766: The Weight You Lose Isn't Always the Biggest Transformation: The Part of GLP-1s Nobody Talks About with Dr. Alexandra Sowa

What if the hardest part of living with obesity was never actually the weight? For so many women, it's the years of dieting, judgment, doctor's appointments, body comments, weight stigma, and quietly believing that if they could finally lose the weight, then they could start living. And when the weight finally does come off? The emotional transformation doesn't necessarily happen at the same speed. In this deeply compassionate conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with double board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician Dr. Alexandra Sowa to explore the side of GLP-1 medications that almost nobody is talking about: what happens after they start working. Dr. Sowa has spent 15 years treating obesity and was one of the earliest physicians using GLP-1 medications for obesity management. She explains why medication can be an extraordinary tool while still being only one piece of a much bigger healing process. Together, they unpack what happens when your body changes faster than your identity, why compliments about weight loss can unexpectedly trigger grief or shame, and how decades of weight stigma and childhood experiences can continue influencing the way you see yourself long after the number on the scale changes. They also explore the surprising ways GLP-1s can change relationships, friendships, food preferences, social routines, and even the amount of mental space women have available when constant food noise begins to quiet. Dr. Sowa shares the foundational practices she uses with her own patients, including logging food and feelings without obsessively tracking calories, prioritizing protein, meeting yourself where you are with movement, preserving muscle, and doing the deeper emotional work when trauma begins to surface. And for women in midlife, they tackle an especially important conversation: why changing hormones and metabolic health deserve to be taken seriously instead of dismissed as laziness or lack of willpower. Because losing weight can change your health, your mobility, and your life. But the greatest transformation may be the freedom to finally stop organizing your entire life around your weight. DR. ALEXANDRA SOWA Dr. Alexandra Sowa is a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine, bestselling author of The Ozempic Revolution, and one of the country's leading experts in metabolic health and GLP-1 medications. She has practiced obesity medicine for 15 years and was one of the earliest physicians to incorporate GLP-1 medications into obesity treatment. She is also the founder of SoWell, where she provides education, community, and nutritional support specifically designed for people using GLP-1 medications. Her work goes far beyond weight loss, helping patients build sustainable habits while addressing the emotional, behavioral, and metabolic complexities of obesity. IN THIS EPISODE Why losing weight doesn't automatically heal years of weight stigma and shame What happens when your body changes faster than your identity can catch up Why GLP-1 medications can change friendships, marriages, and social routines How reducing food noise can give women valuable mental space back The connection between childhood trauma, obesity, and chronic disease Dr. Sowa's non-negotiables for protein, logging, movement, and preserving muscle Why exercise doesn't have to mean an intense 45-minute gym workout Why midlife weight changes deserve better care than "eat less and move more" QUOTES “Weight loss doesn't make you happier.” “We have mistaken thinness for health.” “Start where you are. Move as much as you can, and then beyond that, we try to grow our muscles.” “I want you to mom yourself like you mom your kid.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclub The Ozempic Revolution by Dr. Alexandra Sowa SoWell Website Alexandra Sowa Website Alexandra Sowa Instagram Alexandra Sowa Tiktok RELATED EPISODES  765: How Do You Hold It Together When You’re Falling Apart Inside with Amy Morin 764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 763: Why So Many High-Functing and Achieving Women Miss the Signs of Hormone Imbalance with Anastasia Sartan 750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

What if real mental strength isn't about pushing through—but knowing when you no longer have to? So many women become the person everyone depends on. They lead at work, care for their families, keep everything running, and somehow continue smiling while quietly carrying more than anyone realizes. In this deeply validating conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with psychotherapist, bestselling author, and mental strength expert Amy Morin to redefine what it truly means to be mentally strong. Drawing from her own profound experiences of losing both her mother and her husband unexpectedly, Amy shares how resilience isn't built by suppressing emotions or pretending everything is okay. Instead, it's developed through learning how to manage our thoughts, regulate our emotions, and take intentional actions that move us forward, even during life's hardest seasons. Together, they discuss why high-functioning women are especially vulnerable to burnout, how perfectionism and the inner critic keep us stuck, why "good enough" is often exactly