EFR 901: Perimenopause Explained: Brain Fog, Weight Gain, & Fatigue — What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Mariza Snyder

This episode is brought to you by Legion, Fatty15, Joi and Blokes, and Audible. Today we sit down with hormone expert and bestselling author Dr. Mariza Snyder, DC to unpack the misunderstood phase of perimenopause—a time of powerful transition that affects every woman but is rarely talked about with clarity and compassion. Mariza defines what perimenopause really is (and how early it can begin), while highlighting symptoms like brain fog, mood shifts, energy crashes, and stubborn weight gain that are too often misdiagnosed or ignored. Drawing from both science and personal experience, she explains how estrogen impacts everything from mental clarity to metabolism, and why muscle mass and metabolic health are non-negotiables after 40. If you're a woman navigating this stage—or someone who loves one—this episode will leave you feeling informed, validated, and ready to thrive in your next chapter. Follow Mariza @drmariza Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Mariza Snyder 02:15 – What is Perimenopause? How It Differs from Menopause 05:00 – Early Symptoms Most Women Miss 08:20 – Estrogen and the Brain: Why It Matters for Energy & Mood 11:45 – Dr. Mariza’s Personal Journey into Perimenopause 15:30 – Hormone Imbalance or Just Life? How to Tell the Difference 18:50 – The Power of Muscle: Weight Gain, Insulin, and Aging 21:30 – Lifestyle Shifts: Movement, Sleep, and Metabolic Health 25:00 – Natural Solutions vs. Hormone Therapy: What’s Right for You? 28:45 – The Critical Role of Cycle Tracking and Lab Testing 32:10 – Why Women Over 40 Need to Prioritize Self-Advocacy 36:00 – Dr. Mariza’s Go-To Daily Practices for Hormone Health 39:20 – Final Thoughts: You're Not Broken—You're Transforming ----- Episode resources: Save 20% on creatine gummies with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.LegionAthletics.com  Save an additional 15% on the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 essential fatty acids at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward  Get 50% off hormone labs with at https://www.JoiAndBlokes.com/chase  FREE 30-day audiobook trial at https://ww.AudibleTrial.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at DrMariza.com

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition, Strong Coffee Company and Timeline Nutrition.  In this powerful and timely episode of Ever Forward Radio, Chase sits down with Louisiana State Senator Patrick McMath, Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, to discuss a growing national movement around children’s health, school nutrition, and public policy reform. Senator McMath dives deep into his groundbreaking Senate Bill 14 (Act 463)—a first-of-its-kind initiative to limit artificial dyes, additives, and sweeteners in school meals, introduce QR code ingredient transparency, and improve the overall nutritional standards in Louisiana schools. What began as a personal journey to restore his family’s health evolved into a statewide wellness movement—and a national example of how policy can reshape public health from the ground up. Together, Chase and Patrick explore the intersection of wellness, politics, and personal responsibility, how chaos can lead to reform, and why the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is transforming how we think about food and children’s well-being. ----- In this episode we discuss... 02:00 – Meet Senator Patrick McMath 04:45 – From Infrastructure to Health Care Reform 08:40 – Louisiana’s Health Crisis 11:15 – A Personal Wake-Up Call: His Wife’s Health Journey 13:45 – The Book That Changed Everything: End of Cravings 17:20 – From Family Health to Public Policy 20:00 – Children, Schools, and the MAHA Movement 27:20 – The “Maha Moms” and Grassroots Advocacy 33:00 – What SB 14 Actually Does 37:00 – Learning from Other States & Building Momentum 41:00 – Forcing Big Food to the Table 46:00 – Transparency, QR Codes, and What’s Next 50:00 – The Economics of Healthy Change 54:30 – Good Chaos: Disrupting for Progress 59:10 – Profits vs. Public Health 1:05:00 – The SNAP Program and Coca-Cola’s Pushback 1:10:00 – Public Engagement & The Power of the People 1:13:00 – How Podcasts Drive Change 1:17:00 – Rapid Fire: Prevention, Education, and Chronic Disease 1:19:30 – His Decade Wish: Eradicating Cancer & Autism’s Rise 1:21:00 – Politics Meets Wellness 1:24:10 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: 20% off Flow and Serenity gummies with at https://www.CuredNutrition.com/everforward 15% off Coffee Booster with code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com  FREE 3-day sample of MitoPure gummies with Urolithin A at https://www.Timeline.com/everforwardsample  Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at PatrickMcMath.com

