This 2-Minute Habit Boosts Dopamine, Lowers Stress & Helps You Feel Like You Again

If you’re a woman navigating midlife or even just beginning to ask yourself, “Who am I outside of everything I’ve done for others?”—this episode is going to feel like an exhale.I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Mindy Pelz, fasting expert and author of Fast Like a Girl, to have one of the most real, raw, and freeing conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast. We talked about what it really looks like to come home to yourself as a woman, especially through perimenopause and menopause—not just through protocols or checklists, but through self-trust, nervous system healing, and unlearning all the ways we’ve been trained to abandon ourselves.In this episode, we explore:•Why menopause can be a portal to your most grounded, powerful self•The hormonal hierarchy that governs your body—and how stress affects everything•What happens to the female brain post-menopause (and why it can feel like freedom)•How to stop outsourcing your worth and start honoring your true pace•Mindy’s journey of learning to be alone, heal her inner child, and reclaim her peaceThe anchor tools that helped her regulate her nervous system and reconnect with herself•Why rhythm (not productivity) is the key to female vitalityThis conversation isn’t just about hormones. It’s about becoming the woman you were always meant to be.Resources:•Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz: https://amzn.to/3JuAMW8•Dr. Mindy’s Website:https://drmindypelz.comFollow Dr. Mindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz

If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office feeling dismissed or told “that’s just your hormones”—this episode is for you.Melissa sits down with sisters Renee Belz and Lauren Sambataro (aka the Biohacker Babes) for a real conversation about what it means to take your health back. From brain fog and burnout to restless sleep and stress that never quits, they break down what’s really going on in your body and how to start feeling better with simple, doable tools. No overwhelm. No crazy routines. Just powerful reminders that your body isn’t broken, it’s actually trying to talk to you.In this episode, we break down:-What biohacking really means for women (and why Renee and Lauren prefer bioharmonizing)-How to use HRV (heart rate variability) to track your stress and build resilience-Circadian rhythm basics and why your morning light matters more than your supplements-What “social jetlag” is—and how to get back in sync-Why emotional stress can show up as physical pain (and what to do about it)-The real reason it’s hard to rest—and how to start rewiring your nervous system-How to stop outsourcing your health and rebuild trust in your bodyResources:The DNA Company Genetic Testing: https://thednacompany.com/Optimal HRV App: https://www.optimalhrv.com/Biohacker Babes website: https://thebiohackerbabes.com/The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748?crid=34NO4JATUC806&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-HfwhfcCzO3-23Js48DRcIUPDT7iz1CFqWO55pGBAxyW0-aPGoooPIzM6Vs9Rv5yWwV-zlI6xdxtxabjVbOpIc7qcUsFOHney54P9ciCU4XuRqwbQX6rZ_P2KoLG7RKndwKBPBC6lrTQ06AWXsJ5WAR68DkGfhsJK1oHcJxchjzJdGz22yDsTVjOTVnYzLmbjKt5ZVx46TiqyNPxA38_OXb6euD5aXeHpJltb5VkEaI.dvEVMPj8PSg9g2CTDoCPCLibK9eXUxtVyF-TZel9bbc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+body+keeps+the+score+book&qid=1749818282&sprefix=the+body+keep,aps,522&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=jasonsonners-20&linkId=177517d449e48bb34ba10fdf8766eac2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tlRed Light Guide: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/red-light-guideFollow The Biohacker Babes: https://www.instagram.com/biohacker_babes https://www.facebook.com/biohackerbabes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renee-belz-lauren-sambataro/id1470189843

Ever feel like you’re standing at a crossroads: exhausted, overextended, and wondering is this really how I want to keep doing life?In this episode, I’m joined by hormone expert and bestselling author Dr. Mariza Snyder for a conversation that’s part science, part soul, and all heart. We talk about what happens when your body starts saying no for you and what it really means to listen.From motherhood and burnout to perimenopause and book obsessions, this is an honest, funny, and healing conversation about choosing a different path, one that actually feels good in your body.You’ll learn:-Why your hormones aren’t sabotaging you (and what they’re actually trying to tell you)-How to know when your body’s asking for rest—not just more discipline-What the “fork in the road” moment really looks like in everyday life-How books, joy, and nervous system check-ins can be medicine-Why overdoing is often just a trauma pattern in disguise—and how to shift it-The power of asking better questions like: “What would I love today?”-Why community is one of the most underrated hormone-balancing tools we haveYou don’t have to figure this out alone. You’re not broken. And there is a way to feel better, without adding more to your to-do list.Resources:Preorder The Perimenopause Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Perimenopause-...-Dr. Mariza’s hormonal support products: https://store.drmariza.com/?_gl=1*pcs...-Join Book Nook: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/...-Dr. Mariza’s website: www.drmariza.com-Follow:   / drmarizasnyder   and   / drmariza  