what our families need, and how small daily resets can dramatically improve emotional resilience. Amy also shares practical tools for interrupting rumination, quieting negative self-talk, building self-compassion, reconnecting with your values, and creating simple habits that strengthen your mental health over time. If you've been holding everything together for everyone else while quietly wondering how much longer you can keep going, this conversation is the reminder that true strength isn't about carrying more. It's about knowing when it's safe to put some of it down. AMY MORIN Amy Morin is a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. She is one of the world's leading experts on mental strength, and her TEDx Talk has been viewed millions of times. Her books, including 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do and The Mental Strength Playbook, have been translated into more than 50 languages. Through her work, Amy helps people build resilience, manage emotions, and develop healthier habits for navigating life's biggest challenges. IN THIS EPISODE What mental strength really is—and what it isn't Why high-functioning women are especially vulnerable to burnout How to quiet your inner critic with self-compassion Practical ways to interrupt rumination and negative thought loops Why your values should guide your decisions, not your to-do list The truth about mom guilt and "good enough" parenting Simple daily resets that strengthen emotional resilience Practical tools to build mental strength one small step at a time QUOTES“Real strength is being able to experience your emotions and express them.” “You don't have to believe everything you think.” “Being the strong one doesn't mean carrying everything by yourself.” “Sometimes mental strength is about what you don't do.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Find inspiration, connection, and meaningful reads. Join the Book Club now! https://drmariza.com/bookclubUse code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA The Mental Strength Playbook by Amy MorinAmy Morin Website Amy Morin Instagram Amy Morin on X Amy Morin Spotify Podcast Amy Moring Apple Podcast RELATED EPISODES  764: Why Your Nervous System Feels Dysregulated (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) with Roseann Capanna-Hodge 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago

Why is it so hard to relax… even when everything is finally done? You finish work. The dishes are clean. The kids are asleep. The house is quiet. Yet your shoulders are still tight, your jaw is clenched, and your mind is already scanning for the next thing that needs your attention. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with clinical psychologist and nervous system expert Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to unpack why so many high-performing women feel trapped in survival mode, even when there's no immediate crisis. Together, they explore how years of chronic stress, caregiving, perfectionism, trauma, and constantly being "the one who holds everything together" can leave the nervous system stuck in a state of protection. The result? Irritability, anxiety, poor sleep, overwhelm, brain fog, and the feeling that you can never truly switch off. Dr. Roseann explains the difference between everyday stress and nervous system dysregulation, why being highly productive doesn't necessarily mean you're regulated, and how your "stress cup" gradually fills until even small challenges feel overwhelming. Most importantly, she shares practical, science-backed techniques that help retrain the nervous system to recognize safety again, from diaphragmatic breathing and somatic exercises to micro-moments of regulation throughout the day. If you've ever wondered why you can't seem to relax, even when life is technically under control, this conversation will help you understand what's happening inside your body and how to begin creating more calm, resilience, and joy. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed clinical psychologist, mental health educator, author, and expert in nervous system regulation. With more than three decades of clinical experience, she specializes in helping children and adults overcome anxiety, ADHD, trauma, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and chronic stress using evidence-based neuroscience and holistic approaches. She is the author of The Dysregulated Kid and founder of DrRoseann.com. IN THIS EPISODE Why high-performing women often live in chronic survival mode The difference between stress and true nervous system dysregulation How perfectionism, trauma, and caregiving overload your "stress cup" Why your body struggles to relax, even when life feels under control Simple nervous system resets you can practice throughout the day How micro-moments of regulation build long-term resilience Why awareness alone isn't enough to create lasting change The "Love Pause" technique for reducing reactivity and improving relationships QUOTES “Just because you're high-performing doesn't mean your nervous system is regulated.” “You can't heal when you don't feel safe.” “We're leaving our kids emotional wealth, not just financial wealth.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/jumpstart The Dysregulated Kid by Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge The Power Struggle Reset Plan Dr Roseann Website Dr. Roseann Instagram Dr. Roseann Youtube Dr. Roseann Facebook RELATED EPISODES  763: Why So Many High-Functing and Achieving Women Miss the Signs of Hormone Imbalance with Anastasia Sartan 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago

Have you ever felt like you become a completely different person during the second half of your cycle? One week you're energized, focused, and confident. The next, you're battling brain fog, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, and wondering what happened to the version of yourself from just a few days ago. In this live conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, and founder of The Cycle, Anastasia Sartan, to explore the overlooked realities of PMDD, hormone fluctuations, and why women's changing biology has been largely ignored by the wellness industry. After struggling with debilitating PMDD while working in the high-pressure tech world, Anastasia set out to create the first functional beverage specifically designed to support women through every stage of their hormonal journey—from the luteal phase and menstruation to perimenopause and menopause. Together, they discuss how chronic stress, motherhood, the invisible mental load, nervous system dysregulation, and modern work culture amplify hormonal symptoms, leaving many women feeling like they're constantly pushing through instead of truly thriving. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your changing hormones aren't a personal failure. They are an invitation to better understand your body, prioritize rest, and finally embrace products, habits, and support systems that were designed with women in mind. ANASTASIA SARTAN Anastasia Sartan is an entrepreneur, former Snapchat executive, data scientist, and founder of The Cycle, the first functional beverage brand created to support women throughout every phase of their hormonal cycle. Inspired by her personal journey with PMDD, she is on a mission to close the gap in women's wellness by creating innovative products that help women feel supported, understood, and empowered. IN THIS EPISODE What PMDD really is and why so many women are misdiagnosed Why hormone fluctuations dramatically impact mood, energy, and resilience The hidden connection between chronic stress, motherhood, and hormonal symptoms How nervous system regulation supports women's hormonal health Why women's wellness products have historically overlooked hormonal cycles The inspiration behind creating The Cycle functional beverage Why rest may be one of the most powerful tools for hormone health How honoring your body's changing needs helps you thrive through every season QUOTES“Periods are a lifestyle, not a medical condition.” “We had the hormones to scaffold us... until we didn't.” “Women deserve products that are designed for women's biology.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 5% off on The Cycle Functional Drinks https://onthecycle.com/s/312c05 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED The Cycle Website Anastasia Sartan Instagram RELATED EPISODES  762: Why Women Need to Stop Being “Good Patients” and Start Advocating for Better Healthcare with Dr. Mariza 761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

How many times have you been told, "Your labs are normal," even though you know something doesn't feel right? In this empowering solo episode, Dr. Mariza challenges one of the biggest beliefs women have been conditioned to accept: that being a "good patient" means staying quiet, pushing through symptoms, and trusting a healthcare system that has historically overlooked women's biology. She explores how decades of research gaps, delayed recognition of perimenopause, and outdated medical training have left millions of women feeling dismissed, unheard, and convinced that exhaustion, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, and hormone changes are simply part of getting older. Dr. Mariza explains why perimenopause is far more than a reproductive transition. It's a neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and whole-body transition that deserves proactive care—not years of unnecessary suffering. Most importantly, she shares practical strategies for becoming an active partner in your healthcare, including how to prepare for appointments, ask better questions, understand your symptoms, and advocate for the care you deserve. If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling unheard or wondering if it's "all in your head," this episode will remind you that your symptoms matter, your intuition matters, and you deserve answers. IN THIS EPISODE Why women have been conditioned to become "good patients" The hidden impact of research gaps in women's healthcare Why "your labs are normal" isn't always the full story How perimenopause affects the brain, metabolism, heart, and hormones The questions every woman should ask at her medical appointments How to prepare for appointments so you become an active partner in your care The difference between normal lab ranges and optimal health Why you deserve evidence-based care that prioritizes your long-term health QUOTES “You are the CEO of your health.” “Symptoms are not inconveniences to silence. They are signals to understand.” “Normal isn't always the same as optimal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving: join the free 5-day challenge beginning July 27, 2026: https://drmariza.com/jumpstart Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order http://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution Thriving in Perimenopause Survival Guide: https://go.drmariza.com/lp/perimenopause-survival-guide/ Joy & Blokes Lab Testing: https://joiandblokes.com/labs-with-dr-mariza-snyder/ RELATED EPISODES  761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

