478: The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy: Why the Middle Ground Matters Most with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Join us on our FREE hormone education session at http://midlifeconversations.com/magic   Could hormone replacement therapy actually cause cancer if your body can't detox properly? This conversation isn't about joining "Team HRT" or going completely “natural” - it's about understanding why your individual biology matters more than blanket recommendations. Triple board-certified gynecologist Dr. Anna Cabeca joins us to shatter the black-and-white thinking around hormone replacement therapy. With over 30 years of experience prescribing HRT, she's witnessed the trends come and go, but more importantly, she's developed an approach that honors what makes YOU unique. Join us as we discuss personalized treatment plans, debunk myths around HRT, and answer questions on testosterone, progesterone, and the importance of vagal tone and mental well-being during menopause. You'll discover why two women with identical menopausal symptoms might leave the doctor's office with completely different treatment plans, and why that's exactly how it should be. Dr. Anna reveals the critical factor most doctors ignore - your body's ability to detoxify hormones - and explains why this could be the difference between thriving on HRT or facing serious health consequences. You'll also learn the surprising truth about cancer risks, why your monthly cycle was doing more than you realized, and the specific hormone levels Dr. Anna recommends for optimal safety and symptom relief. This isn't another episode telling you what to do - it's about empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your own body. Whether you're considering hormone replacement, currently on HRT, or committed to natural approaches, this conversation will change how you think about menopause support forever.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Anna Cabeca:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor Website ➜  http://midlifeconversations.com/magic    Thank you to our show sponsors! QUALIA: Experience the science of feeling younger—go to http://qualialife.com/nataliejill for up to 50% off your purchase of Qualia Senolytic and use code NATALIEJILL for an additional 15%.  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Join us on our FREE hormone education session at http://midlifeconversations.com/magic   What if everything you've been told about hormone replacement therapy is only HALF the story?  In this raw, personal episode, Natalie shares her own hormone replacement journey - from feeling amazing on HRT to discovering 30 fibroids and a dangerously thick uterine lining. She dives deep into why the pendulum has swung from hormone FEAR to hormone PRESSURE, leaving women confused and sometimes shamed for their choices. You'll discover why the infamous Women's Health Initiative study created decades of hormone fear, how your DNA actually determines whether hormones help or harm you, and why your detox pathways matter more than your blood test results. Featuring insights from Dr. Tyna Moore, Dr. Anna Cabecca, and Dr. Betty Murray, and personal stories from Dr. Amie and Jen Delvaux, we examine the various approaches and decisions women face regarding HRT, including the complex truth: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to HRT. Whether you're currently on HRT, considering it, or opting out, this episode aims to open up a thoughtful conversation about finding what's right for you. Because the truth about HRT really isn't black and white.  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Why is your forehead becoming a "five-head" in midlife and what can you actually do about it? Let’s dive in. In this episode, I revisit one of my audience's favorite topics: hair care, especially as we navigate midlife. If you've been avoiding mirrors, declining social invitations, or wondering why your hair feels like it's literally disappearing, this episode is your wake-up call. Hair expert Jessica Hallock reveals the shocking truth about why women as young as 35 are experiencing dramatic hair loss - and it's not what you think. From the real culprits behind midlife hair thinning to game-changing damage-free extension solutions that don't cost as much as a luxury car, this conversation will completely change how you think about hair loss. Discover how to get fuller, healthier-looking hair with minimal maintenance, why your expensive shampoos might be making things worse, the styling mistakes that are accelerating damage, and revolutionary DIY options that can transform your hair in seconds. Whether you're dealing with a widening part, receding hairline, or all-over thinning, you'll walk away with practical solutions that actually work - plus the confidence to stop hiding from life because of your hair.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Jessica Hallock:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/ensemblehair Website ➜ https://ensemblehair.com/ Episode Links:  Text "HALO" or "TOPPER" to 480-581-8242 to get started with a free consult  Try ONEskin at http://www.oneskin.co/nataliejill and get 15% off by using the code 'NATALIEJILL' at check out  Thank you to our show sponsors! LEELA: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout  at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela   FRESH PRESSED OLIVE OIL: Try a bottle of the world’s most delicious artisanal olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference yourself  https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Did the reality TV show Biggest Loser permanently damage contestants' metabolisms, or is that just another excuse we tell ourselves? In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes world of The Biggest Loser with former trainer Kim Lyons. Kim breaks her silence after years of staying quiet and shares her firsthand experiences from seasons three and four, and reveals what really happened behind the cameras, why the "damaged