You’re doing all the right things: being responsible, showing up, checking the boxes. But deep down, does something still feel off?You’re tired, not just physically, but emotionally. And no matter how many routines or wellness tips you follow, it’s like your light just isn’t shining as brightly anymore. In this video, I talk about the one piece of self-care that’s often overlooked but might just be the key to feeling like you again. Not supplements. Not rest. But PLAY.If you:Feel like you’ve forgotten how to just enjoy something without a purposeCrave a sense of lightness, but don’t know where to beginAre burnt out but too busy to “do rest” the traditional wayMiss the version of yourself who used to laugh, explore, or get lost in something funWant to reconnect with joy but feel awkward, stuck, or unsure howNeed something simple, gentle, and actually doable to help you feel more alive This is your invitation to begin again—with just two minutes a day. Join the community to access the 30-Day Play Challenge and start creating more joy, one small moment at a time: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/...

►► Join the Best Friends Book Nook, our cozy corner for women exploring life-changing reads: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nookIf you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror wondering what all those ingredients in your skincare are actually doing to your body… this one’s for you.We’re joined by Trina Felber: nurse, entrepreneur, and the brains behind the clean beauty movement, for a real, honest conversation about what’s really hiding in our skincare, how it can mess with our hormones, and why some of the products we trust most might actually be aging our skin instead of helping it glow.We also share our own stories about switching to clean beauty and how it’s less about being perfect and more about feeling good in your skin. You don’t need a 12-step routine—you just need to know what works for you.Whether you're clean-curious or already deep in your clean girl era, this episode is a cozy, info-packed guide to feeling more empowered in your skincare choices.In this episode, we break down:How to read a product label in 5 seconds flatIngredients to avoid—and how they can impact your hormonesWhy “natural” doesn’t always mean safeWhat your skincare might be doing to your microbiome (yes, your skin has one too!)Super simple DIY swaps that won’t take over your lifeHow to start transitioning without throwing out everything you ownWhy clean beauty is really about supporting your whole body—not just your faceResources mentioned in this episode:▶︎  Join Trina’s Holistic Health & Beauty Rest Program: https://courses.trinafelber.com/our-course?am_id=melissa7579 ▶︎ Get Trina’s free Clean Beauty Checklist: https://offer.trinafelber.com/clean-beauty-checklist-download?am_id=melissasonners   ****************If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/77

What if your hormones weren’t the problem, but the result of a deeper imbalance?In this episode, we chat with hormone expert and triple board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Anna Cabeca, author of The Hormone Fix. Together, we explore how burnout, grief, and everyday stressors silently impact our hormones and why oxytocin, connection, and joy may be the missing piece.Dr. Anna shares her personal journey through infertility, early menopause, and deep personal loss—and how she rebuilt her health from the inside out. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t just about lab tests and supplements. It’s about play, presence, and honoring your body’s natural rhythms.You’ll learn:Why stress and cortisol are at the root of so many hormone symptomsThe connection between oxytocin, joy, and hormonal balanceHow trauma, loss, and grief can change your physiology—and how to healWhy your urine pH might be the easiest health tool you’re not usingSimple daily shifts that create more energy, ease, and hormonal harmonyRESOURCES:Grab my favorite red light - The Glow Light by Sauna Space: https://sauna.space/inspired Use code INSPIRED for 10% off!Take the Free Hormone Quiz: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/hormone-toxicity-questionnaire Join the Girlfriend Doctor Community: https://drannacabeca.com/products/the-girlfriend-doctor-club-membership-monthly Try Dr. Anna’s Ketone + pH Test Strips: https://drannacabeca.com/products/dr-anna-cabeca-keto-alkaline-weight-loss-solution-urinalysis-test-strips?uid=11&oid=1&affid=8101936&creative_id=3 Read The Hormone Fix: https://amzn.to/4kqwH7m Connect with Dr. Anna: Website: https://drannacabeca.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor****************If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/76

►► Join my FREE Book Club for women and change your life! https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook What if your pelvic floor symptoms were your body’s way of asking you to slow down and listen?In this episode, Dr. Melissa chats with physical therapist Christina Walsh, a pelvic floor expert and co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, about how healing the pelvic floor goes far beyond kegels. Christina shares her deeply personal journey, why so many women are still struggling in silence, and how pelvic health is connected to everything from your nervous system to your creativity.This is a heart-opening conversation filled with hope, real talk, and simple tools that will leave you feeling empowered in your body.You’ll Learn:Why 50% of women experience pelvic floor challenges—and most suffer in silenceThe surprising connection between pelvic dysfunction, stress, and your nervous systemWhy over-tight doesn’t mean strong (and what to do about it)A gentle 5-minute position that supports pelvic healing and nervous system regulationWhy it’s never too late—and never too early—to start healingRESOURCES:Take the Free Quiz: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/quizTry the Free Decompression Position: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/relief Explore the Signature Program ($50 off with code INSPIRED): https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram ****************If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/75