Have you ever looked around at your life and wondered: "When did I stop feeling like myself?" Maybe you're checking all the boxes, taking care of everyone else, managing your career, your family, your home, and your health—but somewhere along the way, joy, curiosity, desire, and pleasure started to disappear. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with Gabriella Espinosa, women's wellness expert, host of the Pleasure in the Pause podcast, and advocate for redefining pleasure and connection in midlife. Gabriella shares her own journey through perimenopause, where anxiety, overwhelm, brain fog, low libido, and feeling disconnected from herself led her to explore the missing conversation around pleasure, body awareness, intimacy, and nervous system safety. Together, they discuss why so many women lose connection with their bodies after years of caregiving, striving, and putting everyone else first—and why pleasure isn't a luxury, but an essential part of feeling alive, energized, and connected. They also explore how changing hormones, stress, and survival mode impact desire, why intimacy can be rebuilt at any age, and how simple daily moments of joy and sensation can help women reconnect with themselves. If you've been feeling like the version of you who felt vibrant, playful, confident, or deeply connected has disappeared, this conversation will remind you that she isn't gone—and it's never too late to rediscover her. GABRIELLA ESPINOSA Gabriella Espinosa is a women's wellness and pleasure advocate, yoga and breathwork teacher, host of the Pleasure in the Pause podcast, and executive producer of the upcoming documentary Hot. Through her work, she helps women reconnect with their bodies, redefine pleasure, and navigate midlife with greater confidence, connection, and vitality. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves during midlife How perimenopause can impact desire, intimacy, and confidence Why pleasure is an important signal of safety, vitality, and wellbeing How chronic stress and survival mode affect connection with your body The importance of learning the language of your own needs and desires Why intimacy and pleasure can be rebuilt at any age Simple practices to reconnect with your body through sensation How to advocate for your pleasure, health, and relationships QUOTES “Pleasure has no age limit or expiration date.” “Pleasure is actually information.” “Perimenopause doesn't mean the end of pleasure. It can be the beginning of a new exciting chapter.” “What feels good in my body?” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code DRMARIZA and get 10% off on your Womeness Order https://www.womaness.com/DRMARIZA Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/firecollective Pleasure in the Pause Podcast Get the 7-Day Pleasure Body Journal Pleasure in the Pause Website Gabriella Espinosa Website  Gabriella Espinosa Instagram Gabriella Espinosa Youtube RELATED EPISODES  760: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Stop Feeling Stuck with Dr. Rachel Goldman 759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Why do so many women reach midlife and suddenly feel like everything is harder than it used to be? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with nationally recognized clinical psychologist, behavioral change expert, and author Dr. Rachel Goldman to explore why so many women feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and stuck during major life transitions. Dr. Rachel explains how stress, changing responsibilities, shifting identities, motherhood, career demands, and body changes can create a sense of losing yourself—and why the answer isn't pushing harder, but learning how to respond differently. Together, they discuss the mindset shifts that help women navigate change with more self-compassion, flexibility, and resilience. They also explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how simple tools from cognitive behavioral therapy can help break patterns that keep us stuck. Dr. Rachel also shares why self-care doesn't have to mean adding another overwhelming task to your list. Instead, small intentional moments like movement, breathing, time outside, connection, and creating a reset can completely shift how you show up in your life. If you've been wondering whether you'll ever feel like yourself again, this episode is a reminder that change doesn't mean you've lost who you are—it may be an invitation to step into your next chapter with more strength and confidence. DR. RACHEL GOLDMAN Dr. Rachel Goldman is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, behavioral change expert, speaker, and author of When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free. She helps people manage stress, improve mindset, navigate life transitions, and build confidence through practical, evidence-based tools rooted in psychology and behavioral change. IN THIS EPISODE Why so many women feel disconnected from themselves in midlife