PART 1 of 2 with the amazing Patti Palmer.

Part 1: MENOPAUSE.

NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE US! But by sharing our menopause stories, we can give you hope and, hopefully, the knowledge to arm you with confidence when speaking with your doctor.

What’s stopping you from taking control of your menopause health? Is it fear of Uncertainty? Maybe you think you don’t have enough time to focus on yourself.

Let me tell you, it’s never too late to take the reins and Patti talks to us about her path to feeling better. Menopause isn’t something that should be endured—it’s something you can actively navigate. Yes, it can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to sit back and let it take over.

We women know what it’s like to juggle the demands of life, but your health deserves to be a priority. Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring your options, finding the right treatments, or adjusting your lifestyle to feel better.

If Patti and I can do it, so can you. Ask questions, get informed, and don’t be afraid to make the right changes for you. Let’s break the silence around menopause and show the world what it means to thrive at every stage of life.

Go follow Patti on Instagram @patti_palmer_re!

Meet Malyasia Harrell, Founder of Blissful Life Consulting | Spiritual Transformation Coach | Mental Health & Wellness Advocate | Psychotherapist | Corporate Wellness Strategist & Consultant | Military Veteran | Keynote Speaker | Author | University Board Member | Philanthropist | Podcast Host.

WOW! That is a lot of accolades😲.

As a psychotherapist, coach, speaker, and veteran, Maylasia has observed how resilience has become a buzzword in our culture. While resilience is important, she likes to take a different approach with her clients and when speaking at events.

It was the life-altering event she experienced in 2020—a near-death encounter, that reshaped her entire perspective and purpose. Being on the other side of the therapy chair, transitioning from caregiver to patient during her own healing journey, allowed Maylasia to cultivate a profound level of empathy and understanding. It is this deeply personal experience that now fuels her passion for assisting others in their own paths to healing and empowerment.

The near-death experience served as a catalyst for Malaysia to delve deeper into complementary and alternative medicine, seeking holistic approaches that address not just the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of wellness. This journey also led her to become a staunch advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, recognizing the crucial role of emotional well-being in overall health.

The company Malaysia founded, Blissful Life Consulting, is dedicated to providing holistic wellness solutions that integrate traditional therapy with complementary and alternative approaches for individuals, groups, leaders, and employees. Their vision is to inspire a world where holistic well-being is a fundamental human right, accessible to all, fostering resilience, joy, and purpose.

It was such a pleasure having Malyasia on the podcast. I am deeply grateful and will be keeping tabs on her to see what amazing things she'll do next!

Be sure to grab her new book when it launches! "God Has My Six. Igniting Your Spitituality To Manifest Your Dream Life".

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malaysiaharrell.com & www.blissfullifeconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malaysiahharrell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078172556342d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaysia-h-harrell-a322b19b/
• X: @MalaysiaHarrell

I’m excited to share a glimpse into the inspiring journey of my friend, AnaLori Smith, whom I met through the amazing free weekly sober coaching calls with SHE WALKS CANADA. Since January, I’ve come to know AnaLori as the beautiful, funny, intelligent, tiny queen she truly is. I really had no idea what her sober story entailed and I knew nothing of her early life.

During our sober calls, we often touch on personal stories, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned just how remarkable AnaLori’s journey has been. From the start, she’s captivated us with her vibrant spirit (her growth in sobriety is incredible), but the depths of her experiences are nothing short of astonishing.

AnaLori’s life began with tragedy. Sadly, her mother passed away during childbirth in a war-torn country leaving AnaLori, who also has Cerebral Palsy, orphaned and alone. After a few months in an orphanage, she was adopted by an American family who lovingly brought her into their large family (9 children in total! AL is the youngest) but like many of us, as she grew into her teenage years, AnaLori discovered that alcohol could help with social anxiety and all of the other challenges teens experience. And once alcohol got into her system, well, she was off to the races.

