The Hotflash inc podcast

Hotflash inc

Hotflash inc is an evidence, expert and human-experience driven podcast looking for the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

In more than 100 episodes menopause and midlife journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen has spoken to a wide range of experts from around the globe, including practitioners, activists, researchers, doctors and industry leaders about this perplexing transition we still know too little about. She’s talked about her own frustrations and personal experiences. And she has connected with a perimenoposse of powerful women in the midst of a perplexing transition.


Hotflash inc is among the top 1.5 percent of podcasts in the world according to Listen Notes. It was named the number one podcast in women’s health in August 2023 by GOODPODS.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness
Alternative HealthAlternative Health
Mental HealthMental Health

Episodes

133: Navigating peri-to-post menopause, spiritual growth, trauma and more (with really good protein powder) with XO Jacqui's Jacqui Burge
Dec 14 2024
133: Navigating peri-to-post menopause, spiritual growth, trauma and more (with really good protein powder) with XO Jacqui's Jacqui Burge
Send us a textIn this episode, Jacqui Burge joins me (Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen) for a magical conversation that ranges from why perimenopause needed an easy-to-digest, simple and clean protein powder to how much better life can be without sugar. Jacqui is a thoughtful, post-menopausal American health and wellness entrepreneur. A workplace wellness pioneer, she has more than three million views on LinkedIn for sessions offered by her company Desk Yogi. She’s been a figure skater, a rock star, a mom and a drug addict. She’s also a woman who found herself a bit lost when menopause hit, and it was unexplained weight gain that led her to launch XO Jacqui. And this is where I found her, because Jacquie’s clean, vegan, organic and gluten-free protein powder is literally the only one in the world my tummy can tolerate. You can literally count the ingredients on your hand. It’s delicious and I actually import it from the US to the UAE. (If you want some of your own, use code HOTFLASHINC15 at checkout) Jacqui’s mantra aligns with mine here at Hotflash inc: be your own advocate, stay curious and a step outside of your comfort zone. The episode emphasizes embracing change, the non-linear nature of healing, and promoting self-acceptance and mental well-being.Highlights:The power of nudgesWhy she works on Sundays How to edit your to-do list to cut overwhelm How to make the first person you take care of youHow not to turn yourself into a mashed potato What drove her to start making her own protein powder (and what’s going on with a lot of varieties that seem healthy) The one thing about the obsession with protein you need to knowPerimenopause is asking about ‘what can you simplify’Why perimenopause should be a recognized rite of passageThe stability, knowingness and awareness that gets solidified in menopauseWhat is “pretend connection” and why does it hurt us? Re-examining alcohol in perimenopause What happens after you kick sugar for 10 daysHow neurofeedback cut through the trauma and finally helped her feel safeWhy she wants you to get support in tackling your traumaThe two sides of asking for helpWhat radical acceptance really meansHer best advice for going through perimenopause Menopausal creativity burstsWhy “post-menopause” needs more loveJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
131: NEW INTRO! Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Dec 4 2024
131: NEW INTRO! Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Send us a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dianne Wist, CEO of Violet Daily, about the importance of breast health and the benefits of molecular iodine. In the new intro, Ann Marie relays a conversation she had with women's hormone expert Lara Briden about why it works and why it's better than potassium iodide (because it shelters the breast from estrogen and is preferentially taken up by more estrogen-sensitive tissues like the breast rather than the thyroid gland.Disclaimer: Anyone with a thyroid problem who is considering taking iodine should check with their doctor first. Diane shares insights on why women often overlook breast pain, how hormone therapy can trigger it, and the need to be proactive about breast care. They discuss the clinical research behind Violet Daily's molecular iodine supplement, its impact on both women and men, and its role in alleviating breast pain and supporting overall breast health. Diane also offers advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office and shares her personal menopause journey.Why we ignore our breast painWhat can trigger breast pain (including hormone therapy)Why you need to have a relationship with your breasts (and be your own expert)Dianne’s advice for holding your own at the doctor’s officeWhat is molecular iodine and why might you want to take it? What about the thyroid + why you have to be careful Iodine for women and men The breast pain “pathway”Molecular iodine – clinical research Breast pain and changes in perimenopause Dianne’s menopause experience and her top tip for getting through itUse code hotflashinc for 10 percent off if you order Violet DailyJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse:Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincEpisode website: HotflashincSee hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy informationJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
131: Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Nov 27 2024
131: Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Send us a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dianne Wist, CEO of Violet Daily, about the importance of breast health and the benefits of molecular iodine. Diane shares insights on why women often overlook breast pain, how hormone therapy can trigger it, and the need to be proactive about breast care. They discuss the clinical research behind Violet Daily's molecular iodine supplement, its impact on both women and men, and its role in alleviating breast pain and supporting overall breast health. Diane also offers advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office and shares her personal menopause journey.Why we ignore our breast painWhat can trigger breast pain (including hormone therapy)Why you need to have a relationship with your breasts (and be your own expert)Dianne’s advice for holding your own at the doctor’s officeWhat is molecular iodine and why might you want to take it? What about the thyroid + why you have to be careful Iodine for women and men The breast pain “pathway”Molecular iodine – clinical research Breast pain and changes in perimenopause Dianne’s menopause experience and her top tip for getting through itUse code hotflashinc for 10 percent off if you order Violet DailyJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
130: Midlife Strong's Maryann Jacobsen on the intersection of menopause and everything else
Nov 23 2024
130: Midlife Strong's Maryann Jacobsen on the intersection of menopause and everything else
Send us a textMaryann Jacobsen is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has extensive experience with developmental stages, researching health topics, and writing. She’s also a forward-thinker who realizes that when it comes to aging, midlife doesn’t get nearly the attention it needs – and for the past five years, she’s been working to change that.Maryann has a common-sense, independent thinking approach; she dives deep into research to uncover innovative and original insights. I feel like she’s my soul sister when it comes to these things, and the way the narrative is being crafted around perimenopause and menopause, in particular. Her goal is for every woman to have the basic knowledge she needs to make informed health decisions. We cover a lot of ground here: including the role of hormones, the significance of micronutrients like iron and choline, nitric oxide's impact on health, and the necessity of a holistic approach to manage symptoms. The episode also sheds light on how lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of hormone therapy and addresses commonly overlooked issues such as sleep-disordered breathing and its impact on health during midlife.Topics covered: Why it’s not as simple as “eat right and exercise” in midlife The risks of drinking while taking hormone therapy (that no one is talking about) All the things that are more interesting than hormone therapy Resistance breathing for reducing inflammation and other benefits The overlooked (and vital role) of nitric oxide All the ways to increase your nitric oxideHormone therapy, sure, but have you heard about beets? Pycnogenol Nasal breathing, headaches and sleep apnea The mixed results of hormone therapy Sunlight The nuances of post-menopause estrogen productionWhy we both are reticent about going estrogen Why beets aren’t much help for vaginasWhere to find Maryann and Midlife Strong:Substack: Midlife Strong Instagram: Midlife StrongJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
128: When infertility and perimenopause collide with Oova founder Dr Amy Divaraniya
Nov 9 2024
128: When infertility and perimenopause collide with Oova founder Dr Amy Divaraniya
Send us a textDr Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Founder of Oova, a leading women’s health platform known for its physician-backed fertility and perimenopause at-home hormone monitoring. Oova empowers people to take control of their hormone health from their first period and to their last and beyond. Prior to founding Oova, Dr. Divaraniya spent 10 years as a data scientist, leading and publishing research in personal genomics and biomarker discovery. We talk about the pressing issues and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause and fertility, shedding light on the importance of hormone monitoring and personalized health care. Together, they highlight the generational shift in women demanding better understanding and treatment for perimenopause while emphasizing the critical aspects of hormone balance, the interplay of fertility and perimenopause, and the future of personalized medical treatments in women's health.Topics covered: 02:04 Fertility and hormone monitoring04:47 Understanding hormonal cycles08:21 The role of ovulation10:20 Perimenopause data insights15:45 Testing for perimenopause19:45 Understanding progesterone and estrogen balance20:16 Navigating perimenopause and IVF21:15 Future of perimenopause and menopause treatments22:08 Clinical research and data in women's health23:22 Personalized medicine for perimenopause25:55 Fertility concerns and technological advances27:51 Hormone tracking and testing32:40 Survey insights on perimenopause38:15 Final thoughts and podcast disclaimerCheck out Oova's The State of Perimenopause Report.  Find out more about Oova on their website.Follow Oova on Instagram.Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.Join the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
126: Liminal's Rebekah Brown wants a more intelligent conversation about perimenopause
Oct 17 2024
126: Liminal's Rebekah Brown wants a more intelligent conversation about perimenopause
Send us a textIn this episode, the focus is on the transformative journey of Rebekah Brown, a narrative research specialist and founder of the vibrant midlife community and supplement brand Liminal (formerly MPowder). Rebekah discusses her personal experiences with perimenopause and the physical and emotional transitions it entails. The conversation delves into the importance of addressing stress, sleep issues, and the rebranding journey from MPowder to Liminal. Topics such as hormone therapy, societal narratives surrounding menopause, the challenges of midlife, and the benefits of naturopathic practices like herbal remedies, acupuncture, and yoga are covered. Emphasis is placed on the collective wisdom and agency of women, the impact of societal constructs, and the need for a nuanced, science-based discussion around hormonal health. This episode highlights the significance of storytelling, community, and the blending of traditional and modern medical approaches to empower women navigating this stage of life.Highlights:00:31 Rebecca's menopause journey03:48 Launching and rebranding a company07:38 The importance of community and research11:44 Navigating health narratives21:56 The role of journalism in female health24:40 The menopause supplement market: A reality check25:48 Emerging trends and innovations in menopause supplements26:41 Navigating the noise: identifying quality products27:54 The complexities of botanical health claims29:21 The role of botanicals in menopause32:18 The importance of regulatory change34:54 Personal experiences with botanicals41:04 Naturopathy and menopause: a holistic approach44:43 Advice for women struggling with perimenopause50:20 What's next for LiminalLinks:Website https://mpowder.store/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpowderstore Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mpowderstore/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mpowderJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
125: REPLAY: Dr Junella Chin knows all about pain (and perimenopause)
Oct 10 2024
125: REPLAY: Dr Junella Chin knows all about pain (and perimenopause)
Send us a textThis podcast was originally posted in November 23, 2023.Dr June Chin knows about pain and how to treat it on the deepest levels: from her own experiences that started in her teens years and through to that of patients. She’s an integrative medical cannabis physician and has spent more than20  years working in holistic medicine. She is currently a professor at New York University and Syracuse University teaching Cannabis Health and Science, Vice Chair for the Cannabis Advisory Board for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and Chair of the Health, Safety and Research Committee for New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management. She is the author of the book Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness and founded and operated seven bicoastal integrative cannabis medicine clinics in California, New York, and Connecticut.  Her training includes studying nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University, osteopathic medicine at Touro University, medical acupuncture at Harvard University, and research at Columbia University, Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Women’s Health. Through her work as a clinician, professor, and author, she has created medical protocols for the industry and internationally accepted methods for cannabinoid formulations, research, education, and training programs. She is also the chief medical officer for NNABI. Highlights: The personal experience that drew her to holistic medicine, and cannabis in particularThe 101 on our endocannabanoid system The different forms of cannabis – and how CBD is different The interplay between CBD and hormone therapyThe intersection between perimenopause and the endocannabanoid system?How specifically can cannabis and CBD help Her work with the startup NNABI, which is providing a CBD solution for perimenopauseHer take on some of the other alternative, plant-based medicines and psychedelics being developed to treat peri/menopauseHer top advice for women in perimenopauseWhere to find Dr Chin:IG: @nnabi.life @drjunechinJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
124: REPLAY: Ob-gyn Dr Vikram Talaulikar's straight talk on hormone therapy
Oct 3 2024
124: REPLAY: Ob-gyn Dr Vikram Talaulikar's straight talk on hormone therapy
Send us a textThis podcast originally ran on October 21, 2023.This week we get down to basics, and basics are exactly what we need in this confusing world right now. This is THE podcast to listen to if you are confused about all things to do with taking hormone therapy.Dr Vikram Sinai Talaulikar is a specialist in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust and an associate professor in Women’s Health at the University College London. He graduated in medicine in India in 2003 and completed a postgraduate degree in obstetrics and gynecology in 2007. He is a certified menopause specialist by the British Menopause Society, a menopause trainer and he is constantly educating others on this transition as well, via online webinars, events and through social media. He is also part of the trio who established the Menopause Research Education Fund, alongside medical journalist Fiona Clarke and groundbreaking menopause campaigner Diane Danzebrink.Highlights of our discussion: Hormone therapy (HT) 101WHI: good, bad and what we can learn from it 20 years onEstrogen in the pill vs estrogen in HT All the kinds of estrogen and what they are used for strogen too ethinyl estradiolEstrone, Estriol, Estradiol, and Estetrol.17 beta estradiolGetting to the bottom of body simila, body identical and bioidentical – and why that varies from country to country Pharmaceutical company produced HT vs compounding pharmacy versionsthe big “Catch-22” with compounding pharmacies that keeps their bioidentical hormones out of official recommendationsthe pill, HRT and breast cancer riskwhy problems with the pill don’t get flagged and HRT does Evidence over estrogen and breast cancer risk (and randomized trials versus observational data)What’s what: progesterone, progestin and progestogens (how they work and which one carries a slight risk for breast cancer)how long you really need to take HRT to see if it’s workingwhy HT works for some people and not othersDr Talaulikar’s favourite non-hormonal treatmentsWhere to find Dr Talaulikar:X: @VikramSinai Web: Menopause Clinic LondonMenopause Research and Education FundJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
123: You’re Not Too F***ing Old: How Jen Marples is helping women over 40 get seen, heard, paid and make an impact
Sep 28 2024
123: You’re Not Too F***ing Old: How Jen Marples is helping women over 40 get seen, heard, paid and make an impact
Send us a textFULL DISCLOSURE: Jen and I recorded this interview last year. Almost a year ago. It was and is so important to me that I am sharing it with you now, with Jen’s blessing. (It fell into the “I took a short break to build my business and then my dad died suddenly” gap. You know the one ;)Anyway, Jen is a very hardworking, accomplished entrepreneur and champion of midlife women. She runs the Jen Marples Agency and her goal is to help women over 40 get seen, heard, paid and to make an impact. She’s also the host of The Jen Marples Show: You’re Not too F***ing Old (soon to be called just You’re Not Too F***ing Old). We talk about it all: why you need to find supportive groups and new tribes (and what to do when yours isn’t working), ending friendships, dealing with ageism and the profound beauty and peace that comes with middle age and menopause. Jen believes you have to be a strong advocate for your own health. And she shares her own challenging journey, with endometriosis, IVF, perimenopause/massive burnout and ultimately reclaiming her vitality through rest, reinvention and getting her sleep back through the power of hormone therapy (thanks for delaying your nightly progesterone wind-down for us, Jen! The episode also touches on the essential book The Upgrade by neuroscientist Dr Louann Brizendine and offers advice on how and why you need to prioritize health care, making investments even when it’s not covered by insurance. 01:42 The power of language03:00 Challenging ageism05:41 Embracing midlife10:06 Financial impacts of ageism12:15 Navigating negative programming26:15 Dealing with friendship loss28:46 Navigating toxic relationships29:44 Embracing new friendships32:08 Perimenopause and Burnout35:42 Hormone therapy journey39:29 Advocating for women's health49:59 Starting over at midlifeJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
120: Dr Salome Masghati knows how complicated perimenopause is
Sep 5 2024
120: Dr Salome Masghati knows how complicated perimenopause is
Send us a textToday Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen is speaking with a board-certified gynecologist whose surgical career was focused on fibroids and endometriosis before she discovered her love for functional medicine and holistic therapy and discovered what it could do for women struggling with menopause, hormones and wellness. Dr Masghati, who offers virtual consults worldwide in four languages, talks about treating patients from Lebanon to the Philippines, about the balance of estrogen and progesterone, the role of testosterone, the relevance of detoxification, ADHD in midlife, why some people want compounded hormones and why no matter what, we all need individualized treatments. The conversation also delves into the misconceptions about hormone therapies, such as pellets, and how to support women as they undergo psychological and physical changes. 01:59 Dr Masghati’s journey to holistic medicine03:35 Understanding hormonal imbalances (and estrogen dominance, even if you call it something else)03:56 Global perspectives on women's health06:02 Environmental factors affecting hormones10:27 The importance of progesterone17:58 Challenges in hormone treatment20:02 The role of functional medicine29:03 Liver health and hormone balance34:11 Thyroid and insulin resistance34:44 Liver detox and macronutrients35:13 Hormones and sleep36:12 Diet and exercise tips38:28 ADHD and hormonal changes41:19 Managing ADHD symptoms in perimenopause47:29 Hormone therapy options52:07 Risks and side effects of hormone therapy57:55 Hormones and disease preventionJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