 This episode is brought to you by Fatty15, Joi and Blokes, and LMNT. Whether you’re chasing your own purpose, trying to break through excuses, or learning how to balance ambition with presence, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional living. Chase sits down with entrepreneur, best-selling author, helicopter pilot, and ultra-endurance athlete Álvaro Núñez. From hallucinating in the Sahara Desert to completing seven marathons on seven continents in a single week, Álvaro’s journey shows how to transform obstacles into superpowers. He shares how to find (or let life reveal) your “why,” why silence can build resilience more than constant grinding, and how curiosity keeps him striving for new challenges in life, business, and adventure. Follow Alvaro @alvaronunez Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Álvaro Núñez, his mission, and the focus of today’s conversation. 01:30 – The Sahara Desert & The Weight of Depression: Álvaro’s story of endurance, purpose, and carrying others’ burdens. 08:00 – When Your Why Finds You: Training for the world’s toughest bike race while his father battles cancer. 15:30 – The Power of Silence: Why stillness, solitude, and retreats matter more than constant hustle. 25:00 – Pressure as Privilege: Embracing pain, setbacks, and fear as growth opportunities. 32:00 – Curiosity as a Compass: How Álvaro keeps seeking growth in life, sports, and family. 45:00 – Resilience Through Pain: Running seven marathons on seven continents with broken ribs. 55:00 – Storytelling Over Performance: Using experiences to inspire and empower through social media. 1:06:00 – Ever Forward Philosophy: Álvaro’s definition of living with intentionality and relentless action. ----- Episode resources: Save an additional 15% off the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward Get 50% off any diagnostic lab with code CHASE at https://www.JoiAndBlokes.com/chase Get a FREE variety sample pack of electrolytes at https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get Alvaro's book Level Up: Turning Your Obstacles Into Superpowers  

 This episode is brought to you by Legion Athletics creatine gummies, Joymode testosterone support complex, and WHOOP 5.0 activity tracker. Ready to unlock the science and resilience behind cold plunging? In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Weitzel, breathwork coach and cold exposure expert, to explore the physiological, mental, and emotional benefits of cold therapy. We dive deep into how cold plunging boosts dopamine by 350%, ramps up metabolism, supports mental health, and trains you to do hard things. From brown fat activation and nervous system regulation to women’s health considerations and optimizing recovery, this episode is packed with tools you can apply today. If you’ve ever wondered how long, how cold, or how often you should plunge—and what really happens to your body and mind when you step into the ice—you’ll find your answers here. Follow Kristin @kristinweitzelofficial Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Intro & Kristin Weitzel on the power of cold plunging 02:00 – Why cold exposure builds resilience and mental toughness 06:00 – Becoming a “nervous system DJ” through breath and cold 13:30 – The science: dopamine, norepinephrine & parasympathetic rebound 16:45 – Cold plunging for metabolism, weight loss & fat burning 21:15 – The shiver response: why it matters most 26:30 – Cold plunging before vs. after workouts 31:30 – Contrast therapy: sauna & cold plunge protocols 33:40 – Boosting immunity & stress resilience with cold exposure 38:40 – Cold plunging during pregnancy, Raynaud’s & contraindications 43:50 – Brown fat, thermogenesis & mitochondrial health 47:00 – Full immersion vs. partial submersion 50:45 – Ideal duration, frequency & water temperature 57:00 – Women’s cycles & cold exposure considerations 01:03:00 – Solo vs. group plunging: community and oxytocin 01:06:30 – Epigenetics, generational resilience & the future of cold therapy 01:10:20 – Closing thoughts on agency, intuition & personal practice ----- Episode resources: 20% off Legion creatine gummies w/ code EVERFORWARD 20% off JoyMode w/ code EVERFORWARD FREE band and first month of WHOOP 5.0 Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more about Kristin at WellPower.life

This episode is brought to you by Audible, Quickbooks and Strong Coffee Company. Chase sits down with Nick Kosir — better known as The Dancing Weatherman. Nick opens up about his unexpected viral journey, the behind-the-scenes realities of news media, and how he leveraged his creativity into the booming creator economy. He shares insights into navigating authenticity vs. imitation online, his sobriety journey and how it changed his mental and physical health, and the balance of family, full-time work, and content creation. This episode is equal parts entertaining and inspiring — covering positivity in social media, career pivots, and what it means to live ever forward. Follow Nick @nickkosir Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 01:00 – Hydration, studio vibes, and anchorman nostalgia 02:00 – Nick’s career path in news and the viral video that changed everything 08:30 – Content rights, Fox 46, and why Coca-Cola couldn’t use his video 15:00 – Entering the Creator Economy 23:30 – Why weather personalities thrive online 29:00 – Helping the next generation of creators and professionals 32:00 – How Nick adds his “secret sauce” 36:00 – Building a brand 38:00 – Support from wife and son, the rapping weatherman days 40:00 – Nick’s 8-year sober journey, therapy, and breaking free of social anxiety 45:00 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Get you FREE 30-day trial of Audible  30% off Quickbooks for 6 months 15% off Strong Coffee Booster with code CHASE Watch and subscribe on YouTube

