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
If you have been feeling "off" in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you cannot quite explain it, I can't wait for you to here this conversation.
In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle White, a nutritional therapy practitioner and host of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, for a clear and compassionate breakdown of what perimenopause actually is, why so many women (and doctors) miss it, and how to stop ignoring yourself when your body is waving red flags.
What is perimenopause? Michelle explains the hormonal shifts that drive the symptoms so many women are experiencing, including why progesterone often declines first, why estrogen can feel like a rollercoaster, and how stress and cortisol can amplify everything from mood to sleep to cravings. We also talk about why "normal labs" do not always match how you feel, and why symptom tracking and the right support matter.
One of the most helpful parts of this episode is Michelle's framework of the four stages of perimenopause. Instead of thinking of it as one long miserable stretch, you will start to recognize patterns and understand why your experience may feel cyclical, inconsistent, and unpredictable.
We also get into the lesser-known symptoms that can blindside women, like joint pain, frozen shoulder, histamine reactions, heart palpitations, itchy skin or ears, burning tongue, and even changes in pelvic floor health. If you have ever said, "I used to tolerate this just fine, what is happening to me?" you are going to feel very seen.
Finally, we talk about what actually helps. Michelle shares simple, actionable strategies to support blood sugar stability, reduce cortisol overload, and regulate your nervous system without requiring you to overhaul your life overnight. This is the season to shift the goal from "being skinny" to being strong, steady, and well, for the decades ahead.
In this episode, we cover:
What perimenopause is (and why menopause is technically one day)
Why symptoms can be real even when labs look "normal"
The four stages of perimenopause and what they can feel like
The surprising symptoms women are not warned about
How cortisol, sleep, and blood sugar connect to cravings and mood
Why the "old rulebook" for dieting and exercise stops working in midlife
Nervous system regulation ideas that are realistic for busy women
A powerful mindset shift: listen to your body and build your future strong self
About Michelle
Michelle White is a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and the host of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, where she helps women—especially those navigating perimenopause and menopause—understand what's happening in their bodies and how to support hormonal balance, energy, and long-term health.
Michelle specializes in a whole-body, root-cause approach to wellness, with a strong focus on blood sugar regulation, nervous system support, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle shifts for midlife women. Her work centers on helping women stop blaming themselves for symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes—and instead feel informed, empowered, and supported through this transition.
Through her podcast, one-on-one client work, and educational content, Michelle is passionate about normalizing conversations around perimenopause and giving women practical tools to feel better in their bodies at every stage of life.

Connect with Michelle
Website: https://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com
Podcast: Inspired Wellness Podcast (Apple & Spotify)
Instagram: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach
Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach
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
👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/
ABOUT THE EPISODE:
This episode felt like coming home.
Ren Jones was one of my earliest guests, back when both of our podcasts and businesses were just beginning. Now he's back for Episode 143, and this conversation is full circle in the best way. Two friends reuniting, reflecting on growth, and sharing what midlife women really need, beyond diet culture and noise online.
Ren shares the personal story behind why he's so committed to women's health, how his coaching has evolved, and what it actually means to be menopause informed without pretending to be a medical provider. We also go into the emotional side of change and why listening and trust are often the missing pieces for women who have spent years trying to "fix" themselves.
We lighten it up with a rapid fire game where he rates some of the biggest wellness trends and gives honest, no fluff answers.

In This Episode, We Talk About
The full circle reunion: Episode 4 to Episode 143
Ren's personal why and what shaped his mission
Coaching with curiosity instead of convincing
Menopause noise online and how to find trusted support
Why women need health span, not just weight loss
Rapid fire ratings on popular fitness and wellness trends

Key Takeaways
Your health is an experiment, not a pass or fail test.
The right plan is the one you can actually do consistently.
Focus on strength and independence now so your future self is supported.
Lifespan matters, but health span matters more.

About Ren Jones
Ren Jones is a women's fitness and nutrition coach who helps women 30+ and midlife women build real strength, steady consistency, and confidence with exercise and eating using menopause informed, evidence based training.
Check out Ren's first episode on the Emotional Eats Podcast
Ep. 4 — Building Strength After 40: How Women Gain Confidence, Independence, and Lasting Health in Midlife
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-building-strength-after-40-how-women-gain-confidence/id1686639038?i=1000614861038

Connect with Ren
Follow Ren on IG:  @fitnessjonestraining
Website:  www.fitnessjonestraining.com
 
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
👉 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.