Intrigued? You should be! I am not going to give it all away here -- you are just going to have to take a listen! I will give you a hint! AnaLori used to be confined to a wheelchair but a few months ago she donated it to someone in need❤️ since she can now walk with just her walker and of course, ride around town on her little yellow bike!

Her journey reminds us that transformation is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against us. AnaLori is not just a survivor; she’s a beacon of hope for all of us navigating our paths. I’m grateful to have her in my life and to witness the incredible strides she’s made.

Let’s celebrate AnaLori by sharing this incredible podcast episode with everyone you know, and following her on Instagram @analorismith.

Thank you, AnaLori, for SHARING OUT LOUD with me. It was truly an honor to have you on the pod.

xoxo,
Heather

Meet Katey Armstrong!

I was first introduced to Katey when she was on the YOU ARE NOT BROKEN Podcast with Dr. Kelly Casperson talking about Menopause and her experience with prolapse, (when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina). As soon as I started listening I knew I had to have her here on SHARING OUT LOUD because I too am experiencing menopause, AND I experienced prolapse as well (we think no one talks about menopause - NO ONE talks about prolapse!!!).

Katey and I talked about everything...

• Taking her power back with MENOPAUSE by being fully educated with what's going on in her body and demanding the best care from her doctor (she is on HRT).
• Picking herself up by the bootstraps to reinvent herself after a shocking discovery in her marriage.
• Being the ultimate STRONG grandmother so that she play with her grandchildren as they grow!
• Working with the elderly in extended care facilities to change their mindset on not giving up on what they can do to change their bodies physically -- you CAN get stronger with movement, even at 80!
• Building and motivating an online fitness community with LIVE ZOOM classes each week.

Katey is one amazing, unique, and powerful woman, a woman who cares so deeply for others, all she wanted to do was talk about her ZOOM fitness clients and her elderly fitness clients whom she has been motivating in extended care facilities for YEARS! These are the people that bring her absolute joy. They are the REASON she is motivated to take charge of her health! She needs to be the best she can be so that she can continue to have the energy to keep them motivated.

I know you are going to love Katey as much as I do so go follow her on social media and be sure to check out her ZOOM exercise programs on her website!

Follow Katey on Instagram @healthyevolutionbykatey

Visit her website: https://www.healthyevolution.ca/

Celebrating National Menopause Month: Be Loud and Proud!

October is National Menopause Month, a time to spotlight a "natural phase" of life that affects half the population but often remains shrouded in silence. It’s time to break the stigma, embrace our journeys, and advocate for the care we deserve!

Why Go Loud and Proud?

Menopause is a significant transition that can bring a mix of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Yet, it’s often talked about in hushed tones or avoided altogether. This secrecy can lead to misinformation, a lack of support, and feelings of isolation for those experiencing it. Being loud and proud can create a culture of openness and understanding.

Demand the Care We Deserve

It's crucial to advocate for our health and well-being during this time. Here are some steps to help you and others:

1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power! Understand the symptoms, treatment options, and what to expect. Share this information with friends and family to demystify menopause.
2. Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to discuss your experiences with healthcare providers. If you feel unheard or dismissed, seek a second opinion, or 3rd or 4th! Keep going until you find someone who will listen. Your health matters!
3. Build a Support Network: Connect with others going through similar experiences. Share stories, advice, and resources. Community support can make a world of difference.
4. Challenge the Stigma: Use social media and community platforms to share your journey and encourage others to do the same. The more we talk, the more normalized it becomes!
5. WATCH THE NEW DOCUMENTARY, THE M FACTOR, on PBS. October 19, 2024.

Menopause is not an ending; let’s celebrate our strength, and resilience, by being loud and proud. By doing this, we can pave the way for better understanding and care for future generations.

So, let’s unite this month (and beyond) and make some noise! Share your stories, support each other, and demand the care we all deserve. Together, we can transform the narrative around menopause and ensure that no one feels alone in their journey. 💪✨

Want to share on this podcast? Please reach out on Instagram @heathermdanby or you can email me at heatherdanby@gmail.com.