►► Join Best Friends Book Nook, our cozy corner for women exploring transformational reads: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook What if the key to success wasn’t about doing more—but actually doing less?In this episode, we sit down with Kate Northrup, author of Do Less, to unpack the truth about productivity, abundance, and why our nervous system is often working against us. Kate shares the pivotal realization that changed her relationship with work, how she doubled her income while working less, and the unexpected ways our bodies dictate our financial and personal growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why doing less feels so hard—and how to make it easierHow to tap into your natural rhythms for greater ease and successThe 80/20 rule and why it’s your secret weapon for impactHow to rewire your nervous system to break free from scarcity and overworkThe powerful Egg Wisdom principle for attracting what’s truly meant for youRESOURCES:Do Less by Kate Northrup: https://amzn.to/3E5cVO0 Kate’s money workshop: Head over to the bottom of this episode’s webpage to get notified when a signup link is available: https://beinspiredmama.com/74 Connect with Kate: https://katenorthrup.com/ 10x Is Easier Than 2x: https://amzn.to/4kWvyVc Join the Beehive: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/community  ****************If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/74 

Ever feel like your brain is running a marathon from the moment you wake up? Jumping from one thing to the next, barely catching a breath before the day is over?What if there was a way to work with your brain’s natural rhythm instead of constantly pushing against it? A way to feel more ease, clarity, and flow—without adding another thing to your to-do list?In this episode, we’re talking all about brain states—those natural rhythms of the mind that shape how you feel, focus, and move through the day. Whether you’re craving more energy, better sleep, or just a little more calm in the chaos, this is for you.The four main brainwave states and why they matterHow to wake up feeling more grounded and creative (instead of rushed & stressed)The science behind flow state—and how to tap into it on demandWhy most of us spend too much time in "go mode" (beta brainwaves) and how to resetSimple shifts that bring more balance, focus, and ease into your dayThe one evening ritual that guarantees deeper sleep and mental clarityRESOURCES:Your Brainwave Cheat Sheet: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/regulate-your-rhythm Join Best Friends Book Nook, our cozy corner for women exploring transformational reads: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook How to set up a red light filter on your iPhone: https://youtu.be/XZ3EFgs3CQg My favorite red light tool is the Glow Light by Sauna Space: https://sauna.space/inspired Use code INSPIRED for 10% off!Red light bulbs: https://amzn.to/3Q9CZLc Amber book light: https://amzn.to/3SXa3Gx Red light pen: https://amzn.to/3U9d3ks Red night lights: https://amzn.to/3UlPqp8 Viva Ray blue light blocker glasses (use code INSPIRED for a discount!): https://vivarays.com/melissasonners ****************If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/73

What if feeling everything: the highs, the lows, the messy in-between, was actually your greatest strength?In this episode, Alexandra Roxo, transformational mentor and author of Dare to Feel, opens up about the power of emotional aliveness. She shares why so many women are conditioned to suppress their emotions, how we unknowingly disconnect from ourselves, and what happens when we finally allow ourselves to feel it all.If you’ve ever struggled to balance being strong and soft, found yourself numbing out with busyness, or felt disconnected from your emotions, this conversation is for you. Alexandra makes a powerful case for why vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the key to deeper connection, freedom, and real power.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why women are taught to suppress emotions—and how to break free The sneaky ways we avoid feeling (hint: staying “busy” is a big one) How to embrace both strength and softness without shutting down The power of awareness in shifting emotional patterns How intimacy is built through real emotional connection Practical ways to reconnect with your emotions and your truthRESOURCES: Get Alexandra Roxo’s book, Dare to Feel: https://amzn.to/41ElpFl  Join Alexandra’s Masterclass: Liberating Your Feminine Soul:https://alexandraroxo.mykajabi.com/liberating-your-feminine-soul Be part of Book Nook, a community of women reading transformational books like Dare to Feel: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook  Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandraroxo If you’re not getting my emails, make sure you head over here and sign up! I’ll share goodies you can’t get anywhere else, so you’re missing out if you’re not on the list! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please leave a review on whatever platform you use for podcasts? It really helps spread the word and inspire other moms. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me. Thank you!Follow Dr. Melissa:▶︎ YouTube▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ TikTok▶︎ WebsiteEpisode webpage: https://beinspiredmama.com/72