How mindset impacts stress, emotions, confidence, and behavior The importance of self-compassion during seasons of change Why routines and small habits help create stability during stressful times How to stop all-or-nothing thinking and create realistic solutions The connection between body image, aging, and identity shifts Why resilience comes from building tools before life gets difficult How to create a personalized stress management toolbox QUOTES “Life can be challenging, but it doesn't have to feel so challenging.” “We have to create the time.” “Feeling stuck isn't who you are. It's a signal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order https://www.mitoq.com/energized Grab the “When Life Happens” book by Dr. Rachel Goldman https://amzn.to/4aBRJwq Goldman Website Dr. Rachel Goldman Instagram Dr. Rachel Goldman Facebook Dr. Rachel Goldman Youtube RELATED EPISODES  759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner

Why do so many women suddenly start waking up at 3:00 a.m. during perimenopause? In this practical and science-backed conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with renowned sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus to unpack why sleep changes so dramatically during perimenopause and menopause, and what women can do to finally get restorative sleep again. Dr. Breus explains how fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, melatonin, cortisol, body temperature, and blood sugar all collide during midlife, creating the perfect storm for middle-of-the-night awakenings. He shares why waking up at 3:00 a.m. is incredibly common, how modern habits often make it worse, and why women need a layered approach instead of relying on a single solution. Together, they discuss everything from sleep apnea, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol, caffeine, blood sugar, and evening routines to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), breathwork, thermoregulation, and supplementation. Most importantly, Dr. Breus offers practical strategies women can begin implementing immediately to improve sleep quality, reduce nighttime wakeups, and build a foundation for better health through every stage of menopause. If you've been lying awake at 3:00 a.m. wondering what's happening to your body, this episode is packed with answers and actionable solutions. DR. MICHAEL BREUS Dr. Michael Breus is a board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, bestselling author, and founder of The Sleep Doctor. For more than two decades, he has helped millions of people improve their sleep through science-backed strategies focused on circadian rhythms, sleep disorders, behavioral sleep medicine, and overall wellness. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, including Sleep, Drink, Breathe. IN THIS EPISODE Why women commonly wake up around 3:00 a.m. during perimenopause How estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and blood sugar affect sleep The biggest mistakes women make before bedtime Why sleep apnea is often overlooked in midlife women How CBT-I can help retrain the brain for better sleep The role of caffeine, alcohol, fiber, and evening nutrition Why cooling the body improves sleep quality Practical habits that create a healthier nighttime routine QUOTES “Everything we do, we do better with a good night's sleep.” “Sleep is the currency of attention.” “You need runway to land the plane.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Get the “Sleep Drink Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-Term Health” book by Dr. Michael Breus. https://amzn.to/4b6OM75 Take the Chronoquiz nowGet the Home Sleep Study - The at-home sleep study measures key sleep metrics The Sleep Doctor Website The Sleep Doctor Instagram The Sleep Doctor Youtube RELATED EPISODES  758: Why Your Body Can’t Heal Until It Feels Safe: The Nervous System Shift That Changes Everything with Dr. Dave Rabin 757: The Hidden Emotional Shift of Perimenopause (No One Prepared Us For) with Dr. Melinda Ring 756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodburry

What if the reason you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected, or stuck isn't because you're broken—but because your nervous system no longer feels safe? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with psychiatrist, neuroscientist, inventor, and author Dr. Dave Rabin to explore the science of safety, nervous system regulation, emotional healing, resilience, and what it truly means to be alive. Drawing from decades of work treating patients with PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and chronic stress, Dr. Rabin shares why many traditional mental health approaches often fall short and why healing begins by helping the body relearn safety. Together, they discuss how modern life, chronic overstimulation, smartphones, loneliness, and constant stress have created what Dr. Rabin calls a "habitat crisis" that is overwhelming our nervous systems and contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and chronic disease. Dr. Rabin also explains why feeling must come before thinking, how many of our limiting beliefs become subconscious programs during childhood, and how simple practices can help rewrite those stories in real time. The conversation dives into heart rate variability (HRV), vagus nerve health, emotional processing, play, connection, and