488: How To Fix Your Finances So You Don’t Have To Work Forever with Bret Johnson

Is everyone around you planning dream retirements while you're wondering if you'll be working forever? If you're lying awake at night worried about finances, feeling like you're the only one who didn't figure out this money thing, you’re not alone, and this episode is your wake-up call + your action plan rolled into one. I invited my friend, an accomplished investor and financial savvy expert, Bret Johnson to share the exact strategies he used to transform his financial future later in life. From being behind the eight-ball to traveling abundantly and living without money stress, Bret breaks down the no-BS approach to building wealth when you think it's too late. We dive into the uncomfortable truths about why you're behind (spoiler: you were living life while others were investing), the simple 5-15% rule that changes everything, and why index funds might be your secret weapon for catching up fast. He discusses practical strategies for paying off debt, investing wisely, and building wealth, even if you feel you've started late. From addressing common concerns about feeling financially stuck to providing actionable steps you can take today, Bret's advice is invaluable. Plus, he shares his "stocks are on sale" mindset that transformed market crashes from disasters into opportunities. Whether you're starting from zero or trying to accelerate what you've already begun, this conversation delivers the practical steps, mindset shifts, and resources you need to stop worrying and start building the retirement you deserve.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Bret Johnson:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/bretjohnson11 Website ➜ https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheChaleneShow   Thank you to our show sponsors! TIMELINE:  Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to 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.

What if the reason you can't lose weight, feel exhausted, and struggle with inflammation has nothing to do with your diet or exercise routine – but with zombie cells lurking in your body? In this game-changing episode, I sit down with Dan Pardi, Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life, to uncover the hidden world of cellular senescence and why these "zombie cells" might be sabotaging your health without you even knowing it. We dive deep into how damaged cells that refuse to die are creating chronic inflammation, accelerating aging, and potentially blocking your body's ability to heal itself. Dan reveals the shocking connection between your circadian rhythm and cellular aging, why your immune system stops clearing these problematic cells as you age, and the breakthrough science of senolytics that's revolutionizing how we approach healthy aging. Plus, I share the incredible story of how addressing zombie cells transformed my friend's decades-long battle with endometriosis – and why this might be the missing piece in your own health puzzle.   Episode Link: 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%.    Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dan Pardi & Qualia:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/qualiallife  Website ➜ https://www.qualialife.com/natjill    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.

What if the secret to calming your nervous system, improving your sleep, and even slowing down aging was as simple as changing how you breathe? Today's conversation with breath work expert Samantha Skelly reveals why most of us are only using 30% of our lung capacity and how this impacts everything from our stress levels to our cellular health. Learn the exact technique that can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-repair in just 3-5 minutes. Samantha shares her personal transformation story and breaks down the science of why breath work works where other practices fail - especially for Type-A personalities and women navigating midlife changes. We explore the connection between chronic stress and physical symptoms, address spiritual concerns about the practice, and Sam provides a simple technique you can start using tomorrow morning.    Learn More About Samantha Skelly:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/samanthaskelly  Website ➜ https://www.samanthaskelly.com/    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%.  LIVON:  Save $56 (get a free B Complex) with purchase of the Midlife Bundle at http://livonlabs.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.

You're exhausted, can't sleep, gaining weight despite doing "all the right things," and your doctor hands you an antidepressant or birth control pills. Sound familiar? In this raw and revealing conversation, integrative doctor and perimenopause expert Dr. Mariza Snyder pulls back the curtain on what's really happening to your hormones during this massive transition—and why the standard medical approach is leaving millions of women struggling unnecessarily. We're breaking down the confusion between perimenopause and menopause, revealing why your progesterone tanks first (and what that means for your sleep and mood), and exploring real solutions beyond the lazy medicine of symptom management. From the power of circadian rhythm optimization to understanding when hormone replacement makes sense (and when it doesn't), this episode gives you the knowledge to advocate for yourself and thrive. Whether you're in the trenches of perimenopause or sitting in that confusing "waiting room" before menopause, this conversation will change how you think about your body, your symptoms, and your options. It's time to stop accepting that suffering is just part of being a woman—you deserve better.   Get Dr. Mariza's book "The Perimenopause Revolution" at https://drmariza.com/book for exclusive bonuses including symptom trackers, lab ranges, and more.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Mariza Snyder:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drmariza  Website ➜ https://drmariza.com/book    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%.  BIOPTIMIZERS:  Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www.bioptimizers.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.

I found out the hard way that Bali Belly is no joke. What started as a bucket-list dream vacation turned into a battle with my gut health that I'm still fighting as we record this. And the kicker - I thought I was prepared to dodge it: I had my enzymes, my probiotics, I was careful with food and water. But what I didn't know about environmental exposure through skin contact, contaminated water sources, and the reality of underdeveloped infrastructure cost me my normally great health. In this conversation, I'm joined by functional nurse practitioner Laura Frontiero (aka "The Gut Genie") to break down exactly what happened to my body in Bali, why some people get sick while others don't, and the critical travel supplements I wish I'd packed. We're talking about the antibiotics versus antimicrobials debate, what to do when you have an allergic reaction mid-treatment, why Western medicine dismisses parasites that are epidemic in other countries, and the comprehensive protocol I'm using right now to recover. If you've ever traveled internationally, plan to, or have mysterious symptoms after a trip abroad, this episode could literally save you years of suffering. Laura shares her essential travel toolkit, explains when it's actually okay to stop an antibiotic, reveals why parasites are more common than anyone admits, and gives you the exact steps to protect your gut health when exploring the world. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your gut health while exploring new destinations.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Episode Links:    Ozone Air Purifier: Choose the black Triad Air Go https://mytriadaer.funnelpages.com/CA-LAU71172-Laura-Frontiero  Shop CellCore: https://shop.laurafrontiero.com/collections/all  Saccharomyces Boulardii: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/laura/products/floramyces#FLM060   Learn More About Laura Frontiero:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/laura.frontiero  Website ➜ https://gutchecktest.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.

Join Kash and I live to go deeper on this conversation http://midlifeconversations.com/breathe  Could your "bad genetics" for cholesterol actually be a survival advantage you're just using wrong (and actually making everything worse)?  In this conversation we're diving deep into the connections between hormone detoxification, cholesterol, anxiety, and why your body might feel like it's working against you - plus the surprising solution that's helping women address all of it simultaneously. Health detective guru Kashif Khan returns to help unravel the mysteries behind stubborn weight, high cholesterol despite clean eating, chronic inflammation, and that constant fight-or-flight feeling that won't turn off no matter what you try. If you've been told you have poor detox pathways and it's made hormone replacement therapy feel scary, this episode provides clarity you won't find anywhere else. We explore why your body produces hormones based on what your ancestors did (not what you actually do), how modern toxins create a perfect storm of hormone disruption, and why the conventional approach to cholesterol might be missing the entire point. You'll discover why nervous system regulation must come first before any other intervention can truly work, and learn about molecular hydrogen therapy - a breakthrough approach that addresses toxic burden, cellular energy, and inflammation all at once. Tune in to learn about the profound impacts of hydrogen on detoxification, cellular energy, and overall wellness, and get answers to pressing health questions you've been asking. Whether you're dealing with weight resistance, sleep issues, anxiety, or just want to optimize your midlife health, this conversation provides the missing pieces.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Kashif Khan:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/kashkhanofficial  Website ➜ http://midlifeconversations.com/breathe   Thank you to our show sponsors! KION:  Visit https://getkion.com/nataliejill for 20% off your order of essential amino acids BEAM:  Level up your health with BEAM Minerals HERE https://midlifeconversations.com/beam and use code NATALIEJILL to save!   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.

Get 50% off comprehensive labs + clinician consults https://joiandblokes.com/NATALIEJILL   Are you being medically gaslighted while your insurance company profits from your pain? This conversation with Katy Whalen, founder of Joi + Blokes telemedicine, pulls back the curtain on why midlife women are systematically failed by traditional healthcare. Katy shares her raw journey from comprehensive fertility support to complete menopause abandonment, sparking her mission to revolutionize women's healthcare through telehealth.  In this episode, we discuss the complexities of navigating life during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. We get brutally honest about medical gaslighting, why your doctor dismisses your symptoms as "normal," and how insurance companies actively prevent you from getting optimal care. Katy breaks down the truth about HRT that most doctors won't tell you, exposes the dangerous research peptide market flooding social media, and reveals why telehealth is the future of personalized hormone care. We tackle the uncomfortable truths about why only 1 in 5 doctors are trained in menopause, what comprehensive testing actually reveals about your health, and why paying out of pocket might cost less than fighting your insurance company for substandard care. If you've ever been told you're "fine" while feeling absolutely terrible, been denied testing because insurance won't cover it, or wondered why your body stopped responding to everything that used to work, this episode will validate your frustration and give you a clear action plan. She shares exactly what to look for in HRT treatment, how to spot legitimate peptide therapy versus dangerous research compounds, and why telehealth partnerships are changing the game for women who refuse to settle for "normal." Get ready to stop being gaslighted and start demanding the optimal health you deserve.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Katy Whalen and Joi + Blokes:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/joiwomenswellness  Website ➜ https://joiandblokes.com/NATALIEJILL  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%. LIVON:  Save $56 (get a free B Complex) with purchase of the Midlife Bundle at http://livonlabs.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.  

To get a free scale session with Allison’s company Pinnacle Global Network go to http://midlifeconversations.com/scale What if you are able to craft the exact vision of what you want for your life, despite any obstacles?  While most women over 50 are told to slow down and settle for "good enough," Allison Maslan built multiple eight-figure businesses, learned trapeze, and manifested two dream houses, all after turning 50. As the CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, she works with seven and eight-figure entrepreneurs who seem successful on paper but feel completely stuck. In this conversation, Allison reveals the daily 5-minute practice that she credits with transforming not just her business results, but her entire life. This isn't about positive thinking or vision boards—it's a systematic approach to what she calls "deliberate creation" that combines practical strategy with energetic alignment. You'll discover why she tells her accounting team they're "not allowed" to speak about cash flow problems, how she manifested a property in Mexico that was supposedly "not for sale," and the exact morning routine she uses to stay aligned with her biggest vision even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Whether you're building a business, wanting to transform your health, or simply ready to stop playing small in midlife, this conversation will shift how you think about what's possible for your future.   To get a free scale session with Allison’s company Pinnacle Global Network go to http://midlifeconversations.com/scale   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Allison Maslan:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/allisonmaslan  Website ➜ http://midlifeconversations.com/scale 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 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.

Did you know that by the time you reach midlife, your nervous system has been storing trauma responses for decades - even if you can't identify a single "traumatic" event? What if the chronic back pain, autoimmune issues, and stubborn weight gain plaguing so many midlife women aren't just random health problems, but your nervous system's way of expressing stored survival responses from years past? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Aimie Apigian reveals how seemingly normal childhood experiences - from crying yourself to sleep as a baby in the 1970s to being a latchkey kid - can create lasting biological changes that show up as health issues decades later through stored trauma in your nervous system. We dive into the science behind trauma, its long-term biological effects, and the importance of addressing trauma at different levels – mind, body, and biology and how accumulative, often unrecognized trauma can impact our health, aging, emotional regulation, and relationships.  Discover why your nervous system might still be stuck in survival mode, keeping you vulnerable to injuries, illnesses, and that constant underlying anxiety. Dr. Aimie explains the science behind why some people seem immune to health issues while others collect diagnoses, and most importantly, what nervous system healing can actually do about stored trauma.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Aimie Apigian:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/draimie   Website ➜  https://biologyoftrauma.com/  Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the Enzymes & Probiotics & Gut Support I use daily at  https://bioptimizers.com/nataliejill   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.

What if the chronic pain that's been ruling your life isn't actually about physical damage—but about your brain trying to protect you from threats it perceives based on your entire life history? Ashleigh Di Lello should be dead. At 13, doctors told her she wouldn't survive her teenage years after a mysterious viral infection began shutting down her organs. Twenty years later, after building a successful Broadway career, a failed hip surgery left her unable to walk and in excruciating pain that no treatment could touch…not even powerful opioids. After trying over 200 treatments and being told by specialists it was "downhill from here," Ashleigh made a decision that would revolutionize how we understand chronic pain. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that’s been both personal and transformative for me: the connection between pain and the brain. For years, I believed that pain was only the result of real, physical injuries. But after my own journey through back surgery and chronic pain, I started to question: what if our brains play a bigger role in how we experience pain than we realize? Discover why Type A personalities are more prone to chronic pain, how your brain actually gets BETTER at creating pain the more you experience it, and why doing everything "right" for your body might not be enough if your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. Ashleigh reveals the critical difference between regulating your nervous system (managing symptoms) versus rewiring it (changing how your brain processes pain entirely), and shares the exact paradigm shift that allowed her to walk again after five years of disability. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, unexplained symptoms, or simply curious about the incredible power of the brain-body connection, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about healing.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Ashleigh Di Lello:    Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/ashleighdilello  Website ➜  https://www.ashleydilello.com  Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the Enzymes & Probiotics & Gut Support I use daily at  https://bioptimizers.com/nataliejill   LEELA: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout  at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela  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.