Midlife Conversations with Natalie Jill: Fat Loss, Hormones & Health for Women Over 40

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain (and maybe the hospital gown) on something I rarely go into detail about... my long, complicated, sometimes comical history with fourteen surgeries. Yep, 14. From having a tumor removed at age three, to getting breast implants (and later explanting them), to a full-on spinal disc replacement… it's been a journey! Spoiler alert: almost all roads lead back to my back. Whether it was compensating during workouts, posture shifts from surgery scar tissue, or the ripple effects of certain cosmetic procedures, neurological issues and more… my spine has carried the load... literally and metaphorically... for decades. I open up about: Why I got each surgery (the real reasons, not just the Instagram explanation) What I regret, what I don't, and what I really want women in midlife to know before going under the knife How I finally ended up needing my L5-S1 disc replaced (ouch… and also, wow) The things that are ACTUALLY helping me recover like red light, peptides, compression, hydration, and walking (even when it feels like dragging a noodle-leg down the street) If you're navigating surgery, chronic pain, or even just frustrated that your body feels like it's falling apart faster than your favorite jeans... this episode is for you. Want the full list of what I'm using in recovery? Grab my free Surgery Recovery & Healing Guide [insert link here] And come hang with me on Instagram @nataliejillfit where I'm sharing the good, the bad, and the bloated (yep, that too). Episode Links: Surgical Recovery Guide with all things mentioned in the show GetRapidRecovery.com The REDLIGHT I am using daily :https://get.sunlighten.com/nataliered 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 everything you've been told about aging is wrong - and your best body is actually waiting for you after 50? In this game-changing episode, I sit down with an incredible woman, Alicia Erickson, who shattered every expectation about midlife by quitting alcohol, ditching CrossFit for heavy weights, and getting absolutely shredded at 50. Her transformation started with a painful realization: the nightly wine ritual that helped her cope with stress had become a prison for her body that she couldn't escape. Despite being active her entire life - marathons, triathlons, years of CrossFit - her body was betraying her as she entered midlife. Alicia shares the shocking truth about how increasing her protein intake transformed her hunger, why she had to stop doing cardio to finally see results, and the exact "midlife trifecta" that helped her lose 15 pounds and completely recomp her body. From struggling with 4-5 nights of drinking per week to becoming someone who deadlifts heavy and feels better than she did at 30, and the transformation didn't stop with her! Her husband watched her dedication for a year before joining her journey, dropping 60 pounds and getting off blood pressure medication. Proof that midlife can be your launch pad, not your limitation. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Alicia Erickson: Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/aliciae Website ➜ http://aliciaericksonapp.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors! TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure Gummies (or Capsules)! 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.

Are you being told that your menopause symptoms are "just part of aging" when there might actually be hidden "hose kinks" and infections causing your exhaustion, brain fog, and hot flashes? What if your persistent lower back pain, thyroid issues, and nighttime bathroom trips all stem from the same hidden cause? In this episode, we explore a fresh perspective on menopause and women's health with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert, Dr. Christopher Motley. He reveals how TCM can alleviate common menopausal symptoms by addressing hidden bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in your kidneys, liver, and bladder that He also explains why your thyroid medication might not be working, how emotions get trapped in your organs creating physical pain, and why that lower back pain could actually be a kidney infection you don't even know you have. Learn specific herbs and acupuncture protocols he uses to help women rewire their body's "electrical system" to reclaim their vitality without extreme diets or complicated hormone protocols. Prepare to have what you thought you knew about menopause turned upside down. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Chris Motley: Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/doctormotley Website ➜ http://www.doctormotley.com Thank you to our show sponsors! LEELA QUANTUM: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the Enzymes & Probiotics & Gut Support I use daily at https://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.

Discover why traditional fat loss methods often backfire in midlife. Learn about the importance of solid foundations over quick fixes, and why mindset matters for sustainable change. Explore the role of wholesome foods, the significance of protein, and the downsides of extreme diets. Uncover the inflammatory trio to avoid, plus insights on sleep and the gut's impact on health. Embrace a health detective mindset to uncover root causes, and prepare for lasting transformation without the need for endless motivation.