117: Navigating menopause and bone health with Buff Bones' Rebekah Rotstein (Part 1)
Aug 22 2024
117: Navigating menopause and bone health with Buff Bones' Rebekah Rotstein (Part 1)
Send us a textIn this episode, host and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen interviews Rebecca Rotstein.Rebekah is the founder of Buff Bones, a medically endorsed exercise method for bone and joint health with on-demand classes and trained instructors in more than 30 countries. Rebekah is a former ballet dancer who has trained athletes and deeply studied the body, including cadaver dissections, along with coursework and fascia research, somatic studies, and visceral manipulation. She serves on bone health working groups in the US, contributing to their recommendations. She's a Pilates teacher, advocate and well-known speaker.Part 1 of this conversation delves into into the intricacies of bone and joint health, sharing evidence-based studies that emphasize the need for high-intensity exercise to increase bone density after menopause. They discuss societal misconceptions, the importance of understanding one's body type, the critical roles of muscle tension and gravity in bone health, and the impacts of early life habits on long-term bone health.Next week in Part 2: What you do to keep your bones, muscles, tendons and fascia strong. NB: These episodes were recorded in late 2023. 02:52 The Importance of bone health04:00 Research and misconceptions in bone health05:49 Backlash and misunderstandings10:46 Rebekah's personal journey with osteoporosis19:03 The interconnectedness of bones and muscles33:14 Preventing bone problems from early lifeJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
116: Let's optimize our hormones and not get cancer with Dr Leigh Erin Connealy
Aug 15 2024
116: Let's optimize our hormones and not get cancer with Dr Leigh Erin Connealy
Send us a textHotflash inc founder and host Ann Marie McQueen sits down with Dr Leigh Erin Connealy, a leading figure in integrative medicine, known for her unique approach in combining conventional and alternative treatments in addressing chronic illnesses and cancer. Dr Connealy is the founder of the Center for New Medicine and the Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, California and author of two books: The Cancer Revolution and the Be Perfectly Healthy. She is also co-founder of leading hormone brand, Raena Health.She talks about why so many people are getting cancer, how to make chemotherapy more effective and less lethal, why prevention needs to be the focus. For Dr Connealy, the question we need to be asking: what is going on with your terrain, and why is it making cancer? Everything from the food we eat to the chemicals we surround ourselves with to the emotional work we aren’t doing is causing this. And find out what she thinks our number one risk is – why and what we can do about it. (It’s probably not what you are thinking)Dr Connealy wants us all to know that in most cases, cancer is 10 years in the making. She has really good guidance for women considering hormone therapy, explaining the differences in synthetic hormones and the importance of the “orchestra”, including progesterone and pregnanalone, and more than one kind of estrogen. She explains why there is no one solution that fits all women – even though that’s what mainstream medicine wants us to believe – and gives guidance on the particular cocktail, with tweaks, that she likes to prescribe. She also gives her take on whether hormone therapy prevents cancer – its worth listening to the end just to hear what she has to say about that – and addresses that ongoing fear women have, which is weighing our fear of breast cancer risk when considering hormone therapy. Dr Connealy is recognized for her personalized, holistic approach. This episode is nothing short of a masterclass on how to get our inner house in order. Highlights: 01:56 The importance of personalized medicine02:07 The rise of chronic diseases03:09 The need for preventive healthcare04:44 Challenges in cancer treatment13:08 The importance of self-care14:40 The impact of EMFs on health28:12 The power of essential oils28:46 Reprogramming the mind with EVOX29:41 Healing affirmations and subconscious reprogramming33:37 The importance of sleep and water purification34:14 Nourishing rour body with proper nutrition35:01 The role of exercise and movement35:47 Detoxification and cleasing methods38:42 Understanding hormonal health and therapy39:23 Personal experiences with hormonal treatments46:10 The importance of individualized hormonal careJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information