This episode is brought to you by Caldera Lab, Fatty 15, and BUBS Naturals collagen. In this episode, we sit down with registered holistic nutritionist Katie Stewart to break down the essentials of skincare and anti-aging—especially for men. From daily routines and generational myths to gut health, probiotics, stress, and advanced therapies like red light and exosomes, Katie makes skincare approachable, science-based, and effective. You will learn how to build a simple routine that actually works, why SPF is non-negotiable, how nutrition impacts skin health, and what mistakes to avoid if you want to put your best face forward at any age. Follow Katie @katiestewartwellness Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – Skin Health Introduction 03:17 – Why Men Overlook Skincare 05:44 – Skincare Slip-Ups & Real-Life Examples 07:00 – Skincare Stash Secrets 11:45 – Top 3 Daily Skincare Must-Haves for Men 14:00 – Why Cleansing Matters 17:32 – TikTok Trends & Skincare Myths 19:29 – Evidence-Based Skincare Products 21:21 – Skin Health Through the Decades 24:08 – Antibiotics, Gut Health & Acne 27:05 – Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition for Skin 32:19 – Balancing Fun & Skin Health in Your 20s 34:01 – The Role of Probiotics 38:34 – Entering Your 30s: Stress & Skin Health 42:28 – Nutrition Challenges for Men 47:33 – Hormonal Acne in Men 49:52 – Skincare Overload 51:51 – The Importance of SPF 53:04 – Shaving vs. Exfoliating 54:46 – Biohacking for Better Skin 57:56 – Air Quality, Climate & Skin Health 01:00:42 – Future of Skincare: Exosomes & Collagen 01:03:43 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Save 20% on Chase's favorite skincare line for me with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.CalderaLab.com Get an additional 15% off the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 essential fats at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward  Put the best collagen peptides in your body and save 20% with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.BubsNaturals.com  Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at KatieStewartWellness.com

This episode is brought to you by Timeline, Strong Coffee Company, Caldera Lab, and LMNT. What if the key to unlocking lasting health isn’t in another supplement, diet, or biohack—but in your nervous system? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Christian Gonzalez, ND (naturopathic doctor and somatic healing expert) returns to Ever Forward Radio to break down the science and spirituality of nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and somatic practices. We explore how trauma shapes identity, why emotions get trapped in the body, and how reconnecting with your somatic experience can unlock healing from chronic illness, emotional blocks, and broken relationships. Whether you’re struggling with stress, unresolved trauma, or simply want to deepen your connection with your body, this episode offers practical tools and profound insights to help you move ever forward with authenticity, love, and purpose. Follow Christian @doctor.gonzalez Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – Opening: Has trauma become a wellness trend? 03:13 – Defining trauma, PTSD, and identity 07:53 – Childhood development and the nervous system 11:23 – Why nervous system regulation is the root of health 14:30 – Therapy vs. somatic practice: going beyond the mind 20:02 – Safety as a state of being, not a place 23:59 – Settling, self-abandonment, and chronic disease 27:08 – Learning the body’s language: interoception 33:34 – Building an authentic relationship with your body 37:40 – Practices to reconnect with the body (Yoga Nidra, awareness, sound) 46:41 – Where emotions live in the body (Chinese medicine & fascia) 55:05 – Infertility, womb healing, and somatic breakthroughs 57:07 – Fear of the work and trusting your body 01:00:06 – Responsibility for our experiences and relationships 01:02:52 – Integration, authenticity, and unconditional love 01:08:29 – Men, grief, and the heart-centered warrior 01:13:14 – Dr. G’s somatic modality: fascia, breath, and sound 01:17:39 – Integration as the key to sustaining healing 01:21:56 – Living in purpose through body connection 01:24:48 – Protecting children’s somatic awareness 01:29:28 – Parenting, accountability, and breaking generational cycles 01:31:40 – Final reflections and where to find Dr. G ----- Episode resources: FREE 3-day sample pack of MitoPure gummies at https://www.Timeline.com/everforwardsample 15% off Coffee Booster with code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com  20% off Hair Care System with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.CalderaLab.com  FREE variety sample pack of electrolytes at https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more about Dr. G Dr. G was first on Ever Forward Radio in episode 298 https://www.chasechewning.com/podcasts/episode/298 

