wisdom, resilience, and unwavering dedication to empowering women through midlife transitions. Key Takeaways from the Episode: The Evolution of Menopause Awareness – Dr. Hall has been educating women on menopause for over 40 years, even before it became a widely discussed topic. Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones – Learn how bioidentical hormones are made, why they’re different from traditional HRT, and how they can dramatically improve symptoms. Perimenopause Symptoms & Why Doctors Miss Them – Many women struggle with brain fog, weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue for years before menopause, yet they’re told they’re ‘too young’ for hormonal changes. The Role of Root Causes in Weight Gain – It's not just about calories—low thyroid, adrenal fatigue, stress, inflammation, and emotional trauma all contribute to stubborn weight gain. How Blood Sugar & Gut Health Play a Role – Dr. Hall explains how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and gut healing strategies can help women regain control of their metabolism. Practical Nutrition & Movement Tips for Midlife Women – The truth about protein, fiber, and why high-intensity interval training (HIIT) might be the best exercise for hormone balance. Gratitude, Mindset, & Healing from Trauma – Why emotional healing and self-acceptance are essential parts of menopause and overall health. About Dr. Prudence Hall Dr. Prudence Hall started her career as a gynecological surgeon but soon realized the limitations of traditional medicine in addressing the complex challenges of menopause and aging. She transitioned into integrative and regenerative medicine, founding The Hall Center in Santa Monica, California. With a deep passion for helping women navigate midlife with vitality, she focuses on identifying the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Dr. Hall has been featured on Oprah, Dr. Phil, and various media outlets, advocating for hormone health and holistic wellness. Connect with Dr. Prudence Hall: Instagram: @drprudencehall Website: www.thehallcenter.com Join the Conversation and Community: Continue learning, talking and getting support around emotional eatin, midlife women’s health and menopause by joining the Emotion Eats Community. Click here to join:  https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth https://www.kimhynes.com https://kimhynes.com/podcast        If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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• 96. Menopause Stole My Brain—Here's How I’m Getting It Back (and You Can Too!) with Melissa Slemp

  Welcome to Episode 96 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! In this episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, Kim Hynes is joined by fellow health coach and friend, Melissa Slemp, to discuss their personal experiences with menopausal brain fog and the challenges it presents. From forgetfulness to struggling with focus and decision-making, they dive into the cognitive shifts that come with perimenopause and menopause. They share their own journeys, their clients’ experiences, and practical strategies to support brain health during midlife. Brain fog isn’t just about misplacing your keys—it can feel like a complete loss of mental sharpness and confidence. Kim and Melissa discuss how hormonal shifts, blood sugar imbalances, stress, and lifestyle factors play a role in cognitive changes. They also open up about their personal experiences with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), exercise, nutrition, and mindset shifts that have helped them regain clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing a piece of yourself due to brain fog, this episode will not only validate your experience but also give you actionable steps to feel more in control of your mind and body.   Episode Highlights: What exactly is menopausal brain fog, and how does it impact daily life? Kim and Melissa’s personal struggles with memory lapses, word retrieval issues, and focus challenges. The emotional toll of feeling mentally “off” and how it affects self-confidence. The role of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, in cognitive function. Why stress, sleep, and blood sugar regulation are critical for brain health. Lifestyle habits and routines that support mental clarity, including exercise, journaling, mindfulness, and spiritual practices. The power of humor and self-compassion in managing cognitive changes. The importance of community and seeking support during this transitional phase.   About Melissa Slemp: Melissa Slemp is a certified health coach specializing in type 1 diabetes, blood sugar regulation, and holistic wellness for midlife women. She is passionate about helping women navigate hormonal changes, improve metabolic health, and reclaim their energy and confidence.   Connect with Melissa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type1.in.midlife/ Website: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/ Podcast: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/podcast Join the Conversation and Community: Continue learning, talking and getting support around emotional eatin, midlife women’s health and menopause by joining the Emotion Eats Community. Click here to join:  https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth https://www.kimhynes.com https://kimhynes.com/podcast        If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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• 95. Midlife Love & Relationships: Emotional Eating, Dating Tips & Connection for Women Over 40 with Bob Grant

  Welcome to Episode 95 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! Kim sits down with relationship expert and author Bob Grant to explore the relationships, dating, and emotional connection for women over 40. Bob shares his extensive experience as a clinically trained relationship coach and therapist, offering invaluable insights into the patterns, struggles, and breakthroughs women experience in love and partnerships. Highlights from the Episode: Why relationships and emotional eating are connected The importance of self-relationship, voicing your needs and boundaries Common relationship struggles for women over 40 The differences between men and women in relationships The ‘nothing box’ phenomenon with men How to identify non-negotiables in a relationship Breaking free from toxic relationship patterns The power dynamics in relationships Listen to the end to get actionable steps to improve your relationships. More About Bob Grant: Bob Grant is a clinically trained relationship expert, podcaster, and bestselling author of The Woman Men Adore. He’s the founder of Relationship Headquarters, where he specializes in helping women emotionally connect with a man, attract true love, get married, and, for those in relationships, get unstuck and begin connecting as a couple. Connect with Bob: FB https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipHeadquarters  IG https://www.instagram.com/relationship_headquarters  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Relationshipheadquarters     Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relationshipheadquarters-with-bob-grant/id1726514077  Free Gift: What Men Find Irresistible, 3 ways to unlock a man’s heart https://relationshiphq.ac-page.com/irresistible-web Join the Conversation: What are your biggest takeaways from this episode? Have questions for Bob or Kim? Reach out and let them know! If you loved this episode, make sure to download, subscribe, and leave a review. Connect with Kim: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth https://www.kimhynes.com https://kimhynes.com/podcast        If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Help yourself to a free guide from Kim:  https://kimhynes.com/stress-eating-tips-optin   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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About Emotional Eats Podcast - Emotional Eating, Weight loss, Perimenopause, Menopause, Women's Health, Life after 40, Life after 50, Aging, Hormones, Mindset, Fitness over 40, Emotional Wellness