What if everything you've been told about healing after loss or trauma and the 5 stages of grief are wrong? Dr. B shares her incredible journey from devastating loss to becoming a beacon of hope for others. After losing three children and her husband over 20 years, this psychiatric nurse practitioner discovered why traditional approaches to grief often keep us stuck - and developed a revolutionary method that actually works. You'll discover why the famous "five stages of grief" are actually harmful, how trauma gets stored in our bodies and impacts our weight, energy, and relationships, and the specific steps you can take to transform your pain into purpose. Dr. B reveals her "Mentally Strong Method" and explains why grief and trauma are completely different - and why understanding this distinction changes everything. This isn't about "getting over" your pain or pretending everything is fine. It's about learning to separate grief (which is your badge of honor) from trauma (which keeps you stuck) so you can finally heal and thrive. If you've ever felt like your past is holding you back from the health, relationships, or life you want, this conversation will give you permission to heal - and show you exactly how to do it. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Cristi Bundukamara: Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/cristibundukamara Free E Book ➜ https://mentallystrong.ac-page.com/freebook Mentally Strong Method ➜ https://mentallystrong.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors! AEGIS: Go to https://Aegisformulas.com and use code NatalieJill to get 10% off your next order. 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.

Struggling with sleep at 3 AM? Discover why modern lighting can mess with your hormones and how mouth breathing affects sleep quality. Learn the surprising link between blood sugar and night awakenings. Find out how to reset your circadian rhythm with simple light management. Natalie shares crucial tips on creating the perfect bedroom environment and the benefits of nasal breathing. Plus, explore science-backed supplements that boost deep sleep. Tired of being tired? Transform your nights starting tonight!

Did you know that heart disease kills more midlife women than cancer, yet, most doctors aren't testing correctly? Heart disease is super close and personal to me. It's how I lost my dad when he was just 49…so it really hits home. Most of us think of men when we hear about heart attacks or heart disease, but did you know it's the #1 killer of women over 45? Yet most of us are completely focused on the wrong risk factors (yep, including most doctors). In this conversation, I sat down with cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn, who's been practicing for 35 years and has a fascinating perspective that challenges much of what we've been told about heart health (in a great way). We get personal - I share my own labs live on air as Dr. Kahn walks through exactly what these numbers mean and what we should actually be testing for instead of the basic panel most doctors order. We dive deep into why women present with heart disease so differently than men, the tests every woman over 45 should demand from their doctor, and why your calcium score might be more important than your cholesterol number. You'll discover the real story behind the cholesterol controversy that's been raging since the 1970s, when statins are actually necessary, the shocking connection between how you cook your food and arterial aging, why antibacterial mouthwash might be damaging your blood vessels, and the advanced lab tests that give you real answers about your cardiovascular risk - not just outdated calculations from the 1960s. If you've ever been confused about conflicting advice on saturated fat, wondered if you really need that statin prescription, or want to know what actually protects your heart as you age, this episode provides the clarity you've been searching for. Dr. Kahn brings decades of research and clinical experience to help us separate the marketing from the medicine when it comes to women's heart health. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Joel Kahn: Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drjkahn Website ➜ https://drjoelkahn.com Additional Episode Resources: Prevent Calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator Book: "Lipoprotein(a): The Heart's Quiet Killer" Study Dr. Kahn was co-author on establishing lifelong exposure to either slight reductions in LDL-C or slight elevations determines heart disease risk long term. Widely quoted paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23083789/ The most widely quoted paper establishing LDL-C as a cause, not just risk factor, of atherosclerosis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28444290/ A recent paper on Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol inherited by 20-25% of people, not currently FDA approved Rx as statins do not work for it, but new Rx med in the pipeline. Similar risk to men and women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40240882/ Try a bottle of the world's most delicious artisanal, high-quality olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com Thank you to our show sponsors! 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.