 This episode is brought to you by Fatty15, Audible and Comrad Socks. Today we welcome spiritual teacher and mental health researcher Ishan Shivanand as he shares powerful wisdom from his new book The Practice of Immortality. Raised in a monastery in India, Ishan bridges ancient yogic science with modern mental health research. He reveals how practices like breathwork, mindfulness, and daily gratitude can help you overcome distractions, build resilience, and live with peace—without giving up the modern life you love. We also explore what true immortality means, why fear, competitiveness, and anger are the root causes of modern suffering, and how meditation can transform your relationship with yourself and the world. Follow Ishan @ishan.shivanand Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... (00:00) The Practice of Immortality Through Meditation (15:19) Exploring Immortality Through Self-Awareness (24:38) Embracing Fear as a Tool (34:28) Mastering Fear Through Breath Awareness (42:06) Balancing Creation and Dematerialization (52:10) Navigating Anger and Reality Shifts (59:19) Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom Through Inner Peace (01:14:36) Unlocking Life's Lessons Through Yoga ----- Episode resources: Save an additional 15% on the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward  FREE 30-day trial (free audiobook) at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward  Save 15% on gradual compression socks with code CHASEC15 at https://www.ComradSocks.com  Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at IshanShivanand.com If you’re curious about meditation, struggling with stress, or simply seeking more balance, mindset, stress relief, meaning nd purpose in your life then this conversation offers timeless tools to elevate your mind, body, and spirit.

 This episode is brought to you by Audible, Caldera Lab and FLYKITT. In this episode of Ever Forward Radio, psychotherapist and author Vanessa Bennett returns to discuss her groundbreaking new book The Motherhood Myth. She pulls back the curtain on the cultural systems shaping how women experience motherhood, intimacy, rage, and identity—and why so many moms feel like they’re failing even when they’re doing everything “right.” Vanessa shares how Western models of parenting, isolation within the nuclear family, and myths rooted in patriarchy contribute to burnout, disconnection, and shame. She also offers a new vision for communal care, initiation rituals, and reclaiming motherhood as a transformative journey instead of a burden. Follow Vanessa @vanessabennett Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – The Motherhood Struggle 00:30 – The Nuclear Family Myth 03:27 – Motherhood as Transformation 04:42 – Lessons from Past Generations 09:07 – The Concept of the Child Mother 11:28 – Motherhood as Initiation 18:24 – WEIRD Parenting Models 22:38 – Sleep Training, Co-Sleeping & Intuition 26:38 – Communal Parenting vs. Burnout 30:23 – Capitalism, Patriarchy & Motherhood 32:52 – The Martyr Myth 36:31 – Interracial Parenting & Breaking Cycles 37:52 – Rage, Shame & Transformation 42:17 – Motherhood, Rage, and Relationship Expectations 56:19 – Ownership in Relationships & The Codependent Society 01:02:09 – Therapy as a Modern Rite of Passage & Closing Reflections ----- Episode resources: Free 30-day trial of Audible 20% off Caldera Lab men's skincare with code EVERFORWARD 15% off FLYKITT with code CHASE and never get jet lag again Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get Vanessa's book The Motherhood Myth Learn more at VanessaBennett.com

 This episode is brought to you by Audible, LMNT and Cured Nutrition. In this episode of Ever Forward Radio, we sit down with Ben Azadi, author of Metabolic Freedom, to uncover the truth about metabolism and its role in energy, fat loss, and longevity. Ben shares why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, the dangers of the “glucose rollercoaster,” and why snacking may be accelerating aging. You’ll learn the importance of fasting insulin testing, how muscle mass protects metabolic health, the role of stress and cortisol in stubborn fat, and simple strategies to move from metabolic “prison” to metabolic freedom. Follow Ben @thebenazadi Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – Introduction to Ben Azadi & Metabolic Freedom 03:02 – The “Glucose Rollercoaster” explained & why it matters 05:26 – Carb limits for prediabetes vs type 2 diabetes 08:41 – Fasting insulin: the real metabolic marker 10:26 – Affordable ways to improve metabolic health 11:39 – Snacking & the Hayflick limit: why grazing ages you faster 17:39 – The body’s resilience vs the dangers of ignoring symptoms 19:14 – Metabolism myths: efficiency over speed 25:32 – How muscle mass prevents metabolic decline with age 29:17 – Post-meal walks & controlling insulin spikes 31:31 – Are glucose spikes really bad? The role of metabolic flexibility 33:35 – CGMs: useful tool or unnecessary gadget? 35:57 – Foundations first: food quality, sleep, stress, movement 37:48 – Stress, cortisol belly, and HRV tracking 41:18 – Cold plunging: benefits, risks, and adaptation 42:45 – Writing Metabolic Freedom: calories vs hormones & inflammation 45:48 – The power of belief: the refrigerator cart story 48:37 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Free 30-day trial of Audible FREE variety sample pack with any purchase of LMNT 20% off Serenity Gummies with code EVERFORWARD Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at BenAzadi.com