Feeling scattered, overstimulated, and stuck in a cycle of information overload? You’re not alone—and there’s a powerful antidote hiding in plain sight: mindfulness. In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Tara Segree, a longtime educator, meditation coach, and author of Bringing Mindfulness Into the Classroom. Tara has a deeply calming presence and a practical approach to mindfulness that helps you take your power back—even if you’ve been deep in the scroll hole.We talk about how constant digital stimulation affects our energy, why mindfulness isn’t just “nice to have” but essential for mental clarity, and simple ways to begin a practice, even if you only have five minutes a day.If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time to meditate” or felt like mindfulness was just another thing on your to-do list, this conversation will change the way you think about it. Tara Segree is the author of Bringing Mindfulness Into The Classroom, a speaker, education consultant, and meditation coach with over 20 years of teaching experience. She was awarded the Educational Innovation Award from The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard's Flourishing Network in 2021 and is a collaborator for the Common Sense Media award winning podcast, Mini Meditation for Kids. Her free meditations are on Insight Timer and YouTube. Tara works with schools to bring wellness into classrooms through mindfulness, as well as with universities and non-profit groups. Tara runs parent workshops and professional developments for corporations, teachers and non profit groups, to ensure that leaders and mentors take care of themselves before doing the heavy work of helping others dealing with massive challenges. In this episode:Why information overload is draining your energy—and what to do about itHow to start a mindfulness practice with just 10 minutes a dayThe hidden power of breathing and gratitude (and how to feel it, not just list it)How mindfulness helps you make clearer, more grounded decisionsThe role of mindfulness in parenting and how kids learn by watching usEasy ways to bring mindfulness into everyday moments—like walking into the grocery storeWhy taking your power back starts with stillness and listening to your own heart Resources Mentioned:Tara’s meditations on Insight Timer: Insight Timer ProfileFREE meditation video on YouTube: Watch HereTara’s book: Bringing Mindfulness Into The Classroom Connect with Tara Segree:Instagram: @tara_segreeSubstack: When Life Gives You Life, Just BreatheLinkedIn: Tara Segree Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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129. Confidence and Workplace Support - Gen Z through the Boomers
Are you feeling unfulfilled in your career—or wondering if it's too late to shift into something that lights you up? Maybe you're returning to the workforce after a break, or you're managing menopause symptoms that are quietly chipping away at your confidence. If that sounds like you, you're not alone—and this episode is exactly what you need.In this conversation with author, coach, and former professor Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, we explore how midlife can be the most powerful chapter of your professional journey. Jodi brings wisdom, warmth, and a deeply thoughtful approach to navigating career transitions with courage, intentionality, and self-compassion. In this episode:Why midlife can be a powerful turning point in your careerHow menopause impacts confidence—and what helps bring it backThe importance of being intentional with your energy, time, and valuesWhy your competencies don’t disappear (even if brain fog tells you otherwise)Creating more flexible, inclusive workplaces for women in all life stagesHow younger and older generations can learn from each otherWhy now is the time to build communities—not just careers Resources Mentioned:📘 Dr. Jodi’s Book: Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women – Learn more on her website🎁 FREE Download: Your Career Compass – Reflect, Realign & Reimagine – Get the freebie hereConnect with Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves:🌐 Website: https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com📸 Instagram: @jvdconsulting💼 LinkedIn: Jodi Vandenberg-Daves📘 Facebook: Jodi’s Profile Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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128. How Chinese Medicine Explains Your Unique Menopause Experience
Are you feeling irritable, anxious, weepy, or just plain exhausted—and wondering why no one else seems to be having your kind of menopause? You're not alone. The truth is, while hormones play a role, the deeper story might be found in your unique energetic makeup.In this episode, we’re diving into one of Sara’s favorite topics—how the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine can help you better understand your menopause experience. Whether you’re hot-flashing through meetings, suddenly feeling deeply nostalgic, or craving carbs like it’s your job, there’s insight (and healing) waiting for you in this ancient framework.You’ll walk away with a powerful new perspective on your body, your symptoms, and how to support yourself with more compassion and clarity. In this episode:Why no two women experience menopause the same wayThe Five Elements explained: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and WaterWhat each element looks like when it's out of balance during midlifeEmotional + physical symptoms linked to each element (yes, those mood swings mean something!)How to rebalance each element with simple, practical toolsThe connection between stress, liver qi, and feeling like your jeans betray youHow Chinese medicine helps you understand who you're becoming, not just what you're fixing Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmaeHave a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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127. When It All Goes Up in Flames: Grief, Gratitude & Rebuilding in Midlife