metabolism" theory makes her blood boil, and the shocking truth about why contestants really gained their weight back. Kim doesn't hold back as she exposes the difference between what made good TV versus what actually worked for weight loss, shares the real calorie numbers contestants were eating (spoiler: they weren't starving), and explains why she's tired of hearing medical experts who know nothing about the behind-the-scenes reality give opinions about the show. From the dangerous challenges that actually concerned her to the environmental factors that determined long-term success, this episode will change everything you think you know about extreme weight loss, metabolism, and what's really possible for transformation. Plus, Kim shares her controversial take on the current GLP-1 craze and why she believes the future of weight loss looks completely different than what we're seeing in Hollywood right now.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Kim Lyons:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/trainerkimlyons Website ➜ http://kimlyons.com/  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Five weeks ago, I could barely sit without pain. Bending over to brush my teeth required a strategic plan involving core activation and glute squeezing. Sneezing meant grabbing onto furniture for dear life. Today? I'm sitting comfortably having this conversation with my neurosurgeon about why disc replacement surgery changed everything.  In this episode, join me and Dr. Jared Ament as we dive deep into the world of motion-preserving spine surgery. You'll discover why spinal fusion became the "standard of care" (hint: it wasn't because it was the best option), how disc replacement technology has evolved to achieve 96% success rates, and why insurance companies still call a procedure with 20+ years of data "experimental." Dr. Ament reveals the shocking truth about why most surgeons don't offer disc replacement, the real recovery differences between fusion and motion preservation, and what actually happens when you go "through the stomach" for spine surgery. We also tackle the controversial emotional vs. mechanical pain debate, discuss when stem cells actually help (and when they don't), and explore why chronic NSAID use might be sabotaging your healing. Whether you or a loved one suffer from degenerative disc disease, bulging or ruptured discs, this episode is packed with valuable insights from both a patient's and a surgeon’s perspective. Also, discover the benefits of nootropics in surgical recovery and daily cognitive function.    Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Jared Ament:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drjaredament Website ➜ https://www.nsg-la.com/  Episode Links: Consult ➜ Reach out to:  [email protected]   Axon Mastermind ➜ www.AxonMd.com  For the episode Natalie referenced on a Genius Life go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-genius-life/id1379050662?i=1000698582182   Thank you to our show sponsors! QUALIA SENOLYTIC: Experience the science of feeling younger—go to http://qualialife.com/nataliejill for up to 50% off your purchase of Qualia Senolytic and use code NATALIEJILL for an additional 15%.  FRESH PRESSED OLIVE OIL: Try a bottle of the world’s most delicious artisanal olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference yourself  https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.  

Today, we turned the mics around and I am being interviewed! Helen Fritsch, an accomplished author, host of the Age is Irrelevant podcast, flight attendant, and competitive athlete living her best life in her mid-sixties interviews ME. We dive into various topics including aging, diet, nutrition, injuries, and what it takes for women to be healthy, happy, and thriving in midlife and beyond. I share my personal journey, including my numerous surgeries, experiences with autoimmune diseases, the brutal truth about toxic load, why everything you've tried for weight loss has failed, the three inflammation triggers keeping you stuck, and insights on fitness and diet adjustments as we age. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion with the exact steps I use to help women become their own health detectives.   Learn More About Helen Fritsch:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/helenfritsch_ifbbpro Website ➜ https://www.ageisirrelevant.com/    Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Imagine being literally exiled from your homeland for telling the truth. Dr. Pardis Mahdavi's story will stop you in your tracks. From witnessing Iran's underground sexual revolution to being kicked out of the country for writing about it, to losing her 20-year academic career as a university president: she's mastered the art of reinventing herself when life throws devastating curveballs. In this raw conversation, she reveals how she went from feeling like she belonged nowhere (rejected by both Iran and Iranian-Americans) to discovering the two powerful tools that saved her from every major life crisis: curiosity and collaboration. You'll discover why most of us skip the crucial first step when facing major transitions (hint: it's not about immediately taking action), how to stop performing for validation from your adult children, and why the voice in your head telling you you're "not enough" or "too much" might actually be pointing you toward your next evolution. Whether you're navigating empty nest syndrome, career transitions, or feeling like your body is betraying you in midlife, Pardis shares the anthropologist's secret to transforming devastating setbacks into launching pads for your most authentic life yet.   