

The Hotflash inc podcast
Hotflash inc
Hotflash inc is an evidence, expert and human-experience driven podcast looking for the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond. In more than 200 episodes menopause and midlife journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen has spoken to a wide range of experts from around the globe, including practitioners, activists, researchers, doctors and industry leaders about this perplexing transition we still know too little about. She’s talked about her own frustrations and personal experiences. And she has connected with a perimenoposse of powerful women in the midst of a perplexing transition.As of March 2026, Hotflash inc Podcast is number 1 on GoodPods in Women's Health Podcasts. It is amongst the top 3% percentile on Listen Notes and in the Top 60 Menopause podcasts on Feedspot.*Last updated January 2026
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 21, 2024 • 29min
134: SOLO episode: Magical mish-mash
Send a textIn another solo episode, Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen talks about her frustration with unrealistic expectations for women, Peter Attia, weighted vests, people who use the words “misinformation, disinformation” and who like to “debunk” things, what happens when you start to choose yourself, the song that got her crying in the gym and why It’s all a great way to get you excited about who’s going to be on the podcast next week. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dec 14, 2024 • 60min
133: Navigating peri-to-post menopause, spiritual growth, trauma and more (with really good protein powder) with XO Jacqui's Jacqui Burge
Send a textIn this episode, Jacqui Burge joins me (Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen) for a magical conversation that ranges from why perimenopause needed an easy-to-digest, simple and clean protein powder to how much better life can be without sugar. Jacqui is a thoughtful, post-menopausal American health and wellness entrepreneur. A workplace wellness pioneer, she has more than three million views on LinkedIn for sessions offered by her company Desk Yogi. She’s been a figure skater, a rock star, a mom and a drug addict. She’s also a woman who found herself a bit lost when menopause hit, and it was unexplained weight gain that led her to launch XO Jacqui. And this is where I found her, because Jacquie’s clean, vegan, organic and gluten-free protein powder is literally the only one in the world my tummy can tolerate. You can literally count the ingredients on your hand. It’s delicious and I actually import it from the US to the UAE. (If you want some of your own, use code HOTFLASHINC15 at checkout) Jacqui’s mantra aligns with mine here at Hotflash inc: be your own advocate, stay curious and a step outside of your comfort zone. The episode emphasizes embracing change, the non-linear nature of healing, and promoting self-acceptance and mental well-being.Highlights:The power of nudgesWhy she works on Sundays How to edit your to-do list to cut overwhelm How to make the first person you take care of youHow not to turn yourself into a mashed potato What drove her to start making her own protein powder (and what’s going on with a lot of varieties that seem healthy) The one thing about the obsession with protein you need to knowPerimenopause is asking about ‘what can you simplify’Why perimenopause should be a recognized rite of passageThe stability, knowingness and awareness that gets solidified in menopauseWhat is “pretend connection” and why does it hurt us? Re-examining alcohol in perimenopause What happens after you kick sugar for 10 daysHow neurofeedback cut through the trauma and finally helped her feel safeWhy she wants you to get support in tackling your traumaThe two sides of asking for helpWhat radical acceptance really meansHer best advice for going through perimenopause Menopausal creativity burstsWhy “post-menopause” needs more loveJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dec 5, 2024 • 10min
132: Introducing YOUR Perimenopause Game Plan
Send a textToday host and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen introduces an ambitious project: the Perimenopause Game Plan. This compiles 5 years of research, more than 100 interviews, many conversations with women and her own experience. This is unrolling over on Substack. Listen to the podcast to find out how. Send a text if you have questions or there is anything you want to know. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dec 4, 2024 • 42min