Have you ever had a week that flipped your world upside down—and somehow also cracked you open in the most meaningful way?In this raw and unfiltered episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the fire that struck my wellness center last week and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. But more importantly, I’m opening up about the real-life practices—the ones I talk about every week—that are helping me stay grounded and present during an incredibly difficult time.If you’re navigating your own season of upheaval, grief, or just trying to hold it all together, this episode is for you. In this episode:The emotional aftermath of losing my clinic to fire—and what’s helping me move through itWhy I made the bold decision to step away from acupuncture (at least for now)How real rest (not just more coffee) is getting me throughWhat movement looks like when you're grieving and exhaustedThe unexpected power of connection—and why it’s your secret healing superpowerHow regulating your nervous system really works in crisis momentsAn invitation to rebuild your life with more intention, honesty, and compassion Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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126. Finding Joy in Midlife
Can chronic stress trigger perimenopause symptoms? Angie Hawkins says yes—and she’s lived it. If you’ve ever felt like the stress of holding everything together might actually be breaking your body down, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Angie Hawkins—Inner Glow Coach, author, and fierce advocate for authentic self-love—to talk about the profound connection between stress, emotional suppression, and perimenopause.Angie vulnerably shares her personal journey from emotional rock bottom to healing—from pushing herself to prove her worth, to quitting a toxic job and watching her perimenopause symptoms vanish within weeks. Together, we explore what it really means to listen to your body, honor your emotional needs, and rediscover joy in midlife.Whether you're feeling disconnected, burned out, or just a little unsure of what brings you joy anymore—this conversation will meet you where you are. In this episode:· Angie’s story of stress-induced burnout, Hashimoto’s, and early perimenopause symptoms· How unresolved emotional trauma can manifest in the body· The surprising disappearance of her perimenopause symptoms after quitting her job· Why many midlife women can’t answer the question, “What brings you joy?”· How play, mindfulness, and wonder are powerful antidotes to chronic stress· The truth about spiritual healing modalities—not every tool is for everyone· How Angie helps women stop chasing love and start glowing from within Resources Mentioned:· FREE Inner Glow Guide: Start your journey from not-enough to radiant confidence Download here· Running in Slippers – Angie’s powerful memoir on emotional healing and self-love Get the book· Website: https://www.runninginslippers.com· Instagram: @angiehawkins808 Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmaeHave a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
About Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause
Welcome to Menopause Rise and Thrive! I’m Dr. Sara Poldmae, and this podcast is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—women who are ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling.Every week, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of midlife, sharing helpful tips, real-world advice, and a space where you can feel heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or brain fog—or simply trying to make sense of the emotional shifts that come with menopause—you’re not alone.Together, we’ll cut through the noise of misinformation and explore real, effective strategies for managing menopause symptoms, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. Menopause Rise and Thrive is about more than just symptom management—it’s about stepping into your strength, prioritizing your well-being, and finding renewed purpose in this chapter of life.More than anything, this podcast is about community—a place where women like you can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Together, we’ll challenge outdated myths about aging, celebrate our resilience, and approach midlife with clarity, strength, and empowerment.Offering a unique blend of insights from my experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, yogi, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s advocate, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and rediscover your passions. Every episode is designed to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical steps so you can navigate menopause with confidence.
Listen to Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause, The Mel Robbins Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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