Learn More About Dr. Pardis Mahdavi:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/mahdavipardis  Website ➜ https://www.pardismahdavi.com/  Thank you to our show sponsors! TIMELINE NUTRITION: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https://timeline.com/NATALIEJILL  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Could your skincare routine be aging you faster? What if everything you've been told about "natural" beauty is actually damaging your skin? If you've ever wondered why some women seem to age backwards while others struggle with every little new line, this episode reveals the science behind what actually works versus what we're sold as "anti-aging miracles." Join me for this game-changing conversation with Dr. Kay Durairaj, an internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience who's about to shatter everything you think you know about aging gracefully. Dr. Kay breaks down the world of bio-rejuvenation therapy (how your body can literally reverse its own aging process when given the right tools). We dive deep into the controversial salmon sperm treatments (it's not what you think!), why timing your first facelift could make or break your results, and the shocking truth about how long fillers really last. You'll discover why "natural" skincare might be sabotaging your skin, which type of Botox has 10 times fewer toxins, and the cellular energy secret that makes children's skin glow while ours turns dull. Additionally, we address common misconceptions about sun exposure and the pros and cons of different skincare routines. Tune in to get expert advice on how to age gracefully and maintain youthful skin.     Learn More About Dr. Kay Durairaj:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/beautybydrkay  Website ➜ https://www.kdskin.shop/  Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www.bioptimizers.com/nataliejill FRESH PRESSED OLIVE OIL CLUB: Try a bottle of the world’s most delicious artisanal olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference yourself  https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Betty Murray, PhD in integrative and functional nutrition, reveals the shocking truth about HRT that could change how you approach midlife health forever. After working with tens of thousands of women over 20 years and diving deep into the research that conventional medicine ignores, she's uncovering why the fear around hormones is largely unfounded – and why that fear might be robbing you of your best years. From her own devastating experience with early perimenopause after a tubal ligation to becoming one of the world's experts in women's hormone metabolism, Dr. Murray shares the game-changing Medicare study of 10 million women that proves everything we thought we knew about HRT risks was wrong. She breaks down the real difference between therapeutic dosing and dangerous over-prescribing, explains why "estrogen dominance" doesn't mean what you think it does, and reveals why your body's estrogen receptors actually INCREASE during menopause – not decrease like we've been told. We also explore her telemedicine platform, The Minerva Project, designed to offer holistic, evidence-based hormonal care to women across the United States. This is the science-backed roadmap to reclaiming your vitality, protecting your brain, and thriving through midlife without apology. If you've been on the fence about HRT or struggling with conflicting advice from practitioners, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make the best decision for YOUR unique situation. Ready to stop suffering in silence and start living fully again? Visit https://nataliejill.hormoneshelp.com/  to fix your hormones!    Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Betty Murray:   Instagram ➜ http://instagram.com/drbettymurray  Website ➜ https://nataliejill.hormoneshelp.com/  Thank you to our show sponsors! LEELA: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout  at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela  KION: Visit https://getkion.com/nataliejill for 20% off your order of essential amino acids  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.  

Did you know that chronic pain can become as addictive as any drug, trapping your brain in cycles that make healing nearly impossible? In this episode, I share my recent experience of dealing with unexpected all consuming nerve pain following a disc replacement surgery. I've navigated pain off and on my whole life, but this was a new level. I bring on my friend, Scotty Scheller, who spent five years paralyzed and in excruciating pain after a hockey injury. This conversation exposes the hidden connections between high-performance personalities, DNA, and chronic pain cycles.  What started as my search for relief became a masterclass in neuroscience and healing: from discovering how certain genetic profiles make us more susceptible to pain addiction, to learning why high achievers often push their bodies into states where recovery becomes impossible, this episode challenges everything you think you know about healing. Scotty's transformation from a suicidal, bed-ridden former athlete to a thriving entrepreneur reveals the power of identity shifting and focus redirection.  You'll discover why meditation isn't just "woo-woo" but actual neuroscience, how brown noise can quiet your overactive mind, and why the medication you're taking might be working against your genetic blueprint. Most importantly, you'll learn practical strategies for breaking free from pain-focused thinking and reclaiming your life. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain yourself or supporting someone who is, this deep dive into the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, identity transformation, and the incredible power your mind has to either trap you in suffering or set you completely free will change how you think about healing, recovery, and human potential forever.   ✅ Sign up for the free DNA deep dive here → https://midlifeconversations.com/dna    Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Scotty Scheller:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/scottyscheller  Thank you to our show sponsors! FRESH PRESSED OLIVE OIL CLUB: Try a bottle of the world’s most delicious artisanal olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference yourself  https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.