131: NEW INTRO! Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dianne Wist, CEO of Violet Daily, about the importance of breast health and the benefits of molecular iodine. In the new intro, Ann Marie relays a conversation she had with women's hormone expert Lara Briden about why it works and why it's better than potassium iodide (because it shelters the breast from estrogen and is preferentially taken up by more estrogen-sensitive tissues like the breast rather than the thyroid gland.Disclaimer: Anyone with a thyroid problem who is considering taking iodine should check with their doctor first. Dianne shares insights on why women often overlook breast pain, how hormone therapy can trigger it, and the need to be proactive about breast care. They discuss the clinical research behind Violet Daily's molecular iodine supplement, its impact on both women and men, and its role in alleviating breast pain and supporting overall breast health. Dianne also offers advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office and shares her personal menopause journey.Why we ignore our breast painWhat can trigger breast pain (including hormone therapy)Why you need to have a relationship with your breasts (and be your own expert)Dianne’s advice for holding your own at the doctor’s officeWhat is molecular iodine and why might you want to take it? What about the thyroid + why you have to be careful Iodine for women and men The breast pain “pathway”Molecular iodine – clinical research Breast pain and changes in perimenopause Dianne’s menopause experience and her top tip for getting through itUse code hotflashinc for 10 percent off if you order Violet DailyJoin the Hotflash Inc perimenoposse:Web: hotflashinc.comTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashincEpisode website: HotflashincSee hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy informationJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 27, 2024 • 41min
131: Breast health, pain and molecular iodine with Violet Daily founder Dianne Wist
Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, Ann Marie McQueen interviews Dianne Wist, CEO of Violet Daily, about the importance of breast health and the benefits of molecular iodine. Diane shares insights on why women often overlook breast pain, how hormone therapy can trigger it, and the need to be proactive about breast care. They discuss the clinical research behind Violet Daily's molecular iodine supplement, its impact on both women and men, and its role in alleviating breast pain and supporting overall breast health. Diane also offers advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office and shares her personal menopause journey.Why we ignore our breast painWhat can trigger breast pain (including hormone therapy)Why you need to have a relationship with your breasts (and be your own expert)Dianne’s advice for holding your own at the doctor’s officeWhat is molecular iodine and why might you want to take it? What about the thyroid + why you have to be careful Iodine for women and men The breast pain “pathway”Molecular iodine – clinical research Breast pain and changes in perimenopause Dianne’s menopause experience and her top tip for getting through itUse code hotflashinc for 10 percent off if you order Violet DailyJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 23, 2024 • 43min
130: Midlife Strong's Maryann Jacobsen on the intersection of menopause and everything else
Send a textMaryann Jacobsen is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has extensive experience with developmental stages, researching health topics, and writing. She’s also a forward-thinker who realizes that when it comes to aging, midlife doesn’t get nearly the attention it needs – and for the past five years, she’s been working to change that.Maryann has a common-sense, independent thinking approach; she dives deep into research to uncover innovative and original insights. I feel like she’s my soul sister when it comes to these things, and the way the narrative is being crafted around perimenopause and menopause, in particular. Her goal is for every woman to have the basic knowledge she needs to make informed health decisions. We cover a lot of ground here: including the role of hormones, the significance of micronutrients like iron and choline, nitric oxide's impact on health, and the necessity of a holistic approach to manage symptoms. The episode also sheds light on how lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of hormone therapy and addresses commonly overlooked issues such as sleep-disordered breathing and its impact on health during midlife.Topics covered: Why it’s not as simple as “eat right and exercise” in midlife The risks of drinking while taking hormone therapy (that no one is talking about) All the things that are more interesting than hormone therapy Resistance breathing for reducing inflammation and other benefits The overlooked (and vital role) of nitric oxide All the ways to increase your nitric oxideHormone therapy, sure, but have you heard about beets? Pycnogenol Nasal breathing, headaches and sleep apnea The mixed results of hormone therapy Sunlight The nuances of post-menopause estrogen productionWhy we both are reticent about going estrogen Why beets aren’t much help for vaginasWhere to find Maryann and Midlife Strong:Substack: Midlife Strong Instagram: Midlife StrongJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 16, 2024 • 26min
129: 21 questions about hormone therapy
Send a textIn this solo episode, Hotflash inc podcast host and founder Ann Marie McQueen writes down all the questions she has about hormone therapy (and what we hear about hormone therapy). This is a long time coming: she's been researching perimenopause, menopause and women's midlife health for 5+ years now. Settle in. And if you have any questions of your own, use that handy text message feature and send them our way. Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 9, 2024 • 40min
128: When infertility and perimenopause collide with Oova founder Dr Amy Divaraniya
Send a textDr Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Founder of Oova, a leading women’s health platform known for its physician-backed fertility and perimenopause at-home hormone monitoring. Oova empowers people to take control of their hormone health from their first period and to their last and beyond. Prior to founding Oova, Dr. Divaraniya spent 10 years as a data scientist, leading and publishing research in personal genomics and biomarker discovery. We talk about the pressing issues and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause and fertility, shedding light on the importance of hormone monitoring and personalized health care. Together, they highlight the generational shift in women demanding better understanding and treatment for perimenopause while emphasizing the critical aspects of hormone balance, the interplay of fertility and perimenopause, and the future of personalized medical treatments in women's health.Topics covered: 02:04 Fertility and hormone monitoring04:47 Understanding hormonal cycles08:21 The role of ovulation10:20 Perimenopause data insights15:45 Testing for perimenopause19:45 Understanding progesterone and estrogen balance20:16 Navigating perimenopause and IVF21:15 Future of perimenopause and menopause treatments22:08 Clinical research and data in women's health23:22 Personalized medicine for perimenopause25:55 Fertility concerns and technological advances27:51 Hormone tracking and testing32:40 Survey insights on perimenopause38:15 Final thoughts and podcast disclaimerCheck out Oova's The State of Perimenopause Report. Find out more about Oova on their website.Follow Oova on Instagram.Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 4, 2024 • 7min
127: SOLO episode: I want you to forgive yourself. I'll go first.
Send a textIf there is anything I like people going through peri menopause to know, if there's anything I'd like you to know, it's that no matter what route you take, no matter how you feel physically, the very best thing you can do emotionally and spiritually is to begin the painful, healing, scary, but fruitful reckoning with your past so you can properly face your future.The transformative minefield for that, for me. And I want you to be able to experience this too. Let me get you started with my I forgive you letter to myself.Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Oct 17, 2024 • 54min
126: Liminal's Rebekah Brown wants a more intelligent conversation about perimenopause
Send a textIn this episode, the focus is on the transformative journey of Rebekah Brown, a narrative research specialist and founder of the vibrant midlife community and supplement brand Liminal (formerly MPowder). Rebekah discusses her personal experiences with perimenopause and the physical and emotional transitions it entails. The conversation delves into the importance of addressing stress, sleep issues, and the rebranding journey from MPowder to Liminal. Topics such as hormone therapy, societal narratives surrounding menopause, the challenges of midlife, and the benefits of naturopathic practices like herbal remedies, acupuncture, and yoga are covered. Emphasis is placed on the collective wisdom and agency of women, the impact of societal constructs, and the need for a nuanced, science-based discussion around hormonal health. This episode highlights the significance of storytelling, community, and the blending of traditional and modern medical approaches to empower women navigating this stage of life.Highlights:00:31 Rebecca's menopause journey03:48 Launching and rebranding a company07:38 The importance of community and research11:44 Navigating health narratives21:56 The role of journalism in female health24:40 The menopause supplement market: A reality check25:48 Emerging trends and innovations in menopause supplements26:41 Navigating the noise: identifying quality products27:54 The complexities of botanical health claims29:21 The role of botanicals in menopause32:18 The importance of regulatory change34:54 Personal experiences with botanicals41:04 Naturopathy and menopause: a holistic approach44:43 Advice for women struggling with perimenopause50:20 What's next for LiminalLinks:Website https://mpowder.store/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpowderstore Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mpowderstore/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mpowderJoin the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information