After 20 years of living with degenerative disc disease, 13 surgeries, and waking up in pain most mornings, I reveal the raw truth about what it's really like to navigate chronic pain while trying to maintain an active, vibrant life. From the day my leg stopped working completely to the upcoming surgery that could change everything, this deeply personal episode exposes the strategies that actually work—and the ones that don't. Discover why that persistent hip pain might actually be your spine crying for help, the three pillars that kept me moving for years when traditional approaches failed, and the shocking reality about what happens when your spine starts "auto-fusing" without your permission. I also reveal my plans for a specialized mobile disc replacement surgery in July. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone dealing with similar issues, from movement and diet tips to the latest in surgical options. If you're one of the 40% of midlife women dealing with back pain, or if you've ever felt like your body has completely turned against you, this episode will change how you think about pain, healing, and what's possible in the second half of life. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube 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.

Is your dentist unknowingly poisoning you and destroying your health? That's the shocking question Dr. Michelle Jorgensen had to face when mysterious illness nearly ended her dental career at just 35 years old. After a decade of traditional practice, she developed devastating symptoms—brain fog so severe she couldn't remember patients' names, gut pain that made drinking water unbearable, and nerve damage that left her unable to hold dental instruments. The culprit? Mercury poisoning from drilling out silver fillings without protection for ten years! But Dr. Michelle's personal health crisis became her calling to revolutionize dentistry. Now she's exposing the hidden connections between oral health and chronic disease that could change everything about how you think about your mouth. We dive deep into the dental toxins that might be sabotaging your health—from mercury fillings leaking poison 24/7 to fluoride disrupting your thyroid function. Dr. Michelle reveals why 78% of fatal blood clots contain mouth-only bacteria, why she's never seen a cancer patient without root canals, and the shocking reason dentists have such high suicide rates. But this isn't just about problems—it's about solutions. Learn practical steps you can take right now to protect your health, including how to safely remove mercury fillings, alternatives to root canals that save 85% of "hopeless" teeth, and why switching from fluoride to hydroxyapatite could transform your oral health. Check out Dr. Michelle's line at http://midlifeconversations.com/livingwell and use code NATALIEJILL to save Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Michelle Jorgensen: https://www.instagram.com/livingwellwithdrmichelle http://midlifeconversations.com/livingwell 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 Thank you to our show sponsors! JUST THRIVE: Visit https://justthrivehealth.com and save 20% on your first 90 day bottle of Just Thrive probiotic with promo code: NATALIEJILL 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 50% of your hair disappears before you even notice it's thinning – AND – it might not just be because of hormones? Groundbreaking research reveals the real culprit: "zombie cells" accumulating in your scalp that literally sabotage your hair follicles from within. In this eye-opening conversation, Natalie sits down with Carolina, co-founder of OneSkin, to uncover the cellular science behind why traditional hair loss treatments often fall short—and why a revolutionary patented OS-01 peptide targets aging cells at the molecular level to rejuvenate both skin and scalp. You'll discover why your scalp ages just like your skin, what creates the perfect storm for hair loss, and the surprising truth about why natural solutions can actually outperform chemical treatments when they target the right mechanisms. Carolina shares the fascinating story behind their breakthrough discovery of the OS-01 peptide, which took years to develop after testing over 900 different compounds. Whether you're already noticing thinning or want to prevent it, this conversation will completely transform how you think about hair health and aging. Plus, Natalie shares her own 3-month experiment results that surprised even her—including why she almost gave up at 8 weeks and what changed her mind. Interested in trying OS-01 HAIR? Visit https://oneskin.co/NATALIEJILL and use code NATALIEJILL for 15% off. Note: The bottle shown in this episode is OneSkin's OS-01 HAIR refill bottle, which is meant to refill the primary bottle that customers receive when purchasing the product. For instructions on how to properly apply OS-01 HAIR, please visit oneskin.co/nataliejill Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About OneSkin: https://www.instagram.com/oneskin.co http://oneskin.co/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 Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www.bioptimizers.com/nataliejill 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.