LFG!!!

xxx,
Heather


CORRECTION: National Menopause Day is the 18th, not the 17th. And the M Factor doc is out on the 19th! I was just so excited I misspoke!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Sarah Michaud! You were an absolute joy to have on the podcast. quite literally PURE JOY!

Dr. Sarah is a clinical psychologistst who has worked in the field of addiction, recovery, and codependency for over thirty years. She began her career at a well-known psychiatric hospital outside of Boston and helped create the rehab program for a new residential center. Having achieved her sobriety from alcohol and cocaine since 1984 (BE PREPARED TO HEAR ABOUT HER CHICAGO ADVENTURE!), Sarah brings her experience, education, and expertise to work with people and groups who struggle with difficult relationships and addiction. She is known for her sense of humor (SHE IS THE QUEEN OF FUNNY!) and direct approach to treatment.

Dr. Sarah is also the author of the book Co-Crazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction Memoir and Manual to Freedom. Her latest adventure is co-hosting the YouTube channel Leaving CrazyTown with her friend Finn, a sober transgender attorney. They discuss serious and difficult topics with, of course, a sense of humor. She believes sobriety is about living your best life, finding peace, and experiencing joy! And boy oh boy does she EXUDE JOY🥰.

For more information about Dr. Michaud, you can:

1. go to her website, https://www.drsarahmichaud.com/
2. you can listen to her podcast on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown
3. you can visit her on instagram but she is just getting started on that platform! @michaud5639

My recent conversation with Caroline Beidler, MSW was wonderful. I love hearing from other addicts who are in recovery, listening to their stories, and hearing how they've taken their trauma(s) and turned it into triumph!

Caroline believes that transformation while working on addiction is possible and that healing is a choice. Her own experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery has not only inspired her but FUELED her to use her gifts to help other women find recovery. Caroline has written several books* (You Are Not Your Trauma is out 9/24/24!), she's a global speaker, and she also works with federal agencies and consults with non-profit organizations, state governments, and international partners to discuss the importance of addiction and recovery. Caroline is absolute proof that you CAN recover from addiction and you can use your experiences as your superpower.

When she isn’t writing, speaking, or building community, Caroline lives in Eastern Tennessee with her husband and five-year-old twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.

You can find Caroline on Instagram @carolinebeidler_official and on her website https://www.carolinebeidler.com/

The words Perimenopause and Menopause are the talk of the town at the moment, the bell of the ball, and with good reason! Women have been suffering from symptoms (sometimes debilitating) for far too long, symptoms that can be alleviated, or damn near if we had more education and knowledge about what's going on with our bodies during this "change".

But should we be going straight to HRT (hormone replacement therapy)? Or should we be drilling deeper into how our bodies function holistically? To make an accurate treatment plan, should we be looking first at things like our emotional health, cortisol levels, thyroid health, gut health, and liver health?

This is just a snippet of the discussion Ally Dickinson, a functional medicine perimenopause specialist, and Becky Parker, a certified mindset coach and hypnotherapist, had with me regarding women's health in perimenopause (the length of time between when symptoms start and the day of your last period. Average length is 10 years! And can start as early as your 30's).

It is time to demand help from your healthcare provider, and if they gaslight you (if they only want to write a script for antidepressants), or if you want to dive deeper so you understand what your body is going through, make an appointment with Ally!

In addition to the obvious perimenopause symptoms (hot flashes, low libido, weight gain, intense mood swings), if you find you are struggling more than ever emotionally, Becky Parker is incredible with mindset and drilling down to determine if there are more deep-rooted issues that could be coming to light now. She has helped me more in this stage of life than any talk therapist ever has for me. Talk therapy is a great tool but it's not the only tool out there, and timeline therapy is a great compliment, or something new to try if you aren't getting the results you desire.

You can find Ally @health_fluency on Instagram and on her website https://www.health-fluency.com/

You can find Becky @beckyparkerrr on Instagram and on her website https://relationshipsuccess4life.com/