the remarkable science behind Apollo Neuro—a wearable technology designed to help the body feel safer, sleep better, and recover more effectively from stress. If you've ever felt trapped in survival mode, disconnected from joy, or exhausted from constantly pushing through, this episode offers a hopeful roadmap back to safety, resilience, and healing. Dr. Dave Rabin Dr. Dave Rabin is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, inventor, and mental health innovator. He is the co-founder of Apollo Neuro, a wearable technology designed to improve stress resilience, sleep, focus, and recovery through gentle vibrations that activate the body's safety response system. He is also the author of A Simple Guide to Being Alive, which explores the neuroscience of safety, healing, emotional well-being, and human flourishing. IN THIS EPISODE Why nervous system dysregulation is driving so many modern health challenges How chronic stress, smartphones, and overstimulation contribute to a "habitat crisis" Why feeling emotions is essential for healing and resilience How subconscious childhood programming shapes adult behavior and beliefs The connection between vagus nerve function, HRV, and long-term health Why sleep quality may be one of the most powerful tools for nervous system recovery The science behind Apollo Neuro and how it supports safety and resilience How play, connection, and joy help create lasting healing QUOTES“Feeling is required for healing.” “Pleasure and joy remind us that we are safe.” “We all have the ability to heal ourselves.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 30% off on your first BATCH order http://hellobatch.com/ENERGIZED Get the “A Simple Guide to Being Alive” book by Dr. Dave Rabin now https://apolloneuro.com/pages/a-simple-guide-to-being-alive Apollo Neuro Website The Board of Medicine Dr. Dave Rabin Instagram Dr. Dave Rabin Facebook RELATED EPISODES  756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 753: The Brain’s Hidden Role in Chronic Pain, Migraines & Fatigue with Dr. Howard Schubiner 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause

Why do so many women enter perimenopause feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under them? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mariza sits down with integrative medicine physician and menopause expert Dr. Melinda Ring to explore why perimenopause often feels so destabilizing and why so many women feel blindsided by symptoms they were never warned about. Together, they unpack the profound neuroendocrine changes happening during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms like sleep disruption, anxiety, brain fog, overwhelm, stress sensitivity, and feeling "not like yourself" often become some of the earliest signs that something is shifting. Dr. Ring explains the critical connection between hormones, the stress response system, sleep quality, nervous system regulation, and long-term health outcomes. They also discuss why traditional medical approaches have historically fallen short for women, the growing role of hormone replacement therapy, and why individualized care matters more than ever. The conversation dives deep into HPA axis dysfunction, trauma, chronic stress, self-compassion, resilience, and the importance of helping women feel safe in their bodies during a time of tremendous change. If you've ever wondered whether what you're experiencing is normal—or if you've found yourself saying, "I don't feel like myself anymore"—this episode offers both validation and practical guidance. Dr. Melinda Ring Dr. Melinda Ring is a board-certified physician, integrative medicine expert, educator, and internationally recognized leader in women's health and menopause care. She serves as Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health and is passionate about helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause through evidence-based, whole-person care that addresses hormones, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and long-term health optimization. IN THIS EPISODE Why perimenopause often feels so overwhelming and unexpected The connection between sleep disruption, hormones, and brain health Why many women feel like they "don't feel like themselves" anymore The role of HPA axis dysfunction and chronic stress during midlife How trauma and long-term stress influence the menopause transition The evolving conversation around hormone replacement therapy Why individualized hormone care matters more than one-size-fits-all protocols How women can build resilience, safety, and self-compassion during perimenopause QUOTES“Sleep is the force multiplier.” “You can't heal in survival mode.” “The brain is reorganizing, not just the ovaries.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Sign Up Now for the "Advanced Integrative Menopause Care for Clinicians" Course Training with Dr. Melinda Dr. Melinda Website https://www.drmelindaring.com/signup Dr. Melinda Instagram Dr. Melinda Facebook Dr. Melinda Tiktok Dr. Melinda Youtube RELATED EPISODES  756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 755: What If Your Body Isn’t Broken, Just Undernourished? The Missing Link Between Nutrients, Hormones & Energy with Ryan Woodburry 754: How to Find Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan with Amberly Lago 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause